Skrevet av: Niels Westphal/Ingunn Vistnes
Dato: 29.02.2004 21:47
The Karasjok checkpoint is new in this yearÂ’s Finnmark Race. The checkpoint is located 2-3 km outside of Karasjok town, and is staffed by scouts from YWCA-YMCA, who promise a checkpoint beyond normal standards.
The Karasjok checkpoint will consist of a lavvo camp (Saami tents, like Indian tepees) with special lavvos reserved for mushers who would like a few hours sleep, and one large lavvo where you can buy reindeer bouillon and warm up around the fire. The scouts will also build benches and chairs of snow and fire places outdoors for cooking.
-We wish mushers, handlers and the public welcome, and promise to do our best to make their stop in Karasjok as pleasant as possible, says leader of the checkpoint, Per Skou Jensen.
The checkpoint is located 2-3 km outside of Karasjok town, on a field by the river.
Photo: Tromsø Villmarkssenter
The handlers must be aware that there is no electricity in the area. Heating of water and cooking must therefore be done on camp stoves or by other means. We will have water holes and toilets available, says Mr. Skou Jensen.
The checkpoint is also part of an "extreme winter course", strategically placed along the trail of the longest sled-dog race in Europe. The course is an international scout course with participants coming from Switzerland in the south to Vadsø, Finnmark, in the north.
Apart from assisting on the checkpoint, the scouts will learn about Saami culture and traditions, they will cook Saami meals and make Saami knives, race with reindeer, and learn about proper winter clothing and how to prevent frost bites and hypothermia.
-While open class mushers are on their way to Kirkenes, we will go skiing in the mountains around Rásttigáisá, stay overnight in snow caves, and learn about trapping with snares and avalanches, Mr. Skou Jensen says.