Category: General

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

Spring in Finland… We are forecasted to get up to 20cm (8 inches) of snow in the evening and during the night. These are just the first flurries of sleet. Let’s see what it looks like tomorrow when we wake up!

Kamu: Let’s see: one, two, three, four bumpers missing from the bag…

Today the little red one turns five already! Happy Birthday Eino! But can you see how stressful life with flatcoats is? He is getting grey already.

We admit to have been lazy in training with the dogs during the last winter, but now that the snow is gone there is no excuse not to train.

Eino at work. We know that his heeling is a bit too far forward for obedience tests, but he really enjoys doing simple obedience on our walks.

Eino: Oooo, swan poop. So yummy!

Heading towards the weekend…

As long as there’s a tiny bit of snow on the ground, it is used for a post-swim roll.

If even Eino was swimming, you didn’t expect the flatcoats to stay dry? Or did you?

Eino: Yes, I swam. What’s so special about that? It’s not like there’s snow on the ground or ice in the water anymore.

He swims!

We only have small leftovers of snow here and there, but the ditches are now full of water!

The last one of us in Repovesi National Park. For once all of us with Kamu, Topi and Anna looking around, Ramin’s eyes glued to the camera (or drone controller in this case) and Eino somewhere behind everyone.

Topi: Excuse me. We hiked too. We deserve a snack as well.

Although Repovesi National Park is a bit west to the Saimaa Geopark that was now admitted onto the Unesco Global Geoparks list, it is still a beautiful example of what lakeland Finland has to offer. We definitely recommend visiting both the geopark and Repovesi.

Spring in Finland: The snow is pretty much gone, but the lakes are still covered in ice.

A week ago we went and saw the puppies from Kamu’s latest litter at Kennel Huntstars. They sure were cute little ones!

Topi post swim watching Kamu in the water and Eino trying to gather his courage to go in.

Eino: You seriously can’t believe that I’d be going in that water?

Kamu: Come on in! The water is perfect!

It’s Friday again and Kamu is ready for a swim!

We spent Easter up north chasing snow and even easier social distancing by exploring the forests and hills of Kainuu some 300km north of where we live.

The harness Kamu is wearing is a hand me down from Jalo (the first time the harness is seen here is in June 2016). We are now searching for a newer and beefier harness that would work on longer hikes and possibly when skijoring etc. Any recommendations?

Eino: If a rabbit foot brings luck to humans, maybe a roe deer hoof would bring me luck?

Every now and then nature reminds us that we really live in the countryside and the circle of life is very active around us.

The last of the snow that we have is already slush and doesn’t hold us even if we have our snowshows on.

Kamu: I’m certain the snowball is in here somewhere…

It’s funny how it looks like Eino is really trying to catch the snowball, when in reality he always jumps away from the ball while trying to catch it… It’s funny how it looks like Eino is really trying to catch the snowball, when in reality he always jumps away from the ball while trying…

Kamu: This one is mine!

Kamu: I’ve got it. I’ve got it! Hmm Kamu, it looks like Eino is going for it as well.

Kamu: What are you waiting for? Throw the snowball already!

It’s been 15 years since we lost Anna’s first dog and her shadow, Kassu. Having an old dog in the pack again (Topi) highlights the similarities between old dogs and their behaviour. Kassu, Topi, and Luka have all lived to over 11 years of age and each one has started to develop the same habits…

We’ve had to go on our Easter weekend long walks in the mornings so that the snow is still hard from the colder temperature during the night since the days are warm.

Eino: Those flatcoats are bonkers. Running around in this cold water. For fun?

Left? Or… Right?

We wish we could say that it’s and April Fool’s that it’s been unseasonably warm and the snow has been melting super fast, but unfortunately that’s the case. But at least it means that there’s lots of meltwater to splash around in!

Woohoo! Swim season has begun!

Eino: I hear there’s a long weekend coming up. Have to stock up on sleep…

Anyone else feeling uncommonly tired after this shift to summer time?

Yay! It’s summer! Or at least summer time…

Spring is coming, but Finnish weather is fickle and sunshine might suddenly change into fresh snow.

Off the ice and on the top of a hill. Topi and Anna having a chat on what route to take back down.

But luckily Anna managed to find a slope that was good for her!

