Page 49 - LION YEAR MAG 2017_FS_R_Neat

This year’s Year 10 Canoe Expedition travelled to Day 6, 12th June: An early start again,
Finland to complete a 90Km wilderness expedition
through the Lentura Reserve, from Lentiira to Kuhmo.
The group camped along the way, making use of a
well organised and maintained network of wind
shelters and fire circles. The weather was typically
variable, and for the most part favourable, but
there were two afternoons where considerable
effort was required over 5km or more to
overcome strong headwinds, and reach our camp
for the evening.
Every evening round the fire we would add to the
trip journal, recounting the day and sharing
thoughts. It makes a lot more sense to let one of the
group members tell you about the trip, rather than
me telling it from a leader’s perspective, so here are
some excerpts from the journal, by Poppy Maguire,
our canoeist of the year.
Day 3, Saturday 11th June: We awoke early to a chill
in the air and anticipation of the first canoeing day
ahead. Firstly we had to get food for the week which
meant we had to head off to a local Finnish
supermarket (a new experience). Once we were all
packed up, ready to go, we made our way to the lake.
Overall I loved the first day, even though I was cold all
day. This was overshadowed by the breath-taking
d views and roaring fire made at the campsite.
Secluded and peaceful we were able to relax in the
n Hariksaari the target for our last island camp.
a
l
n
i campsite called Lentiranjoki after munching a
delicious pasta and meatballs combo. Anticipating day
f 2 two and the next experiences to enjoy....
canoeing the dozy birds. Most of our mornings start the same,
Day 5? Not sure what day it is. 12th June? Crazy, the
trip is already half way over. Today’s canoeing in
Finland started well with the glistening sun awakening
fire roaring and perfectly prepared porridge. By this
time we are also pretty quick with the tent and
packing, which makes life easier.
Sun was shining and wind was minimal, which was
lovely but the rain adds to our adventure and
experience. Today we mainly explored different islands
48
by itchy mosquito bites, golden syrup
porridge and the waiting day ahead.
We set off at 10.15AM, on time
surprisingly! It was windy from the
start, and the gusty, blowing
gales proved a challenge to
overcome through the day. The
plan was a hefty 15-16km.
Paddling on and on after lunch,
with small breaks allowing us
to re-charge on crumbled
digestive biscuits.
The scenery was stunning again,
and took the edge off strenuous
canoeing. 16km passed, and we
saw no sign of any campsite.
Finally at 18km, we found the
campsite. A tiring day, but thoroughly
enjoyed. What’s next?...
Sad that this day is over, and that our trip
is nearly at an end, but grateful for the
experiences and all that I have seen. Aled Edwards Poppy Maguire
BTW…at our camp we have a SAUNA!!!
16th June (last full day canoe): So, our last full canoe
day of the legendary Finland canoe trip. The plan was
a long distance (straight line 12-15km) so that we
could get closer to our final destination of Kuhmo.
The whistling wind brought us an unpleasant surprise and
woke us up. It was blowing against us, but as we have learnt
throughout this trip PERSISTENCE is a lesson I will take away
from this experience and it will stay with me for the rest of
first time I noticed Finland’s spectacular scenary was the
my life.
The trip has been a memorable experience as I look back. The
second day as I stood on a rock with the glistening sun
beaming down on the magnificent blue lake. A trip that has
made me see differnet qualities in people, which I hadn’t
noticed before, and made me see them in a completely
different light and I have built even stronger friendships.
Thanks Finland, see you soon!