Forest and lakes: Out with nature

Thursday

5 September 

Day 67

29 to go

The 8am alarm woke us both this morning. We had an easier morning, not needing to be ready until 10am. We got ourselves up at 8.30am, had breakfast and pottered. Tomppa let us know  he was on his way. We grabbed all of the things we needed for our day and then waited downstairs for Tomppa.

It was a slow drive out of the city. Some roads were blocked due to the Quatari Presidential visit. Once out of the city, it was a little easier to navigate. We stopped at a supermarket at 10.30am, grabbing the supplies we required for our day out in the city wilderness and the we were back on the road. 

Our destination was Kaitalampi Lake and we arrived at 10.45am. With the packs filled with our supplies, we began our 8km walk in the forest. Everything was so green, with rocks and fallen branches covered in moss. It was lovely and cool, perfect weather for walking. There was plenty of things to take our eye; mushrooms, blueberries and a calm peaceful scene. 

At midday, we stopped on a rock outcrop for a rest and so Paul could finally do some fishing. We called Brad to show off the glorious weather, knowing it had been rubbish at home today. We definitely had the better deal. It is unseasonably warm and dry here at the moment and everyone mentions it when you talk to them. 

45 minutes later, we began the second half of our walk. Thankfully there was plenty of tree cover, so we stayed pretty cool. We skirted the lake, before ducking further into the forest. We then appeared next to a caravan park, with plenty of vans on site. We continued on, following the edge of a golf course. We were starting to tire and were in need of lunch. We had been walking for an hour. The signs indicating the way were counting down the distance and by 2.15pm, we finally reached the picnic area and fire pits. 

We ate a few bits and then Paul set the fire. It was roaring in no time. I rang Dad to show him where we were, he was busy watching the footy. Paul threw a line in again and Tomppa started the cooking. We had chicken burgers and a sausage. They were all devoured very quickly. 

Paul continued to try his luck in the pond, but the fish weren’t interested and his line was snagging, so he soon packed it all away. We stayed until 4.30pm, before returning to the car, and making our way back to the city. We stopped in at a Lidl’s for a few needed supplies, Tomppa choosing one that was across the road from Olarin Panimo, a brewery. The boys stayed for one and then we continued the short journey back to our apartment. We waved Tomppa goodbye and then retired to our room. Enjoying a microwave spaghetti bolognaise for dinner and a well earned sauna to ease our tired bodies after the 10km walk.