There’s a difference of opinion in our household on what constitutes a high and steep hill. Anna’s opinion of this is: too high and too steep…

Well Kamu, that’s one way to come down the hill… Well Kamu, that’s one way to come down the hill… Well Kamu, that’s one way to come down the hill… Well Kamu, that’s one way to come down the hill…

More Sunday adventures on the ice…

Sunday adventures on the ice. So many new places to explore that there isn’t any time to stop and pose.

It’s sometimes hard to remember that there over 60cm (2 feet) of snow where Eino is running.

One of the best parts of spring is when the snow starts to melt a bit and then freezes creating a solid cover for the dogs to run freely on.

Just one more – speeding towards the weekend. Except that it’s only Thursday…

The skinbased skis are also what we used on our recent adventure to find some powder lines for Ramin to snowboard. You can see the video on our YouTube channel. One good thing about them when the powder is deep is that they create a better path for the dogs – especially older ones –…

Ever since we moved here we’ve been walking in the snow with snowshoes. This year we finally bought some skinbased skis – basically a cross between snowshoes and trekking skis. They have worked perfectly and are great tools to let us wander the snowy landscapes.

We caught him! P.S. Watch a video of our adventure in our Instagram post. We caught him!

Snowboarding with Ramin Snowboarding with Ramin

The northfacing slopes still have loads of powder!

One of the best moments of winter days is the blue hour when everything turns blue after the sun has disappeared behind the horizon.

You can teach an old dog new tricks! Ramin decided to finally learn how to snowboard this winter resulting in many days spent on the nearby slopes and finally a snowboard coming to join the various toys we have in the house. This winter has been a fairly good one with enough snow and even…

Yay, it’s little Saturday!

We lost the nice powder we had, but still some photos from the powder days.

Eino: Hello weekend. Are you hiding down there?

Sunday fun

Eino: So many tracks to scent, so little time…

The moment when the photographer lying on the ground can’t be sure if he’ll be run over or not… Getting closer… Missed!

The three eared flatcoat

Kamu: I’ve heard that one of our previous pack members thought of these things as hot dogs… But I’ve been strictly forbidden from touching them.

The happy Mr T

New week, new month. What all kinds of fun will it bring?

Where did February disappear to so fast?

Reminiscing of the fresh powder we still had a week ago…

Weekeeend!

Even with powder, deicing of the paws is still required.

Playtime for the young ones

King of the hill

The red snow devil

There are moments when a running flatcoats tongue is not flopping all around

Topi being Topi

The young pup trying his luck

Looking intensively at the weekend that is looming in the near future.

At a dead end

Tongue out for a Tuesday

Looking at the future and new challenges

Happy Valentines Day!

We had a long period of just deep powdery snow. Now that there is a bit of a shell on the snow, the boys are really enjoying being able to run again.

Eino: Hello? Any fishes or ringed seals down there?

On the lake ice during snowfall you can imagine that you are momentarily surrounded by only white.

The setter looking like a pointer

We recently got to test skin skis instead of snowshoes. Cross-country skiing suddenly became fun again!

Another weekend gone and long walks enjoying the winter daylight have to wait for the next weekend.

The old one has still got it! The old one has still got it!

Jump time!

Two different reactions to snow flying towards you. First the flatcoat. Two different reactions to snow flying towards you. First the flatcoat. And then the setter… And then the setter…

One of the classic shots of the low midday sun in early January.

Spot the setter. Eino’s coat is perfect in snowy birch forests.

Enjoying the sun and the winter cold

A while back it was cold enough that we had to dig out the dogs coats for our daily walks. It was about -28C when this photo was taken, but it didn’t slow Kamu down at all.

Having a real winter after last years eternal November has been a real joy.

Look Topi, this is Finland: lakes, forests and snow. Look Topi, this is Finland: lakes, forests and snow.

Happy birthday 10th birthday to Emil! Pictured here as a little puppy with Topi

Anna and the boys

Another throwback from 11 years ago, Luka and Sulo playing a game of biteyface. Another throwback from 11 years ago, Luka and Sulo playing a game of biteyface. Any guesses on who this black one is? Another throwback from 11 years ago, Luka and Sulo playing a game of biteyface.

A throwback to 11 years ago to celebrate the happiest of them all. Today would have been Luka’s 15th birthday.

One of Finland’s iconic views is behind the boys. Or would be if it wouldn’t be quite so cloudy. This is partly what it looks like

Walk too close to a flatcoat and will certainly be greeted by an enthusiastic long snout and wildly wagging tail. This shot was a total accident as we were surprised by another group of walkers while admiring the views when they passed us very close…

After exploring the forest paths, getting back on the road for an easy walk back to the van is always appreciated.

