Category: General

The fields are pretty much free of snow by now and only the shaded parts of the forest have significant amounts of snow left. Summer will come eventually.

The flooded forests of spring

Eino’s first real swim And the post-swim shakes And the post-swim shakes

Can you believe that this little one is six years old today? Happy Birthday to Eino! Can you believe that this little one is six years old today? Happy Birthday to Eino!

Another day and another flooded ditch Another day and another flooded ditch

It’s Monday! Enjoy the week.

Continuing with yesterday’s theme of recall. Here’s Eino looking at the swan and then heading back after being called. Happy May Day! Continuing with yesterday’s theme of recall. Here’s Eino looking at the swan and then heading back after being called. Happy May Day!

In order to have dogs that are good when hunting and can be kept off leash as much as possible we put a lot of emphasis on training recall even when there is something interesting elsewhere. Case in point, Kamu’s recall immediately after the photo published yesterday was taken. In order to have dogs that…

The swans are here! No swans were harmed or chased away taking these photos.

This was a seriously rare treat: getting to run down the slope with Anna skiing!

We’ve been desperately searching for the last patches of snow for the final skiing of the season. And of course also trying to find even the smallest little hill to get some speed on the way down. We’ve been desperately searching for the last patches of snow for the final skiing of the season. And…

We are nearing Eino’s sixth birthday and he is already showing a lot of grey around his muzzle. Is that what life with flatcoats causes to setters?

You can see the advancing of spring from the shortened attention span of the dogs. Nature is starting to wake up and the birds are arriving in force.

Poor Eino, once again photobombed by a lens hog flatcoat

Of course, melting snow also means that it is time to catch snowballs! Of course, melting snow also means that it is time to catch snowballs!

Of course Eino’s first swim of the year was followed by a post swim shake… Of course Eino’s first swim of the year was followed by a post swim shake…

Midday coffee time

Eino’s first “swim”

Standing in a puddle in the middle of snow with water dribbling from his snout. This is a very familiar sight, only the color has changed…

Heading towards a heatwave!

And they all made it down safely! And they all made it down safely!

Kamu: Come on Anna, it’s just a little hill. You can do it without falling!

Kamu channeling his inner Topi.

Eino at least is glad that the ice still holds and he doesn’t end up swimming.

Nope, can’t swim here yet either…

Kamu: I can smell deeper water under that ice…

Ramin just got home from a nearly three week deployment as a part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism to Moldova to help in Moldova’s response to the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine. Yesterday’s picture was from Friday and Kamu watching Ramin’s train roll in to the station. Part of the…

Waiting for the train to arrive

Weekend and we still have plenty of snow on the ground. What’s not to like?!

After a dip in the water, roll in the snow

Hello! Is anybody down there?

Kamu learned from Topi that one must always go for a swim. Even by breaking the ice.

16 years… It has been 16 years since this grand old man Kassu left us.

I smell water…

I’m coming!

But where is Eino? Can you spot him?

Don’t get fooled today!

Tongue out Thursday

Eino scouting the surroundings.

Eino’s idea of heaven: a couch with two dog beds piled on top of it. Or at least it is a perfect fortress where to escape from the evil vacuum cleaning robot “Pierre.”

So… much… snow…

“Where to next?”

This is our main way of walking the dogs during winter. This is our main way of walking the dogs during winter.

We have had some weird heatwave.

When you try to take a picture of a sweater that you made and the lens hog arrives…

We left the beaten path on the way down and found some untouched powder to ski down. Although admittedly our skinbased skis aren’t the best for the purpose, but fun was had by all! We left the beaten path on the way down and found some untouched powder to ski down. Although admittedly our skinbased…

Some aerial views. Check out the second photo for a view of Soutaja and Kultakero. Some aerial views. Check out the second photo for a view of Soutaja and Kultakero.

Today marks 11 years since Jalo left us. It feels so unbelievable that no one from this pack is no longer with us. Jalo, Luka, Topi and Sulo are in these pictures. Today marks 11 years since Jalo left us. It feels so unbelievable that no one from this pack is no longer with us.…

The top of the fell during winter is a magical place. The top of the fell during winter is a magical place.

Soutaja fell. Views for days, in fact, all the way to Russia. Soutaja fell. Views for days, in fact, all the way to Russia.

The next day we took a break from the ski resort and used our skinbased skis to ski up another fell. On the way up we stopped for lunch and snacks by the fire.

The next day the weather was much better and we took the chairlift up, all three of us and got a better view from the top of the fell. The next day the weather was much better and we took the chairlift up, all three of us and got a better view from the top…

After a adventure filled day nothing beats a nap on the couch of the cabin and then going out to see the northern lights dancing in the sky. After a adventure filled day nothing beats a nap on the couch of the cabin and then going out to see the northern lights dancing in the…

On the way up Ramin carried his snowboard and then he snowboarded down while Anna and Kamu walked down.

When we finally got to the top of Kultakero (the fell at Pyhä that has the ski slopes) it was very windy and cold. The winds were at over 35 knots and it was -14°C without windchill considered. Just look at that flapping ear.

After Riisitunturi we continued further north to Pyhä and it’s fells. We hiked up the fell on our first full day there. After Riisitunturi we continued further north to Pyhä and it’s fells. We hiked up the fell on our first full day there.

