We departed the Arctic Ice Hoel and Glaa Igloos on the most beautiful morning for the short drive back to the city of Rovaniemi.

We are all a little disappointed because we have failed to see the Northern Lights apart from a short 10 second glimpse.

Our tournleader, Inger takes our group for a walk through the city and to the WW11 Museum. This area faced the full military might of Germany and Russia in WW11 and everything was decimated in that conflict, but the hatred remains.

We walk through the shopping centre, find a bank to exchange our remaining Norwegian Kroner, then have lunch.

It is icy and treacherous and we are wary of the slippery conditions.

Last night following a buffet dinner, we walk across the road to Lapland Safari’s where we are riding snowmobiles.

But firstly, we need to put on heavy thermal overalls, long socks, balaclavas and helmets.

From here we walk 100 metres from the shop and changing areas to where the hndreds of snowmobiles are parked. We are given safety and driving instructions, then we get aboard and we do get to turn them on.

For the next 75 minutes we drive along the corrugated river which is frozen over. It is fascinating, but surprisingly difficult to keep the vehicle close to straight as it is always pulling against you.

It is a pretty clear night with some expectation of seeing the Northern Lights, but whatever the stars and satellites are simply awesome.

At the halfway point we pull into a display centre, where there are raindeer burgers, hot dogs, hot drinks and raging bonfires as well as a presentation centre re the Northern Lights. We spend over an hour here.

Then back on the snowmobiles for a battering initially in the Forrest, then back along the frozen river.

We are all sore n the shoulders by the time we arrive back, change out of gear, walk back to the Hotel at 12.30am. It has been a long 4 hours.

We sleep in until 8.20am, breakfast then a short walk and this evening we do the Raindeer sled rides.

I am typing at 10.55am and temperature here in the city is -7C and the ploughs and tractors are out moving and clearing snow off the roadway. Overnight it was-11C, it remains bitterly cold.