Explore and you shall find a waterfall. The Tarhapuro waterfall is a cascade that drops 15m, but the highest single drop is just behind the boys at just 2m. It’s completely surrounded by forest.

The life of a social media dog…

Exploring the winter forest at Koli National Park

Topi and Ramin in the snow

Anna and Kamu looking at Lake Pielinen from the top of Koli. The view towards Pielinen from Koli is one of the quintessentially Finnish views.

Enjoying the winter wonderland

Wet snow and Topi… Endless balls of snow.

Kamu practising his dance moves

…We ran and sniffed and ran and sniffed but didn’t find any ducks in any of the reeds.

…No ducks in these reeds…

Could there be something interesting – maybe ducks – in there?

Looking at the new week and new adventures!

Ever since Christmas we’ve had good winter weather and quite a bit of snow as well. But we’ll gladly take more snow and more winter weather!

Well he’s not pulling her hair, but we think he likes her anyway…

Cuddle session by the big bike

And here’s another. Fun fact, this wall is a part of the complex in which Ramin lived his first year when studying in Joensuu.

Lately a lot of the older apartment buildings in the center have been decorated with murals, here’s one.

To the south of the old town near Pyhäselkä, a part of Lake Saimaa, is the lutheran church. Directly to the north of this across town is the orthodox church. This time we didn’t walk all the way to it.

Joensuu means river’s mouth and the center is along the river. Along the river there are several old boats that are now used as restaurants.

…And so did Kamu

Eino met a wolf

Let’s start the new year with a small tour of the nearest city to us, Joensuu. Or at least a few of the sights. Yesterday you already saw an old school which is now the art museum and the day before a part of our old town which is now a place for lots of…

Happy New Year everyone!

The country bumpkins wondering at the big city lights

We see more snowfall in the future!

Ready for a new workweek at the standup desk.

Is it already the last day of the Christmas holidays? We could have spent several more days of easy relaxation.

Topi’s 11th christmas has been pretty traditional: treats, new toys and nice relaxed walks in the snow.

Christmas Day

Wishing you a Merry Christmas.

This little elf is still watching to make sure everyone stays nice!

Sometimes the tongue just doesn’t want to stay straight…

This looks like a good christmas tree. Should we take it?

Eino: I can see all those elves watching me. So I’ll just sit here like a nice little boy.

There’s snow on the ground and it’s the weekend!

1… 2… 3… Kamu: Ok, that’s enough. I’m out of here!

Find Eino… A raw log hut and a tired Eino after a walk means that he just disappears…

Lunch break during our hike

Snow! We finally got a bit more snow on the ground. Here’s to hoping that we get lots more!

Hanging out in a reconstructed sleeping bunker.

A swim and a roll in the snow. A perfect combination.

When you are just overcome with joy. Which in Kamu’s case happens many times a day… The fog and wind surprised the photographer and the lens was covered with a sheen of moisture so the picture isn’t technically perfect, but capturing the moment is what counts.

Today Topi turns 11! With a flatcoat, every day after they turn 8 is a blessing. But still it feels unbelievable that Topi is already 11. His advancing age can be seen, especially when compared to the young and rambunctious Kamu, but he is still a happy and active flatcoat. We enjoy every day with…

Longing for snow and winter…

Eino, our original Finnish country boy

On Sunday we celebrated Finnish Independence Day and Kamu’s birthday with a walk along old WW2 fortifications called Salpalinja that luckily never were anywhere near the front in this area.

It there anything cuter than puppy paws? No, this isn’t a new puppy but taken when we picked Kamu up in Poland.

Three years ago today when driving down to Lappeenranta to celebrate 100 years of Finnish independence we got the news that Kamu’s litter was born and there were males in the litter. Yes, today is Kamu’s third birthday!

Lazy Satrudays. Yes, we’ve been “laid off” from the construction site so we get to have lazy Saturdays again. Eino approves!

Kamu: Seriously now, it’s Friday. Are you sure that cookie jar on the table isn’t for me?!

Grey and short days means lots of naps.

We found a new hike in the next municipality which also has lots of lean-tos and fire pits. And fire pits naturally mean good snacks along the way!

Waiting for more snow, but at least the hikes are easy.

The last of the summer flowers

Eino: What is this white cold stuff that is on the ground again? We finally got a sprinkling of snow. Let’s keep our paws and thumbs up for lots more this winter!