Before we continue on to the next stop on our trip up north, one more set of photos from Riisitunturi. Before we continue on to the next stop on our trip up north, one more set of photos from Riisitunturi. Before we continue on to the next stop on our trip up north, one more…

Behind the scenes. See the videon on our Instagram @thelifeofjalo Behind the scenes. See the videon on our Instagram @thelifeofjalo Behind the scenes. See the videon on our Instagram @thelifeofjalo Behind the scenes. See the videon on our Instagram @thelifeofjalo Behind the scenes. See the videon on our Instagram @thelifeofjalo

Even Ramin had to take a moment away from the camera and sit and enjoy the sun while we were still on the top of Riisitunturi. Even Ramin had to take a moment away from the camera and sit and enjoy the sun while we were still on the top of Riisitunturi.

The moment when you start to feel the warmth of the sun after the long darkness of midwinter is blissful moment. That’s when you know that the days are getting longer and it is easier to enjoy the day even after a workday.

Midwinter sunlight

Finally at the top of Riisitunturi!

More of the snow covered spruces of Riisitunturi. More of the snow covered spruces of Riisitunturi. More of the snow covered spruces of Riisitunturi.

When we visited Riisitunturi it had been several days since the last decent snowfall so the marked path itself was hard packed and easy to walk on, but among the trees there was still plenty of powder. When we visited Riisitunturi it had been several days since the last decent snowfall so the marked path…

Why come to Riisitunturi in the winter? Well just look at these spruce trees!

We headed out towards the north on a Friday and drove as far as we felt comfortable. The next day we continued on to Riisitunturi National Park for a walk in the snow. This is a “table of Tapio” – a mutated spruce that mostly grows horizontally. Some centuries ago they have been used as…

A couple of weeks ago we dropped Eino off at some friends and jumped into our campervan to head up north for a quick vacation. We dropped Eino off since he doesn’t really enjoy traveling and we were somewhat open ended on exactly when we would be returning home.

Stopping for a moment just to enjoy nature. Our daily walks with the boys are already an important part of our routine, but now with everything going on – war in Ukraine, the new IPCC report, etc – it is even more important. And taking the time to just enjoy nature makes the walk even…

We can’t go a winter without some de-icing pictures now can we?

Kamu: Coming through, make way!

Running or slogging through deep powder. But oh so fun! Running or slogging through deep powder. But oh so fun!

Today would have been Sulo’s 15 birthday. This year marks 20 years of us having flatcoats so we will be remembering all of our pack during the year as their birthdays come up.

There are many parallels that one can draw between Kamu being in the trenches – really a ditch – and Eino keeping a sharp eye on the east and the events taking place in Ukraine today. We are horrified by this blatant act of aggression and war. #StandWithUkraine We try to keep our blog mostly…

Before the recent slight thaw that made the snowpack a fit firmer, those days where our old trails were still visible were a godsend for the boys and their ability to run free.

The long shadows of winter afternoons

Frostface on the run

Snow monsters coming in hot!

Every now and then, when the conditions are just right, our home is surrounded by a fog rising from snow creating a magical atmosphere.

Deep powder and camouflaged dogs Deep powder and camouflaged dogs Deep powder and camouflaged dogs

Happy Eino. But maybe it’s time to make him temporarily not so happy and do something about those ears? Happy Eino. But maybe it’s time to make him temporarily not so happy and do something about those ears? Happy Eino. But maybe it’s time to make him temporarily not so happy and do something about…

When compared to yesterday’s display of rolling in the snow by Eino, the way the flatcoats do it is a bit more exuberant. When compared to yesterday’s display of rolling in the snow by Eino, the way the flatcoats do it is a bit more exuberant. When compared to yesterday’s display of rolling in the…

All our dogs love rolling around on the snow especially when there is a harder crust on it. For the flatcoats it’s a passion that is done every day when there is snow to be found, but when the conditions are perfect even Eino will find himself enjoying the hard surface. All our dogs love…

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Sunday walks Sunday walks

Leaving Anna behind. Leaving Anna behind.

Run, Eino, run! Run, Eino, run! Run, Eino, run!

What do you think, does he need a haircut? What do you think, does he need a haircut?

Red on white. If the sun is hidden behind the clouds, the landscape in the middle of the fields is often quite flat and without details. Except for the dogs. Red on white. If the sun is hidden behind the clouds, the landscape in the middle of the fields is often quite flat and without…

Even though the days are getting longer and often we can go out for a walk when it’s still light outside, every now and then we still need to go out after the sun has set and darkness is creeping in. During these times the boys have several lights and reflectors on them just in…

Crouching tiger, hidden setter

Peek-a-boo!

Kamu: Do you have some Saturday treats for me?

When there is lots of powder all around, the frozen surfaces of ditches offer slightly easier going. At least as long as the ice is thick enough…

Sniffing what the weather will be like for the weekend

Congestion on the snow routes

Most of the snowstorm apparently hit other parts of Southern Finland, but we got some 10-20cm of fresh powder to dig through.

Welcoming the new week deep in the snow.

Lazy Sunday Lazy Sunday

Today would have been Emil’s 11th birthday. Another one of our loved dogs lost last year. But our dear lumberjack lives on in his progeny and the legends of the lumberjack.

Just like last winter, we’ve had a decent amount of snowfall this winter, but the snow has only formed a fairly fluffy layer that the dogs sink in deep when trying to go off our paths.

Okay, we are done with the trip photos and now we are in wintry Finland. We’ve had a great winter so far: lots of snow and freezing temperatures! What about you? Okay, we are done with the trip photos and now we are in wintry Finland. We’ve had a great winter so far: lots of…

16 years since the great blonde goofball Luka was born. He is still missed every single day. Last Friday Luka was also inked into Anna’s arm. Last Friday Luka was also inked into Anna’s arm. Last Friday Luka was also inked into Anna’s arm.

We had two days left for our drive home from Lapland before Ramin had to be ready to go on a course but we decided to drive the whole 800km trip in one day and have a day of relaxation. We did make a small detour along the way and stopped for a walk by…

Back in familiar surroundings with real trees and fresh water all around.

