“Fell for life in the wilderness “
Ally McDonald replaced a British "life in the fast lane" with a lodge and 100 huskies in Gargia.
By Tom Skoglund
If you had a year ago told the British girl Ally McDonald that she would find the dream life out in the wilderness, a good distance north of the Arctic Circle, in a village with more dogs than people, she would have probably laughed at you and called you crazy squirt .
As an assistant manager of a club near Nottingham with a capacity of 4,000 people, the head of her own company, with a boyfriend and plenty of friends in the same town, and the family a short drive away, there was really no reason for her to do something so crazy.
Coincidence But fate can be strange.
- I have had kidney problems since I was little, and in 14-years old, I went through a major operation. The problems disappeared, and I thought I was completely rid of them. But three years ago, I was bothered again. I underwent several operations, the last of these in December last year, "says Ally.
During hospitalization she came across an ad in a magazine.
- It was about a "Charity sled-dog expedition in the Arctic" or something like that. The ad caught my attention, and I decided that I would participate and carry out in style, to prove that I did not let it break me the kidney problems had returned.
It is Tromsø residents Per Thore Hansen who organize these expeditions. Finnmarksløpet-rmusher has his huskies stationed in Gargia, and it was also here the trip was for Ally and the other Britons who participated.
- Six weeks after I read the ad I came here to Gargia, to attend the trip. A 200-kilometer expedition through Suolovuopmi, Maze, Mollisjok, Joatka and back to Gargia.
- The trip was fantastic. I loved it, she glows.
Away from the bustle
The contrast between the quiet life here and what would life at home was huge.
- It clearly has its charm to feel that you live in the middle of nowhere. I have lived some years in London, a city bustling with life at all times, where you can do what you want at any time. But it is a stressful and fussy. Here in Gargia it was just quiet, clean and free of rules and deadlines.
The trip made such an impression on the British 25-year-old that she decided to go back.
- I wanted to spend more time here. Therefore, I contacted a tour operator who put me in touch with Paul and Cathrine Haugsnes on Gargia lodge.
Scary
Fate took hold. Pregnant Cathrine would need a substitute when autumn approached, and when both Paul and musher Per Thore needed someone who could train husky, the pieces fell together.
In August, Ally McDonald packed her things and drove off with her boyfriend. The tour went through France, the Benelux countries, Germany and Denmark. There followed a brief stop in Oslo to be with her two dogs, before the drive went further north along the Norwegian coast.
After 26 hours along the Norwegian roads, late on Friday evening, the pair rolled into the lodge. And Ally started a new life.
- I actually had many reasons not to go. My business went well, and I have a good relationship with both family, friends and boyfriend. But I felt I had to do this now. It was frightening, yes, not least the day I came here. But I know I can go back if the need arises, "she says.
Not always smooth
The first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, she can tell - although there have been some setbacks.
- The training of huskya takes place with them them firmly tied n front of an ATV. I had never driven ATV before, and therefore had to train a little beforehand. There was nothing to it at first, but when it froze and was slippery in the hills, then I have to ask myself what on earth it is I have embarked me on. Driving along the roads were not much fun when it was slippery. But now is it okay, "she smiles.
Also working in dog farms have proved to be different than expected.
- These are working dogs, and you need to get respect from them if at all should be possible to work with them. They have been demanding, but also has by far the largest and most fun was to train them. Now I have the responsibility to train and feed 100 huskies, I will be acting for Paul during Finnmarksløpet ( a huge dog sled race) and I will maybe take part in the Alta 2-day race. I had not thought I'd get to experience ever, "she says.
Resolves problems
Initially she lived in one of the rooms the lodge owns and rents out to guests. But it quickly became twisted, especially when the lodge was fully booked and she had to move out.
The solution was a cottage she was renting at the neighbors Connie Knoff and Trond Frogum.
- This is one of the things that is so special about the people here. When you have a problem in England, it can really be a problem. Here one sees it as less of a challenge, and then simply solves it. Both Connie & Trond, Paul & Cathrine and Per Thore has ensured that the first 11 weeks have gone beyond all expectations, "she says.
- Right now I'm not even sure if I want to leave here ever. It says little about how well I thrive.
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