More from Finnmarksløpet

Skare and Kaos are happy to reach the Finnish line in the lead after 2 days 19 hours and 18 min as NR 21. The race was a grate experience for me and I believe also for the dogs. The only drawback was that I wanted to continue...
The first two legs from Alta to Jotka and further to Skoganvarri is normally good trails, but this year a lot of the stretch was soft sugary snow and slow conditions. As the next leg to Levajok is normally softer and heavier I decided to change plans. Instead of resting 5 hours in Skoganvarri and 7 in Levajok I left Skoganvarri after 4 hours and made a 3 hour rest in the mountains. This way I had two 4 hour legs instead of one 9 hour leg. With my young dogs this was the only smart thing to do to save enough energy for the rest of the race. I knew this would be a good thing to do, but I did not dream about the difference it made to my team. I started out after my rest as NR 51 in the race and from here I passed 30 teams for the rest of the race and was not passed by anyone. For the continuing legs to Karasjok, Jergul and Alta I managed to keep the spirit and speed in the team. But the race is also many other important factors. Like meeting other mushers on trail and checkpoint, having a grate handler team (Thanks to Bård and Erik) and enjoying the nature around Finnmark. The most motivating an inspiring for me is the time with the dogs working together, learning to know them better, and building confidence. They all did very well.
Skare, steady as always, never being tired and just looking brefly over his shoulder when passing Mollisjok and the road at Stilla.
Kaos, always ready to go, getting a bit stiff, but recovering quickly. Elvira, which I though was my weakest dog, but kept on working like a hero and did two legs in lead. Momba and Elton, that got tired, but still did their best all the way. Allways pulling also in lead. Jota, the mad worker that allways goes like a machine except when he got sick at the second leg and neaded a ride for 20 minutes up the hills. Brutus that worked the whole way and never made any problems. And Sunda that had to leave the team in Levajok, but did a god job as long as she was there.
No it is time for new plans and ideas to grow for future callenges and teams...