Our Winter-season 20/21 is not officially over. In theory, our last guests would have left 1 wek ago, we would do the last runs with our dogs, store away the sleds and get ready for a few weeks relaxation. In reality, because of Covid-19, our last guests are back home since many weeks (they stayed for only 2 nights), all dogs are already in holiday-mood, equipment is repaired, cleaned and stored away, we already had a few weeks relaxation... Yes, season 20/21 was very special. We could not run one single Bears Trail, Border Trail oder a Beginners-Week. Our cabin Aittokoski was used for overnights only 9 times, mostly by our own staff. We could welcome here only 19 guests for the short Kalevala-package and had in whole winter less guest-nights than what we have in normal winter in a single week. Our dogs were running almost 129´000 km in front of sleds or training carts, it is about 1/3 less than in other winters. But seen the fact, that we missed 12 - 15 guests every week who run the dogs on tours, that we therefor had to train all dogs all alone, it is a very good figure and we are proud of it! No earliler teammember had so many occasions to run the sleds, like those in this winter. Never too tired to run the dogs and give them a winterjob they are made for. Other sleddog-farms stopped the training completely because of Covid, to save costs. For us it is and was logic that we keep on training them and let them do the job they love to do. Now the season is over and we hope, it will not be repated. For winter 21/22 we hope to get again many guests and friends here at Eräkeskus!
Now that the season is over, we want to thank the whole team! No matter how long one has been here, you all were very important to make the best outof this season, to keep on rolling Eräkeskus. Leonie, Bianca, Nadja, Alex, Peter and Robin already left us during the winter. Gaby, Elisa and Noah are now on their way back home or just arrived there. And Frank will be the next to leave us at the end of April. To all of you one more huge THANK YOU for your help! It is also because of you, that this season will be kept in memory, you leave your foodprints here and as a team we succeeded!
A big Thank you goes as well to all our friends, dog sponsors and regular customers, who supported us so strongly during this covid-winter. And of course also to all the dogfood-companies who sent us dryfood or meat. Above all Josera, our dryfood-partner; but also Biofarm, Mush, Atria, Rokka and K-Market with more meat and dryfood-donations. Our dogs were well-fed during this winter and they obviously liked the mix of different foods. The storage is rather full still and until at least June they have everything they need! Thank you all!
So: Season 20/21 is over and out! Byebye winter!
We are full of hope and optimism for summer 2021. Even nobody knows at the moment, how long the travel restrictions will last, if and how they will be lifted, but we are ready! Many summer-packages are waiting for you, week-programs or shorter ones. They can be booked on very short notice, just basically book and fly! Our summer-team has in May 4 members, 3 more join in June. Yes, this might be very optimistic, as summer can be empty as well in worst case. But as said previously: we are optimistic. And if you as guests are not here during summer, then we will hike and paddle alone or already start the A-dog-training in June. 1 month of break is needed, as many forest roads are not useable anymore by sleds and not yet useable by cart, hiking or paddling is not fun either at the moment. But wait wat June will bring us! If you want to travel to Finland in summer, be sure you find a suitable program with us and be sure we have room for you. Reading, booking, travelling! Hope to see you here!
After 2 years without puppies, we got the first litter 2021 on April 9th. Minea gave birth to 4 strong and healthy pups, 3 boys, 1 girl. After the first born boy, Odin, at 18h00, there was a long break and we were almost on the way to Nurmes clinic, there our vet Mervi had weekend-emergency. But then suddenly the 2nd dropped out, Holly, the girl, at 21h30. And at 21h35 and 22h00 the 2 other boys followed. After 2 weeks in the staffhouse, the small family moved out today to the covered outdoor-kennel at the Red House. And as 1 litter is not enough, the 2nd one is already "under construction". Lelu & Finn got married mid-April.
Winter 21/22 is already online. Programs, dates, rates and all details are published and we lok forward to your pre-reservations for coming winter, which is then hopefully again a normal one. Holiday-plans for the "time after Covid" are important and keep you in good mood. Having a targed will help you through the hopefully last weeks of restrictions! Come-on - read, book and enjoy!
Welcome Summer 2021 and stay optimistic for Winter 21/22!