Page 50 - 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 by itchy mosquito bites, golden syrup
through the Lentura Reserve, from Lentiira to Kuhmo. porridge and the waiting day ahead.
We set off at 10.15AM, on time
The group camped along the way, making use of a surprisingly! It was windy from the
well organised and maintained network of wind start, and the gusty, blowing
shelters and fire circles. The weather was typically gales proved a challenge to
variable, and for the most part favourable, but overcome through the day. The
there were two afternoons where considerable plan was a hefty 15-16km.
effort was required over 5km or more to
overcome strong headwinds, and reach our camp Paddling on and on after lunch,
for the evening. with small breaks allowing us
to re-charge on crumbled
Every evening round the fire we would add to the digestive biscuits.
trip journal, recounting the day and sharing
thoughts. It makes a lot more sense to let one of the The scenery was stunning again,
group members tell you about the trip, rather than and took the edge off strenuous
me telling it from a leader’s perspective, so here are canoeing. 16km passed, and we
some excerpts from the journal, by Poppy Maguire, saw no sign of any campsite.
our canoeist of the year. Finally at 18km, we found the
campsite. A tiring day, but thoroughly
Day 3, Saturday 11th June: We awoke early to a chill enjoyed. What’s next?...
in the air and anticipation of the first canoeing day
ahead. Firstly we had to get food for the week which Sad that this day is over, and that our trip
meant we had to head off to a local Finnish is nearly at an end, but grateful for the
supermarket (a new experience). Once we were all experiences and all that I have seen. Aled Edwards Poppy Maguire
packed up, ready to go, we made our way to the lake.
BTW…at our camp we have a SAUNA!!!
Overall I loved the first day, even though I was cold all 16th June (last full day canoe): So, our last full canoe
day. This was overshadowed by the breath-taking
d views and roaring fire made at the campsite. day of the legendary Finland canoe trip. The plan was
a long distance (straight line 12-15km) so that we
Secluded and peaceful we were able to relax in the could get closer to our final destination of Kuhmo.
n Hariksaari the target for our last island camp.

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i campsite called Lentiranjoki after munching a The whistling wind brought us an unpleasant surprise and
delicious pasta and meatballs combo. Anticipating day woke us up. It was blowing against us, but as we have learnt
f 2 two and the next experiences to enjoy.... throughout this trip PERSISTENCE is a lesson I will take away
from this experience and it will stay with me for the rest of
canoeing the dozy birds. Most of our mornings start the same, first time I noticed Finland’s spectacular scenary was the
Day 5? Not sure what day it is. 12th June? Crazy, the
my life.
trip is already half way over. Today’s canoeing in
The trip has been a memorable experience as I look back. The
Finland started well with the glistening sun awakening
second day as I stood on a rock with the glistening sun
fire roaring and perfectly prepared porridge. By this
beaming down on the magnificent blue lake. A trip that has
time we are also pretty quick with the tent and
packing, which makes life easier.
made me see differnet qualities in people, which I hadn’t
noticed before, and made me see them in a completely
Sun was shining and wind was minimal, which was
different light and I have built even stronger friendships.
lovely but the rain adds to our adventure and
experience. Today we mainly explored different islands
Thanks Finland, see you soon!

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