While everyone probably already knows that Eino lives his comfort, three weeks of being on the road and new adventures every day started to show even in Kamu. We didn’t even travel that much end spent two or more nights in one location several times to minimize travel fatigue. We have really figured out slow…

Oh so windy. The peak of Taivaskero is where the fire of the midnight sun was lit and taken down to meet with the olympic fire from Athens for the 1952 Olympics in Helsinki. After several weeks without a sauna, after coming down from the fells we drove to 7 Fells Hostel (much recommended) for…

At the top of Taivaskero with views for days. At the top of Taivaskero with views for days. At the top of Taivaskero with views for days.

On the way to the top of the fell. On the way to the top of the fell.

For someone who is so used to being surrounded by forests and lakes when in Finland, the treeless and seemingly barren fells of northern Lapland seem like being in another country. It is so easy to forget the beauty and variety that Finland itself offers.

Our second to last day of the trip found us back in Finland exploring our ninth national park of the year: Pallas-Yllästunturi. We specifically explored the area around Pallas which is one of the oldest national parks of Finland.

Unfortunately after the rock carvings we really had to start heading towards home and starting to drive south from Alta over the Norwegian fells towards the Finnish fells. We slept one night on the side of the road by a little lake. Nearby there was also a marked route that lead to another small lake.…

While Eino wasn’t exactly impressed, Kamu was a typical flatcoat and would have loved to investigate the carvings more closely… While Eino wasn’t exactly impressed, Kamu was a typical flatcoat and would have loved to investigate the carvings more closely… While Eino wasn’t exactly impressed, Kamu was a typical flatcoat and would have loved to…

Eino was not impressed. The World Heritage Site in Alta has over 6000 rock carvings. The museum area which is the only one that can be visited has over 3000 carvings with the oldest ones dating back to about 7000 years ago. Eino was not impressed. The World Heritage Site in Alta has over 6000…

Before we left Alta we had to go and look at the Unesco World Heritage site. There’s a nice walk along the fjord with interesting sites to see. Before we left Alta we had to go and look at the Unesco World Heritage site. There’s a nice walk along the fjord with interesting sites to…

Finally after three nights here, it was time for us to hit the road again and start to make our way back towards home.

The red on red of Eino and autumn colors never gets old.

Since it was already the end of September and we were surrounded by mountains we had quite limited time with direct sunlight so we had to make the most of it when we had it. This was also the only spot where we caught any fish that were large enough to keep so we got…

Apparently the area we were in is very popular among the locals during the summer and they bring their caravans or campers here and spend their summer vacation. We were pretty much alone during the whole time but there were several abandoned caravans here and there. Apparently the area we were in is very popular…

While in Alta we spent our days working and exploring the surrounding area. Every now and then a group of sleddogs would pass our campsite during their training runs and Kamu was inspired to run a bit himself. While in Alta we spent our days working and exploring the surrounding area. Every now and then…

After driving around for the day we found ourselves by the fjord near Alta where we ended up spending three nights since it was a good enough place and we didn’t really have any strong urge to follow along the Norwegian coast any further before turning south and towards Finland. And we saw some more…

After our long day of hiking the next day had a slow start and on our way to our next spot we decided to stop and do something fishing on a disused ferry pier. At this point we didn’t have a clear idea of where we would go next or what we’d do. So we…

Eino, Anna and the North Cape After our walk we drove to the North Cape which is the northernmost point in Europe accessible by car. There we again met up with the folks from Rambling Cafe. Our thanks to Mia Conolly for the photo of Anna and Ramin.

Because it was such a windy and cool day and it was a long hike, we took along coats for the boys to keep their muscles warm during the break at the turning point. It was worth it since Eino wasn’t shivering and beginning to go back home and Kamu’s muscles showed no sign of…

Selfies at the end of the world The view without Ramin and Kamu And the view from the sea towards the peninsula

Before Christmas we left you at our parkup right before we left for our hike near Nordkapp. The hike to the northernmost point of the island is 9km (about 6 miles) one way so we reserved the whole day for it since knowing us we would take quite some time at the end to enjoy…

Ok, let’s stop with the wintery photos and continue tomorrow with the photos from our trip to Lapland and northern Norway.

Hope your new year partying went well and you could enjoy the beautiful day we at least had here.

Happy New Year!

The end of the year is a time for reflection for many. Looking back at the year we had many good trips with our campervan both in Finland and in Norway, helped finish construction on Anna’s parents’ house, met old and new friends, and the humans have managed to avoid COVID-19. Despite all of the…

Checking out christmas tree options for the years to come. Checking out christmas tree options for the years to come.

Flying towards the new year!

Kamu: Sorry mama, not interested in kisses now. You have something for me on your head. Kamu: Sorry mama, not interested in kisses now. You have something for me on your head. Kamu: Sorry mama, not interested in kisses now. You have something for me on your head. Kamu: Sorry mama, not interested in kisses…

Boxing day… Have you had your fill of Christmas treats yet? Outtakes… Of course there’s a flatcoated photobomber. And there goes the hat.

The little retriever boy. Trying to get this shot reminded us why we didn’t take any pictures with the hat last year. Kamu really has a lot of Luka’s character and is a clown and obsessed with retrieving. Including anything that’s on his head… The little retriever boy. Trying to get this shot reminded us…

From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas! From all of us to all of you, Merry Christmas! What can we say, Kamu isn’t being naughty, he’s just a retriever… What can we say, Kamu isn’t being naughty, he’s just a retriever…

Time to return to the present from our Norwegian trip photos. We’ll take a little break from posting these and post more seasonally relevant photos for a few days. Of course Kamu went in the water. It’s not a walk along the coast if a flatcoat doesn’t get wet… Of course Kamu went in the…

While the humans were fishing Eino was sniffing the wind and rocks. While the humans were fishing Eino was sniffing the wind and rocks. Then he got tired. And then he wanted to go back to the van.

