This post is a short photo journal of an 11km (2,5h) flying visit to kayaking at Vanajavesi on Saturday, 10.9.2022. The post's purpose is to give the reader a glimpse of what it could be like in case it would be fun to do the same. With the same intent, the photos are not about the people but the setting.
The recreational walk, from Aulanko Golf park area towards Katajistonranta. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022.The forest surrounding Metsäkylä, Metsäkylänlahti from the lake. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022.Calm waters towards Rautapaadenlahti. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022.
The sign, affectionately known as "Kympin kivi" (ten's stone), is erected to warn boats of the low depth and rocks near the surface, in about a 15-20m radius around the post. The top of the sign has a reflective/mirroring surface, reflecting the boats' lights during times of darkness. For the kayakers, the name stems from the fact that our base, near Hämeenlinna, marks approximately 5km distance, so going around it is a 10km journey.
"Kympin kivi" a landmark and a warning of very low depth and rocks near the surface, near Lehtosaari. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022The wild, almost jungle-like temperate leaf forest near Kauksaari. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.9.2022.Autumn is starting to set in, removing the green from the dense forest. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi, 10.09.2022.Leaftrees lurching out to to the lake, with their branches tipping the surface. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi, 10.09.2022.Beautiful park, seen from the lake, at Kirstulansalmi. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi, 10.09.2022.
This Lomakotiyhdistys nursing home, Ilonpisara, and its sauna pictured below is something that makes me proud to live in Hämeenlinna. Some of the most beautiful locations are available for the elderly, less fortunate, and disabled. It is worthy of recognition that not all prime real estate areas are held by the prosperous and influential.
Ilonpisara sauna, at the home for the elderly. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022. Hotel Aulanko, pictured from the other side of the lake strait. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022.The wild undergrowth and trees, on the shores of Hakalanniemi. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022.A scenic lakeside route, near the Spa hotel Scandic Aulanko. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.9.2022Beautiful park at the fishing area in the Kaupunginpuisto, next to HUK, Hämeenlinnan Uusi Kesäteatteri. Copyright Niko Kotiniemi 10.09.2022