Waters are finally above +10°C here in the Centarl Finland and tolerable weather was forecasted, so what more reasons one might need to take out the kayak and paddle to an island near by for a over night hammock experience?

The kayak, named Martta jr., had been stored in a cold and dark place the whole winter and now it was finally time to take it out and let it float like never before.

Seeing that thing on the roof of my small German family car, I again come to a conclusion that I desperately need orange rims with all-terrain tires and orange highlights on my black car.

Video for the trip is here:

I got to paddle in a nice calm sunset on my way to the island. As (again) I missed my departure with some hours, I was little concerned about the day light that I might have had left, so I took about the shortest route to the island.

Did I say that the weather was calm and peaceful on my way to the island?

Had a nice tail wind most of the way also, so didn’t really break any sweat. Evening was quiet and I really didn’t have to rush after all, but was able to enjoy the feeling, the water around me and the time spent all alone in the nature.

The lavvu and the fire place were ok and provided me a cozy place to cook some food and enjoy a cup of tea before I set up my hammock and tarp for the night.

There was enough dry fire wood for all of my needs.

Another view of the lavvu and the shore.

Boiling some water for a light evening meal.

And some cups of green tea was had.

My hotel room in the forest and the view to the lake.

Had a hammock with under quilt and a sleeping bag with me. The tarp I used is canvas and treated to repel rain and water.

It started to rain during the early morning hours, so I didn’t try to make a fire at the morning, but took out my trusted burner and prepared yet again some food to eat and green tea to drink.

I knew that the weather would be some what unpleasant around 03 – 11, so I was prepared to wait it over.

After beakfast I tore down my camp and waited for couple hours for the worst rain and wind to pass. Few hours went by quite nicely and I was even able to take a nap in the lavvu, even tho I didn’t have a sleeping mattress with me.

Some time after twelve o’clock I finally decided that it was time to leave.

Had some head wind on my way back, but nothing challenging and again didn’t really break a sweat as the kayak is so easy and light to paddle and just glides over the small waves. Both directions were about an half an hour per direction even tho I didn’t rush or try to keep any fast pace.

There was some light rain on my way back, but I was prepared for that and didn’t really even notice it.

Nice trip was had and there’s plenty to come…

I have lake Saimaa on my bucket list, as I know a nice region with small islands in the south end of the lake and one even has a sauna. Also Päijänne national park, as it’s on my home turf.

So, until next time…