Big Breath of Winter

Posted on March 14, 2013 by tosabarbell

Getting off the plane on to the frozen, snow covered tundra of Finnish Lapland was very Rocky IV…minus Paulie falling in the snow…and cranky Russian escorts. Instead, we had a happy Finlander promoter greet us with a big smile and a penchant to push his Audi to it’s limits as he drove us up and into a winter wonderland.

Our room has a balcony for some afternoon sunning and looks directly onto the ski hill. The crunch crunch of snow boots coming and going is pretty funny. It’s about 10 degrees right now and walking around feels like you’re taking a big breath of winter. Fresh, crisp air; the constant mist of snow coming off the roofs; and a waiting fireplace in the lobby is about as good as good gets.

More pictures to come…stay tuned.

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Sun’s Out!

Posted on March 13, 2013 by tosabarbell

After aboot 20 hours of travel, we’ve finally rolled into Finlandia. As we were getting off the plane the little old lady (with the most beautiful blue eyes I’ve ever seen) who I was sitting next to stepped onto the jet bridge and said “BRRRRRR! It’s cold!” The flight crew looked at each other, laughed, and said “Sun’s out!” And it is. It’s a gorgeous sunny spring day here in Helsinki and I’m thankful for a drama free journey…so far.

I’m enjoying some type of chocolate/coffee/latte drink thing that I can’t read but it’s very tasty. We’re off to find food; nap; food again and get ready for an early flight tomorrow up to Kuusamo.

So far, so good.

If a sauna, whiskey, and tar do not help, the disease is fatal.

Finnish proverb

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Next Stop…

Posted on March 12, 2013 by tosabarbell

Bags getting packed; prizes picked for the Finlander; strong guy ready to go…Kuusamo here we come!

I have been up against tough competition all my life. I wouldn’t know how to get along without it.

Walt Disney

Training Log

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Monday Bacon: Northern Lights

Posted on March 11, 2013 by tosabarbell

Growing up in Minnesota and having a cabin up North meant seeing the Northern Lights was a common occurrence. Even living in the Minneapolis burbs, you’d catch a glimpse here and there.

When I was in high school, we took a Peterson family road trip through Canadia to Banff and Lake Louise and the northern lights were so bright at night, that my dad turned the car lights off (briefly, cuz it was cool) and we could still see the road. Very cool.

It’s been a while since I’ve taken them in but I’m hoping to see some this week in Lapland with the Bigg guy. If not, that’s ok. But it’ll be a bonus if we do. (One more, just because…)

Enjoy the week.

Training Log

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