A Journey to the Arctic Circle and the story of Luna the Alaskan Husky
Some adventures begin with a simple idea; others begin with a promise. Ours began with both. What started as a visit to a Husky farm in the frozen wilds of northern Norway grew into a 5,000-mile odyssey across Europe, an unforgettable journey in our Adria motorhome and the story of Luna, the Alaskan Husky who stole our hearts.
In March 2024, with our new Adria Compact motorhome, a map full of possibilities, and a determination to bring Luna home, we set out from Devon on a voyage that would take us from the quiet lanes of the UK to the vast forests of Sweden, across the Arctic Circle, and into the dramatic, snow-carved landscapes of Norway. Along the way there were long miles, colder nights, remarkable people, and scenery that defied words, but also the promise of reuniting with the dog who had made such a lasting impression on us during a sledging expedition months earlier.
This is the story of that journey. Of the road north, the challenges and wonders met along the way, and how one remarkable husky found her way from a remote Norwegian farm to our home in Plymouth. More than a travel tale, it is a story about companionship, determination, and the unexpected paths life offers when you follow your heart… and sometimes, when you follow a dog.
Setting out on the adventure
We collected our Adria motorhome from Highbridge’s Devon branch on 15th March 2024. Six weeks later, with barely 500 miles on the clock, I bid farewell to my wife Sarah, assuring her “I’ll meet you at Narvik Airport in two weeks’ time!” With that, I departed the UK, bound for Norway and the Arctic Circle.
The Purpose of the Journey
The trip’s purpose was to drive to a small village just north of Narvik and several hundred miles inside the Arctic Circle to collect an Alaskan Husky, named Luna, whom we had agreed to rehome from a Husky Farm. Luna, a five-year-old female working dog, was retiring from mushing and sled pulling due to an injury to one of her paws.
Meeting Luna
Sarah and I first met Luna during a dog sledging expedition in February earlier that year. We were exploring the Ovre National Park, which is located in the North of Norway between Tromso and the Finnish boarder. Our adventure involved a team of 25 Huskies pulling four sledges laden with all our provisions for a week’s survival in the wilderness. This was our second such trip, and this time it took us deep into remote terrain, far from any shops, towns, or villages.
We camped in the snow filled valleys or stayed in isolated mountain huts, we experienced daytime temperatures of between -5 and -15°C, and nights of -20 to -30°C! How can you sleep in a tent in those temperatures I hear you ask? Well even the tents have log burning stoves in them to keep you warm! Although Luna did not accompany our sledge team, we got to know her back at the farm and after several snowy walks later, we had both grown very fond of her.
Arranging the Rehoming
Upon returning to the UK, we tried to arrange for Luna to fly over. Despite our efforts—researching online, making numerous phone calls, and sending emails to airlines, shipping agents, Heathrow Animal Reception Centre, DEFRA, and UK customs—we could not find a feasible solution. In the end, we simply decided that I would drive there to collect her, only later realising this would be a 5000 mile round trip!
The Long Drive Begins
I travelled alone on the outward journey, with Sarah set to fly out two and half weeks later to join me for the return. Sarah still works, whilst I am retired. My drive from Plymouth to Dover to catch the ferry to France was notable mainly for the immediate contrast between British and French roads, those in France were in far better condition and much quieter. From France, I journeyed through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, before catching a ferry to Denmark and then crossing the Øresund Bridge into Sweden. I was averaging around 300 miles per day, and I spent my nights either in Aires or Motorway rest stops. I was relieved to leave behind the busy Motorway network of Northern Europe and arrive in Sweden.
Through Sweden and Into Norway
My route took me north through central Sweden along the E45, the weather was fine and sunny, making the long hours behind the wheel much more pleasant. The roads were very quiet with long distances between towns with only endless forests in between to keep me company! My daily milage dropped to around 200 as the speed limits in Sweden are relatively low, with few dual carriageways. Driving at a maximum of 60 mph, the 140bhp Ducato engine returned a respectable 35mpg. After a week on the road, I allowed myself a rest day mid-Sweden, around Ostersund, which was also the beginning of the more interesting scenery of mountains and lakes. Conscious of the need to be at Narvik airport in time for Sarah’s arrival I couldn’t stop any longer but pressed on eventually crossing into the Arctic Circle where winter’s grip still lingered. Snow covered the high ground, and frozen lakes lined the roads. Arriving in Kiruna I took another days’ rest, before crossing into Norway, and marvelling at the dramatic change in landscape. The mountains in Norway are much higher and closer together, and the roads become smaller reminding me of those in Scotland.
Reunion and Collecting Luna
I arrived at Narvik airport in good time to be reunited with Sarah, and together we drove the final few miles to the Husky Farm where we had left Luna 3 months earlier. We spent 24 hours with our friends there, reviewing Luna’s documentation, rabies inoculation records, and passport, while also saying hello again to the other 40 dogs, including that year’s adorable litter of puppies. It’s still a mystery to me how Sarah resisted sneaking one into the motorhome!
Exploring the Lofoten Islands
After saying our goodbyes, we began the long journey home. First though, we took a detour to visit the Lofoten Islands—a long-held ambition. Though time was tight as Sarah needed to return to work within two weeks, we were determined not to miss this opportunity. The islands lived up to every expectation: the scenery was the most spectacular I have ever seen, with breathtaking, unspoilt natural beauty. It truly felt like Scotland, but on an entirely different scale. The water was crystal clear with white pristine sandy beaches, we even spotted a pod of whales surfacing offshore, the mountains rose up almost immediately from the beaches. We experienced the insanely steep roller coaster bridges between the islands, that we had seen in all the guidebooks and from u-tubers who had been there before us.
Return Journey
Departing the islands by ferry, we returned to the mainland and resumed our journey south through Norway along the E6. The Fiat odometer quickly accumulated mileage, rolling past 2000 then 3000 and 4000 miles reflecting the extensive distance we were covering. Norway continued to impress with its well-maintained roads and excellent rest facilities, including water and waste disposal services. After crossing over into Denmark by ferry, we located a veterinarian to administer Luna’s tapeworm treatment, as required for importation. The remainder of the journey took us through northern Europe eventually arriving in Calais for an overnight stop and then the ferry crossing to Dover. However before boarding I checked that the only additional passengers were my wife and Luna the dog! Before we knew it, we are driving past Highbridge Devon branch on the A38 and arriving home in Plymouth.
Reflections on the Adria Compact Motorhome
Both the Ducato base vehicle and Adria conversion performed reliably throughout the journey, with the exception of a minor water leak near Oslo, traced to a loose filter bowl on the pump, which was rectified without further issue. The Adria Compact motorhome proved highly suitable for a long-term trip for two, with sufficient space inside to live and relax in. Its external dimensions were highly manageable on narrow roads, the fixed beds were convenient for rest stops during the day, and the lack of hassle setting up at night was a joy. The generous garage space—which now included a dog cage—proved invaluable. The larger 149 litre refrigerator supported efficient meal planning. While the driving experience may differ from Mercedes-based models, the Ducato’s automatic gearbox and cruise control reduced fatigue, though cabin noise was more pronounced than in passenger vehicles such as my Audi. The trip took 4 1/2 weeks and in all honesty that was too short time to fully explore and appreciate what Sweden and Norway have to offer. We are planning a return visit soon, although I’m worried my wife may have her eye on a companion for Luna already!!