Hazel's Artic Adventure

Brighton based Hazel Blake was looking for a challenge last year when she noticed a journey of a lifetime – dog sledging 220 km across the arctic circle. Hazel decided to sign up for the challenge and pledged to raise £3,500 for CLIC Sargent in the process.

On arrival in Norway she and 11 others were given basic instruction in controlling their sledges and dog teams and set off across the frozen north. Hazel takes up the story:

“The next few days saw us travelling over mountains, across frozen lakes and rivers, and through forests, witnessing some beautiful sunrises and sunsets. The joy of travelling through the sheer wilderness with a happy dog team and nothing but the sound of the sledge runners on the snow is an experience that I’ll never forget.

"The dogs were incredible and never seemed to run out of energy. We stopped only for very short breaks during the days as the dogs would soon be howling and tugging at the sledges to get going again. It wasn’t long before you formed a strong bond with your dog team and took every opportunity to jump off the sledge and run alongside them to help them conserve their energy.

"After five days of fun, excitement and moments of pure tranquillity we arrived back where we started. It was sad to say goodbye to the dogs, but they were obviously very happy to get back to their nice warm kennels for a good rest!

"After a great celebratory meal (where we had the opportunity to thank the fantastic guides and expedition doctor who accompanied us), a nice long shower, and good night’s sleep we were back on the plane to England with many happy memories of a fantastic arctic adventure that will stay with us all forever.”

Congratulations Hazel and many thanks for support for CLIC Sargent!

If you would like to make a donation please visit Hazel’s Justgiving page at: www.justgiving.com/hazelblake.