The last 2 weeks of our season 23/24 will start this weekend. After the early melting- and raining-period, 2 weeks ago, we got fresh snow again and also the last night-temperatures were nicely below zero. We are optimistic to be able to run all booked programs until the very end of the season. Sunglasses are at the moment more important for a musher, than warm gloves are. Also suncreme is important, as the yellow ball is by now up on the sky for more than 13 hours long daily. The last Swiss Cheese-Fondue was served in the cabin last week, by now it is getting to much spring-time to enjoy it anymore. Soon the BBQ-season will start... Most of our teenagers have finished by now 1 - 3 cabintrips with overnights outside. Kalle, representing them in the picture, is one of the proud youngsters who also accepted the overnight outside the kennels without any problems.
When I started Eräkeskus more than 20 years ago with 32 dogs, it was a life-dream - and it still is. My team and I have mastered all challenges and difficulties, that were thrown into our way.
Despite this success, I already started during last autumn to think about ending Eräkeskus at the age of mid-50. The decision to stop because of age and health-reasons, was not an easy one. But I am convinced that it is the right one and a needed one. This actual season 23/24 is the 2nd last of Eräkeskus, 24/25 will be the last one and latest end of summer/beginning of autumn 25 the doors here will be closed or handed over into new, younger hands. For all dogs will be found new places, either as couch-potatoe for the older ones, moving to homes of sponsors, guests or former workers. Or others moving to different places/farms of our trust, where they can still live and enjoy their life as sleddog. Or moving away with me to new challenges and horizons.
Thinking about the last day here already makes me sad. So many friendships started here, unforgettable memories, the uncredible wave of support during the hard Covid-years, awesome dogs that will never be forgotten. Saying Goodbye will be hard, tears will come, but I am convinced that there will be new challenges for me, somewhere. When one door closes, one other will open.
That is why I already now say a big THANK YOU to all of you who made it possible for me to live this dream here for so long. Maybe for a last "welcome back" at Eräkeskus during ther next 18 months!
Wishing you all a happy Easter-Weekend - Greetings from the North!
Simone