Dashing through the snow

TAMARAPU SAMPATH KUMARAN

Greenland offers adventure on ice and snow like nowhere else. The ice cap upto three kilometres thick cover an area equal to 14 times the size of England and the icebergs snap off the glaciers at the edge of the ice cap. In Greenland, the day has no end and the sun never sets. And in winter, there is darkenss for weeks the sun does not rise above the horizon. Greenland is the largest island in the world surrounded by cold ocean the currents located at the point where the Atlantic and the Arctic oceans meet. It is part of the kingdom of Denmark, and since 1979 has moved towards relative independence based on parliament democracy. The population of Greenland is predominantly Inuit, bearing an affinity and solidarity with the Inuits of Canada, Alaska and Siberia.

There are no roads and since horses would die in such a cold country, they use sledges to transport themselves, harnessing dogs to pull them. Hunters and fishermen who normally use the sledge to travel to the fishing or hunting area in winter, carry huge quantity of fish or seal back. Native people of arctic and sub-arctic have used sledge dogs for thousands of years. Even today, snow scooters are forbidden in many areas as they disturb the silence and may scare away the game. Besides they are not considered to be safe as they may break down or run out of fuel with fatal consequences for the driver. Sledge dogs never fail and are still popular.

The Siberian Husky, is one of the most beautiful of sledge dogs. Its varied markings and colours, impish expressions and soft touchable coat it has instant appeal. It is a friendly dog and despite its appearance is not an aggressive guard dog. They are happiest when they can run for miles on end. They are superb hunters and cats and livestock are their common prey. They range from 21" to 24" at the shoulder and weigh 30 kilos. They are domesticated to be as sledge dogs pulling loads to long distances.

The sledges are carved out of wood and are covered with warm skin robes. On an average eight to 10 huskies pull them. They do not have reins with which to guide them, and are driven by a long whip by the driver.

The Iditorod sledge dog race is the world's most famous dog race covering a distance of 1200 miles in Alaska from Anchorage to Nome. This has turned a major tourist attraction. The popularity of these races is increasing, and pure breed dogs such as Siberian Huskies are being specially trained for this purpose.

The ride on a sledge takes you through winding tracks that lead into the mountains with steep hillsides and a long beautiful valleys; A winter landscape in its harsh beauty.

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