While walking along the shoreline we did some fishing (no nibbles or anything) and Kamu had to keep a close eye on Anna to make sure that the waves didn’t sweep her off the rocks. While walking along the shoreline we did some fishing (no nibbles or anything) and Kamu had to keep a close…

From watching the kiteboarder we started to head towards the tip of the peninsula and the Atlantic Wall ruins that were there. Unfortunately the are with the ruins had some warning tape and a weather beaten sign with the word warning and a police logo so we decided to explore the shoreline instead.

We saw a kitesurfer come surf the mountain lake next to our van and we just had to go take a closer look. We saw a kitesurfer come surf the mountain lake next to our van and we just had to go take a closer look. We saw a kitesurfer come surf the mountain lake…

After the trolls we drove in the dark towards Nordkapp. Because we had planned a long hike in Nordkapp we decided to hole up on the mainland a few kilometres from the Nordkapp tunnel to spend the rest of the workweek on top of a barren plateau near another ruin of the WW2 Atlantic Wall.…

Heading home. Or the van in this case, but it is our home on wheels. Heading home. Or the van in this case, but it is our home on wheels. Heading home. Or the van in this case, but it is our home on wheels.

Kamu and the trolls. These trolls were no longer scary, but we are bummed that we visited the site at high tide and couldn’t go searching for their treasure… Kamu and the trolls. These trolls were no longer scary, but we are bummed that we visited the site at high tide and couldn’t go searching…

After the repairs and finishing the workday we continued our way towards Nordkapp. On the way, we decided to explore some trolls that had turned to stone in the sunlight… You might remember something similar happening in The Hobbit.

After leaving the canyon we drove head on into the wind. And lost the plastic air thingies on both sides of our windshield. So the next day we holed up by a river under the mountains to work and call the garages in Lakselv to get everything fixed. Luckily we found a garage that took…

Kamu: But why can’t I go join Ramin in the water? Kamu: But why can’t I go join Ramin in the water? Kamu: But why can’t I go join Ramin in the water?

Don’t worry, once we got downriver from the narrowest part of the canyon we let Kamu go for a swim. Don’t worry, once we got downriver from the narrowest part of the canyon we let Kamu go for a swim. Don’t worry, once we got downriver from the narrowest part of the canyon we let…

We again interrupt the photos from Norway to go back in time. This time over eleven years ago to the day when Ramin first met Topi. Today would have been Topi’s 12 birthday. Happy Birthday Topi, enjoy playing with Luka, Emil, Jalo and all the others from our gang! Topi and his tongue… And a…

For some reason Eino really wasn’t impressed. Maybe it was the wind since this really felt like the first really cold day of the trip. For some reason Eino really wasn’t impressed. Maybe it was the wind since this really felt like the first really cold day of the trip.

After the workday we did backtrack a bit and went to see the canyon and it really was worth the drive back to see it. And yes, Kamu wanted to go for a swim.

After Luovttat our plan was to head towards the northernmost point on the European Continent, but locals there said that there is such a strong wind warning that it wouldn’t be safe to drive there over the fells for the next few days. So we headed towards the place on our map, a beautiful little…

Back to Norway and the beach with round rocks. Eino really was ready to head back to the van a long time before the rest of us, but luckily for him we beat the setting sun on the way back.

Today we celebrate both Kamu’s 4th birthday and Finlands 104th year of independence! Today we celebrate both Kamu’s 4th birthday and Finlands 104th year of independence!

And off to check on Anna. Spot Eino

Enjoying a swim in the crystal clear water of the Arctic Ocean. Yes, it was cold. And no, Eino didn’t go for a swim. We’ve already mentioned meeting up with Rambling Cafe in Norway. Well we met them when we left this place, about a kilometer away from where we’d spent the night. They’ve now…

Enjoying the view. And moments later…

Our next adventure led us from our boondocking site after the workday on a walk along the fjord, over a small mountain to Luovttat, a beach covered by nature’s own marbles. The rocks have been rounded by nature over millions of years and it is a sight worth seeing. Our next adventure led us from…

The final moments of sun in Hamninberg. From here we started to head first back down since it was the only direction available and then west for new adventures. Swipe to see some northern lights from our campsite for the night. Northern lights and our van Northern lights and the fjord

The things dogs find… A whale skeleton. Very big, and there was still some rancid skin and fat that Eino rolled in… Naturally he go a shower once we got back to the van. The things dogs find… A whale skeleton. Very big, and there was still some rancid skin and fat that Eino rolled…

A less frequented shoreline like this offers the chance for many interesting finds. Of course there is the the usual driftwood and disappointingly large amount of plastic waste. But finding a large gas bottle? Or tens of net weights? Or… A less frequented shoreline like this offers the chance for many interesting finds. Of course…

The intrepid explorers There was a path that lead alond the coast over the rocky shoreline from our campsite in Hamninberg that we explored on our last day there. Just wait and see what kinds of treasures we found along the coastline… The intrepid explorers There was a path that lead alond the coast over…

Red on red

Nothing beats a good roll in the snow after a refreshing swim. Nothing beats a good roll in the snow after a refreshing swim. Nothing beats a good roll in the snow after a refreshing swim.

Eino is once again a bit undecided on how he feels about the snow.

