Finland
Sunset across the lake from our camp at 11.30 pm
16, 17 June
We followed the coastline down to Oulo where we had another cold night in the truck. Next morning there was sleet and snow as we drove inland towards Kajaani. Our aim was to see brown bears in the wild.
Finland is a relaitely flat country with many beautiful lakes and forests of cypress pine, silver birch and spruce.
We followed the coastline down to Oulo where we had another cold night in the truck. Next morning there was sleet and snow as we drove inland towards Kajaani. Our aim was to see brown bears in the wild.
Finland is a relaitely flat country with many beautiful lakes and forests of cypress pine, silver birch and spruce.
18 June
Drove via Kuhmo to Lentiira to see the bears and maybe wolverines from a hide
overnight.
We had an interesting night with 4 close sightings. The bears lingered for up to 2 hours but only one at a time. We found out later it was probably only 2 bears, each returning. Interesting watching from the hide which had a small heater and bunk beds.
Drove via Kuhmo to Lentiira to see the bears and maybe wolverines from a hide
overnight.
We had an interesting night with 4 close sightings. The bears lingered for up to 2 hours but only one at a time. We found out later it was probably only 2 bears, each returning. Interesting watching from the hide which had a small heater and bunk beds.
19 June
Drove south to Lake Pielinen and camped about half way down the lake on the western side at a ski campsite called Loma Koli.
20 June - Longest day of sunlight for the year celebrations
Great blue sky start to the day and as we drove out from our campsite we found a better one with cypress pines and on the shores of the lake. Decided to stay an extra day here.
Guy and I drove around to the Koli marina which was complete with car ferry, pleasure boats and even a float plane. Birch branches and a floating bonfire were being prepared for the celebrations to be held tonight in broad daylight. We spoke to a boating couple who recommended we go to Ukko-Koli, a beautiful lookout over the lake which is special to the Finns. It wasn’t far away and they said the spa/sauna at the hotel was also excellent.
We decided to go and enjoyed the drive to the hotel. The views were amazing as was the spa and sauna and dinner after it.
We drove back to the campsite to be entertained by a band and a bonfire.
Drove south to Lake Pielinen and camped about half way down the lake on the western side at a ski campsite called Loma Koli.
20 June - Longest day of sunlight for the year celebrations
Great blue sky start to the day and as we drove out from our campsite we found a better one with cypress pines and on the shores of the lake. Decided to stay an extra day here.
Guy and I drove around to the Koli marina which was complete with car ferry, pleasure boats and even a float plane. Birch branches and a floating bonfire were being prepared for the celebrations to be held tonight in broad daylight. We spoke to a boating couple who recommended we go to Ukko-Koli, a beautiful lookout over the lake which is special to the Finns. It wasn’t far away and they said the spa/sauna at the hotel was also excellent.
We decided to go and enjoyed the drive to the hotel. The views were amazing as was the spa and sauna and dinner after it.
We drove back to the campsite to be entertained by a band and a bonfire.
21 June
We left to drive to the Russian border at Tohmajarvi.
We left to drive to the Russian border at Tohmajarvi.
Enjoyed our short stay in Finland although it was a little cold and wet at times.