Koli

Wow, its been a wonderful couple of days up here in Koli. Loads more photos to put up and much more to write but in short iäve been out rowing on the lake, walking in the forest and watching out for Bears, elk, wolves and lynx. If you think iäm exaggerating wait for the photo of the elk foot prints. I went to sleep last night listening to the female elks baying. Today we went up to the top of Koli and looked out on the whole of lake Pielinen. The second largest lake in europe, fantastic view. Iäve taken loads of photos, which unfortunately donät quite convey the sound of mosquitos buzzing in your ear or the horse fly which keeps flying into your hair. I love the country side in Finland, the views are amazing but i am quietly compiling a list of the wee nasties. ( the big nasties being the bears, wolves, lynz and elk) The wee ones are the horse flies, elk flies, mosquitoes, sand flies, ants (but they keep the snakes away apparently) apparently i can also catch mole fever. Great!! I havenät dare ask about the spiders!! Needless to say i can now see the merits of wearing socks wiht sandals!

This country truly is amazing though, land of 60,000 lakes. iäve jsut been down to check on the lake and i can see and hear the fish jumping its so quiet and peaceful. I think i managed to see the sun set/rise last night at about 3.00am. Now that they have had the longest day things are changing quickly though, apparently the nights are lengthening by about 20 mins every couple of days.