Taking a break from documenting our trip up north to post some recent photos from around home. We finally have a bit of snow (a dusting in these photos but more coming every day). Note the somewhat frozen tail, Kamu is following in all our previous flatcoats’ footsteps in swimming whenever possible.

After a long day exploring, it’s time to head back to the van before the sun sets and darkness surrounds us. After a long day exploring, it’s time to head back to the van before the sun sets and darkness surrounds us. After a long day exploring, it’s time to head back to the van…

The smells of the sea

The old fishing village of Hamninberg in Northern Norway. The end of the world according to many and the road keeps getting smaller and smaller on the way there and it finally ends right at the end of the village. It was such a lovely place that we ended up staying here for the whole…

The things flatcoats find… This time it was a reindeer leg. Hope it wasn’t from Rudolf.

We know you didn’t think that Kamu would stay out of the water. And you knew that Eino isn’t going in. It is after all the Arctic Ocean. A perfect little lagoon

Almost in the water!

Ready to head down to the shore. Anyone else have to slow their dogs down when finding a route down so that they don’t just run down recklessly? Horizontal distance to the shore about 200 m, vertical distance 80 m.

On the top of the world

Exploring ruins on the Atlantic Wall built by Nazi Germany during the Second World War. There are lots of signs of old fortifications and prisoner of war camps across Northern Norway and the sheer amount of the illustrates the wastefulness of war. Exploring ruins on the Atlantic Wall built by Nazi Germany during the Second…

It’s long way to the next body of the land when looking north from the top of the end of the world.

Eino posing on some shale Eino posing on some shale

The fells of Lapland and Northern Norway have awesome fields of boulders. Luckily there was an old access road through the worst boulder field here. The fells of Lapland and Northern Norway have awesome fields of boulders. Luckily there was an old access road through the worst boulder field here.

Old fishing villages in the far reaches of Northern Norway have lots of interesting places to investigate, such as this cemetery.

This morning we got the news that our dear lumberjack, Emil, had gone over the rainbow bridge peacefully in his sleep. He can now run free with Topi and Luka again. Our thanks go to Anu and Tapsa for everything!

The smells of the coast

Kamu: Well, are you joining me or not?

Kamu: That water looks so inviting.… Kamu: Oops… Kamu: Ah, perfect!

Finally by the water! The tide was out and here the coast was covered in a fairly long field of rock that we spent quite a long time scrambling over. But finally we were rewarded by reachin the water.

Parallel lines

Heading for the sea

Seaside treasures, part 2 You know, “Anna olla” (leave it), is a very good command. No bones were moved during this investigation. Seaside treasures, part 2 You know, “Anna olla” (leave it), is a very good command. No bones were moved during this investigation. Seaside treasures, part 2 You know, “Anna olla” (leave it), is…

All those interesting scents coming from the sea… Eino: Can I go investigate them?

Seaside treasures, part 1 Seaside treasures, part 1 Seaside treasures, part 1

Weekends are for enjoying long walks and playing Weekends are for enjoying long walks and playing

Trying to find the best fishing spots along the coast

Red on red

The area also had a reconstructed turf house that the Samis used to live in starting from about 2000 years ago. The house had two sides, one end in which the humans lived and the other end which housed the animals. A similar setup used to be very common in our part of Finland as…

Exploring some of the oldest settlements in the north. We were driving towards a place Ramin’s family has called the end of the world ever since they drove there during a road trips in the 80s. This stop was a historical landmark that Ramin’s grandmother would have loved to explore if we had known of…

After the fells of Finnish Lapland we headed even further north… Yes, you guessed it. Kamu was thinking of goind for a swim.

At the top, our “outside is the destination”

Eino wanting some distance from the young fool

Some more fall colors from mid-September to fight the grayness of October while we wait for the snow to come. Some more fall colors from mid-September to fight the grayness of October while we wait for the snow to come. Some more fall colors from mid-September to fight the grayness of October while we wait…

The trees up on the fells had Kamu baffled. By definition, the top of a fell is treeless, so these trees are on the slope and not on the top.

Today it’s been 12 years since Flippe went over the rainbow bridge. He wasn’t the easiest of dogs, but still got us hooked on the breed that we really can’t imagine living without. Anna was hoping for a liver flatcoat even then, but in the end our seventh flatcoat ended up being our first liver.…

But you didn’t really believe that was the last fell we visited, now did you? But you didn’t really believe that was the last fell we visited, now did you?

Four years without Luka After losing Topi we’ve really been missing and grieving both Topi and Luka. The loss of Topi meant the end of an era of the dynamic duo, the great hunting dogs and both of our shadows.

Every now and then you randomly encounter people and they become friends. We met Haggis, Kat and Mia at a traffic stop for road construction in northern Norway in September. Then we kept bumping into each other during our travels and now finally we got to show them our part of the world. It was…

In between the blockfields we had riots of color though.

We thought the way up the fell was challenging, but the way down was a lot harder. About half an hour of scrambling across boulders, this was an easy section…

Ok, ok, last ones from the top of this fell. But how would you have liked to spend the whole summer as a fire watcher in this hut and only being allowed down to get more supplies after it has rained? Ok, ok, last ones from the top of this fell. But how would you…

In vast openness of Lapland two humans and two dogs sure do look small

Finally after all that climbing we only had to cover a long field of rocks (or “rakka” in Finnish) to get to the top of the fell and into the clouds.

Somewhere above 350m elevation even the small trees start to disappear and the scenery opens up. And the colors keep on giving.

As we climbed up the fell the already small trees started to get smaller and smaller. But the colors were so glorious.

Kamu: Well what are you waiting for?! It’s the head of a new trail. Adventure awaits!

Even from the observation towers near Rovaniemi the green of evergreens dominated the landscape. Even from the observation towers near Rovaniemi the green of evergreens dominated the landscape. But the red rowans were a sign of things to come…

The red of the blueberries really does suit Eino

Around the artic circle the colors where still something that we are mostly used to: the red leaves of the blueberries and yellow leaves in the birch trees. Around the artic circle the colors where still something that we are mostly used to: the red leaves of the blueberries and yellow leaves in the birch…

We spend most of September on a road trip in both Finnish and Norwegian Lapland to witness the awesomeness of ruska – the autumn leaf colors that are especially vibrant and colorful in the north.

Meanwhile out of the frame of the actual models…

Honestly, it’s amazing what modern cameras can do in challenging lighting conditions. Set camera to take HDR image, press down the shutter and then merge the resulting three images in post-processing to get this end result without any fill flash etc. The camera’s own version of the merged HDR wasn’t bad either, but merging the…

Anna’s own Karelian sweater design. Of course photographed in one of the most iconic Finnish landscapes, Koli.

This is us enjoying the view from our home National Park, Koli.

Kamu: Just checking to see if anyone left me some snack.

Eino: What a week. I’ll just lie here admiring the view. Honestly, it is a view worth admiring.

Walking on duckboards through a swamp. These swamps between the fells used to be used as hayfields before the widespread use of tractors. The structures in the distance are barns used to dry and store the hay.

Of course since Kamu is a flatcoat and considers each and every body a water a potential place to swim in, much like Ramin in fact, a stern talking to is needed about which waters are not suitable for swimming.

You can just see the thought forming in his head: “What route can I find to go for a swim?”

Eino: I like these walks where we find a nice sheltered place with hay to curl up in.

Vanlife is fun and all that, but honestly. A cabin in that spot? We definitely wouldn’t mind!

Chasing waterfalls

Is this how you are supposed to used these signs?

Luckily we always manage to coax Eino to join our adventures. And honestly we don’t think he minds that much.

Eino: I’ll just stay here out of the rain and wait, you guys can go on your hike.

Kamu was here! But unlike many visitor, he only left a virtual sign of being here. The more we explore the more we see signs of people wanting to leave a mark (making stone piles or cairns, graffiti, carvings etc) or of people trying to do good and destroying the signs of people before them.…

After a day of adventures it is so relaxing to sit back at the campfire and just enjoy the moment.

Even gloomy and rainy days are perfect for an adventure in new surroundings. At least if the campervan’s heating works… Eino: Ok, I’m done posing now.

We finally did manage to get a decent pose in from of the canyon. And it was quite a long way down. And on many spots you could just see the thought in Kamu’s head: Can I find a way down there for a swim?

Change location, insert second dog and then the poses start to work. At least somehow.

Those moments when you try to get the dog to pose in front of some epic view and all your dog can think about is something extremely interesting in pawbook…

Old growth forests are a magical place and something that we have much too little of in Finland.

Enjoying the view.

Anna, Kamu and the fire warden’s hut

Eino needed his rest since our next adventure took us to the top of Valtavaara near Ruka. And of course we didn’t start from the official starting point of the route but came to the route through the dense forest from our parkup where we stayed for two nights.

Eino: Just let me rest so that I have the energy to go to the next place we are heading to…

Pretty typical view of the pack during a break in a hike: Anna enjoying the scenery, Kamu looking around curiously and Eino taking nap.

After enjoying the scenery along the way we finally got to Värikallio in Hossa National Park and saw the large amount of paleolithic paintings. As always, it boggles the mind to think of how old they are and how different the times were then.

Leading the way

Even though August was fairly cool, every walk needed frequent stops to wade (or swim) in the water and make a taste test. P.S. The first episode of our vlog, filmed during Easter, is finally published. Go have a look!

After conquering Julma Ölkky on the second day of our five national park road trip we went to look at one of the largest concentrations of paleolithic paintings found in Finland, Värikallio in Hossa National Park. On the way we followed a path further downstream from the previous days canyon but still with spectacular drops…

Even though the weather was quite cool after a rainy day, the climb up to the top of the canyon was sweaty business.

After the bridge there was another challenge, first a long climb along the cliff face and the steep metal grille stairs…

A somewhat scary bridge over the largest canyon lake in Finland, Julma Ölkky The canyon lake is 50m deep and the cliffs are 50m from the surface and the canyon is 10m wide at it’s narrowest point.

Can you believe it that this was the first time Kamu has seen a swing in use?

It’s been nearly two years since our last dog show, so we had to test and see if Kamu still remembered to be one 😉

Kamu trying to get some of Anna’s coffee. This photo was a part of a product shoot for Anna’s webshop, Fierymill Design

The young lord of the manor

Today is Finnish Nature Day and what better way to celebrate it and end our tour of five national parks by coming to our home national park Koli and taking a long walk there with the boys.

It’s Friday and the duckboards are calling…

After multiple tries, finally heading in the right direction with the bird in mouth… Until… But at least he came to heel!

Eino: Ok, so it’s thrown… Eino: I run to it… Eino: Pick it up… Eino: And run away!

Eino: Hmm… That’s a bird… Eino: Let me come and take a closer look… Eino: And I’m supposed to do what with it?

Just walking along an old highway, thinking of all the dogs we’ve had. Espeically Kassu and Flippe today, as it is their birthday.

We should have taken this photo a year ago and the distances on the old signpost would have matched the boys ages…

No Stairway! Denied! Yes, you have to be a child of the 80s or 90s to get this reference, but hey, Wayne’s World is iconic.

Today is the start of waterfowl season and for the first time in years we are not preparing to be by the water at the stroke of midday. After the loss of Topi it just doesn’t feel right. We’ll find our times to go in a blind and look for birds, but not for opening…

If a path is named after Topi – well, we can always think so – we have to go and walk along it. And easy walk around some of the most iconic landscapes in Finland, the narrow eskers of Punkaharju.

That head…

The tongue is out for Tuesday.

Eino: Help! Call the setter council. I was forced to enter the water so that my paws left the bottom!

Shake it!

Eyes firmly on new adventures.

It’s Friday the 13th… Let’s stay safe out there.

Eino: Do I look like I’d like to join the flatcoats in the water for a swim?

Wet dog coming in hot! Wet dog coming in hot!

Kamu: What’s under this grass? Kamu: More water!

Are you coming? New week, new adventures!

Well flatcoat ears aren’t always photogenic either, but at least they are smaller than setter ears.

Them ears…

Kamu at full speed. We often don’t talk about the technical part of photography, but honestly it’s been a joy not having to consider which camera to bring along on walks depending on the type of photographs we want. Previously with the 7D (crop sensor, faster frame rate and better auto focus) and 6D (full…

Hey, Eino will shake too after “swimming.” Of course, Eino’s idea of a swim worth a shake is getting his elbows wet in the water…

We are really liking the new camera’s high speed shutter (this series isn’t even at the fastest setting) and animal eye auto focus. Even with our fairly dark dogs it hits focus even during shakes like this and with a dog running towards you at 90% or so of times that we’ve tested so far.…

Eino: So if we can’t go traveling yet, can we please go home? I miss my couch and this stump is uncomfortable.

Kamu is an eco conscious dog – he actively collects various bottles, cans etc that we come across during our walks. Naturally, we then take them to the nearest trash can.

We had plans to head up into Norway again, but the extremely rapidly worsening situation with COVID-19 here means that we can’t currently enter Norway without quarantine. So now we need to try to get our second vaccination quicker and maybe then we can start heading north.

Just a quick snap in the van. Eino sure does like to relax and doesn’t stress himself too much.

Kamu: Hurry, hurry! It’s the weekend!

It’s the first rainy day in ages. Eino is perfectly satisfied just hanging out in the van.

This is in fact the last photo of the whole gang and also the last photo we have with Topi in it. Just a quick moment in which Anna stopped on our walk to take a picture of the shore and the boys tried to figure out what was so interesting.

Kamu: Where should we head next?

Today would have been the blog’s namesake’s – Jalo’s – 17th birthday and it reminded us of the fact that we no longer have a dog alive that knew Jalo. Here’s the first foursome of Flippe, Kassu, Jalo and baby Luka. And here is the last foursome combination with Jalo: Jalo, baby Topi, Sulo and…

Where did the weekend go?

Eino: It’s another stump. Do I really have to pose? I’d rather just keep following the trail.

Friday!

Just hanging out on a log. Our travels this summer have really been slow traveling – just driving a bit and staying one or more nights in the same place and taking walks to explore the area. We’ve discovered lots of new and interesting places along the way.

It’s wet dog wednesday over on Instagram, so here’s a wet Eino for you instead of the expected wet flatcoat. We are not entirely sure if Eino appreciates being taken for a swim with the flatcoats or not…

On our last road trip with Topi we came across a nice wildcamping spot that was at a trail head. The trail was quite nice, but we extended it a bit and came across this bit of fairly old spruce forest which was so magical and peaceful.

Did you know that Eino has a restaurant? Well neither did we…

A record long heatwave ended today with a thunderstorm rolling across the country. We are also back home from the road. A home that is quite empty without Topi around. We even keep forgetting to feed the dogs and the normal times because there is no one around to remind us…

We’ve spent the last week and a half mainly on the road healing and just enjoying the heatwave. As the heatwave is about to end we are also feeling like heading back home to heal and find our new routines there.

And as the custom has been, finally boop the nose of the youngest one of the pack, Kamu. P.S. The new camera is very good at locating animal eyes for autofocus, so getting sharp shots of the nose is a bit of a challenge.

And here’s Eino with his increasingly grey muzzle. That’s what life with flatcoats will do to a poor setter.

It’s been a week without you… A couple of weeks ago over on Instagram Robin asked for updated nose pictures of the boys. We luckily took a new set, but didn’t get around to posting them yet.

This is the last ever photograph taken of Topi: swimming and trying to get to the ball that some kids were playing with in the water; full of energy and happiness. About 48 hours after this we were heading to the vet.

Exactly a week before we lost Topi, we upgraded one of our cameras. For some reason it was clear that the first photo taken with the new camera would be of Topi. This is that picture.

Little did we know when taking this photo that it would be the last series with all three in the same picture. A beautiful spot by the lake. We’d had a nice long walk along the shore the previous evening and spent the night at the trailhead parking lot near the lake. And yes, the…

Continuing to remember Topi through recent photos. Last weekend was pretty much perfect: nice summer days, perfect company while visiting Victor and kids and lots of chances to sit back and relax.

Thank you for all of your condolences. This photo was taken last weekend when we visited Victor who was with Ramin when Topi was picked up in Southern Sweden over eleven years ago. Ever since then Victor has been one of the few special people in Topi’s life, so it was only fitting that they…

We are in shock and our hearts are broken. Yesterday at 13:00 Topi was his self as he has been despite the heat and all. We were heading home from another road trip and adventures in our van. He was still normal at 16:00 when we made a quick stop. When we let the dogs…

Should we try house barge life after vanlife?

The heatwave is still going strong which means that our walks are staying short and preferably close to water so that we can try to cool down in the ever warming water.

Just making sure the crazy knitter is feeling loved

Meet Mr Chickenhead

Now that another heatwave has started some thoughts on how we keep our dogs safe during our travels with our campervan. We intentionally planned our conversion with a insulated bulkhead with a door between the cab and the living area to control the heat and cold coming from the cabin to the living area. In…

It’s Friday and there’s more time for new adventures again!

We don’t really have any major canyons in Finland, but we have quite a few cool gorges in surrounded by forests dotting the country every here and there.

Ramin was interviewed for our local newspaper about the company he works for expanding to our area. To illustrate the ability to work from various locations, our campervan was featured in the photographs for the article. A screenshot of the online version of the article.

Not a Saimaa Ringed Seal, but a Saimaa Flatcoated Seal

Our adventures don’t always require going far with our campervan, sometimes we can just enjoy a drive in the Finnish countryside with our ears flapping in the wind.

The hot summer days are still continuing and the tongues are out each time we go out for a walk.

Eino: I don’t care how hot it is. I’ll just stay here in the shade and avoid going in for a swim.

Happy Midsummer to everyone! Enjoy they uncommonly warm and nice midsummer weather and stay safe.

Try photographing something other than the dogs and you get very active “helpers…”

Spot the flatcoat hiding from the heat. We’ve had an uncommonly long and hot heatwave and the dogs are feeling it.

No matter how warm it is (33C), Eino is happy when he has a cozy and soft spot to sleep on.

Ready for the final game in the group stage against Belgium. Finland still has a chance to move forward. Go Huuhkajat!

Even big boys need some mid-adventure cuddle time.

In the light and in the shadows

It’s Friday and we have a heatwave starting! Friday and new adventures is good, but we will have to go on the adventures in early in the morning when it isn’t boiling hot.

The weekend and new adventures are getting closer and closer… The process of getting these pictures quite often has to deal with distractions… The process of getting these pictures quite often has to deal with distractions… The process of getting these pictures quite often has to deal with distractions… The process of getting these pictures…

Ready for the second match of the tournament. Of course hoping for a win against our dear neighbor to the east.

Enjoying the shade of the forest on a hot summer day. And of course being chased by hundreds of little flying friends.

Kamu: What do you mean I’m letting in all the mosquitoes? This summer so far has been absolutely terrible when it comes to mosquitoes. It seems like they are everywhere and there are lots of them.

Yesterday’s game between Finland and Denmark was a real rollercoaster of feelings from the joy of the first game to the dramatic events of a cardiac arrest on the pitch followed by Finland’s goal and win. The way all the players and fans behaved goes to show community and caring is extremely important.

Oi Suomi on! Finally, after decades of waiting the men’s team made it to a football championship tournament!

Natural infinity pool P.S. Don’t worry, Kamu is wearing a harness that the lead is connected to and he managed to swim out easily on his own.

We don’t have many rapids around where we live, but these are quite nice!

Somewhat patiently waiting for the next throw

Asking a flatcoat that is on lead to jump over a tree trunk is never a good idea…

A rare sighting of a young flatcoat that has stopped to think and plan a route up instead of running headlong…

The two greybeards. And yes, this sweater design is also Anna’s own and is based on old Karelian patterns.

At the top of the highest peak in southern or central Finland, looking down at the forests and lakes.

For some reason Anna and Eino mostly avoided the snowy parts of the slope…

Kamu: Yay! Snow in June!

Both getting greyer but still enjoying going on adventures together

Koli National Park and the peak it is named after is a magical place.

Going up!

Revisiting winter photo locations for summer adventures

Finally on the road!

Recharging our batteries for new adventures during the weekend

Kamu: What are you doing? Kamu: Would kisses help? Kamu: See, that helped!

Eino hanging out in a spot in the sun waiting for spring to end and summer temperatures to come back

Fresh grash turns even the dogs into grasseaters

But seriously though, who stole our beautiful warm spring weather? We went from +28 on Thursday to +4 on Saturday, slightly better yesterday and now on Monday we are back at +7 and rainy… But at least it isn’t snowing.

And finally the lord of the couch, Eino.

Next in line is Topi’s faithful and exuberant sidekick, Kamu.

Just in time for the weekend, a series of spring portraits of our boys. Topi starting it off as always.

Kamu: Hey weekend, I’m coming for you!

A fireman and his dog A while back Anna and Ramin were asked to burn down an old sauna (with all proper permissions from the officials) which they did on their wedding anniversary. They did a good job and everything that could burn burned and it didn’t spread into any of the surroundings.

A rare siting of a wild Topi at sleep in his natural habitat.

Topi: So, remember when on Friday we were hoping to go for a swim this weekend? Well, Anna and Ramin are busy remodeling our campervan for new adventures this summer and thus didn’t take us swimming. But we found a ditch to accidentally fall into…

Red on green. The vibrant young green of birch leaves contrasted against the deeper green of the spruce with some complimentrary red in between. A pretty good play on colors, is it not?

Post-training playtime

Topi: It’s Friday and we are in the middle of a heatwave. Maybe we get to go swimming during the weekend?

The ski slopes of Pärnävaara that have been unused for thirty or so years are now being built into a large network of trails and a bike park. It’s great to see the area being used more actively again and from what we saw of the bike park it looks fun. And Ramin is thinking…

We have a heatwave!

Topi: All that smoke is coming from grilling sausages on a campfire and we are tied up to trees?!

In 2005 we placed the first Geocache in Liperi and now we got a report that it needs some maintenance. So we went for a walk to do the maintenance and check some of the many geocaches in the area now. This picture may or may not be from one of the many geocaches we…

Happy Mother’s Day!

Kamu: Here you go. Can I go get the next one yet?

Well yes, you can see that Kamu has lived with a setter