Kamu: I’m not begging. I’m just resting my head here.

Anna and her dog

Mugshots from the side… …and front.

Photoshoot time with Kamu. He cleans up rather well, doesn’t he?

Does it qualify for #tongueouttuesday if the tongue isn’t hanging down to the ground?

Ready to tackle another week with a smile!

The forest guardian

Sit stays flatcoat-style – always ready to launch…

In all seriousness, Eino is quite fuzzy, but he’s still pretty handsome.

Eino: Who’s that handsome setter looking back at me?

Frozen ditches, wet flatcoats. Nothing new here 🙂

But that doesn’t mean that swimming season would have ended!

It’s finally gone below zero during the nights, so there’s a bit of ice on the ditches…

Sunday treasure!

When we have a chance when visiting Lappeenranta we make a point of stopping at Lehmus Roastery and their cafe Satamatie 6. Kamu approved as well!

Less than a month to go and Topi turn eleven! And as everyone knows, eleven is louder than ten.

Eino: If I test it carefully… Eino: Nope, too cold. You seriously think that I would swim in that?

The flatcoats don’t let the lack of swimming enthusiasm by Eino slow them down.

This is for all the weird retrievers and their thoughts of swimming in November!

Topi considering going for another swim or not. The water is still almost 2C warmer than normally at this time of the year as it is about 4C at the moment.

Happy Father’s Day!

…Try to get a picture of the red one, and the younger lens hog stuffs himself in the frame.

Try to get a picture of the youngest one and the older lens hog stuffs himself in the frame…

The little puppy is all grown up, but at the same time like true flatcoat he is extremely playful all the time.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s… a rock!

Yesterday and during the night we had a storm that ended up being called Topi. Maybe Topi wagged his tail a bit too much at some point causing a butterfly effect?

Eino: Did I hear something in the forest? Who’s there?

November is here. Maybe this year it won’t last until late April. At least we hope.

What Halloween? Another weekend working construction and since we are mostly working on indoor stuff, there are bored boys waiting for us to come out.

In the sunset

Topi: What are those young fools doing now?

The one with the good luck charm

The one with the tattletale

It’s playtime!

Kamu: Lots of rain means lots of water in the ditches along our walks. And that means that I get to swim!

Rainy autumn days means wet dogs. Luckily even Eino enjoys running around in the rain.

Let’s finish this walk down memory lane with the namesake of the blog, Jalo, 11 years ago somewhere in southern Finland.

The crack of dawn, the first autumn frost 11 years ago and our second golden Sulo with his ever present treasure.

11 years since we lost Flippe, our first flatcoat. When looking for photos of Flippe we found many in which he was barely touching the game that he was returning. This must be one of the few times he really carried cold game with a somewhat passable grip.

And another one of Luka, just because.

The Man, the myth, the legend. Three years and not a day goes by without us remember the sparkle in Luka’s eyes.

Throwback to August and Norway. We’ve been pretty swamped with various projects lately and the days have been getting shorter so we have run out of current photographs. Next week is a sad one, so we will be posting several throwbacks remember pack members from the past.

Eino: This is what I call a good Saturday: the flatcoats left with Ramin to do construction and I got to continue sleeping on my couch. When they came back, Ramin, Anna and I went to visit a friend and there I got to sleep in Ramin’s lap. Why can’t every day be like this?

Sorry Topi, it isn’t Halloween yet and you’ll have to wait for your costume.

We traded our big diesel hungry SUV to a much smaller car three weeks ago. It even fits all three of the dogs for short trips.

Eino by the monument for all sailors lost at sea watching a tugboat go by. We wonder why Eino is looking so down?

Kamu: Hello new friend. I like you.

The building inspector following the work in progress from a higher viewpoint.

The barges go by, the dogs just pose

A relaxing weekend walk along the riverside

Just hanging around, waiting for the boat to pass, bridge to close and the weekend to start!

Autumn colors really let Eino blend in

Getting grayer together

The little boy posing in the hay

Coffee breaks during workdays are best spent getting some rubs.

A rare moment of posing for Topi. When he was younger, he would patiently pose any way we wanted him to for as long as needed. Now he usually looks bored and forced and will start moving if there is any break in the sound of the shutter…

Eino: I forgot, weekends are full of work and activity. It’s the weekdays when I get to sleep all day.

Eino: Yay, it’s Friday!

While we were climbing the mountains in Norway, the fields were freed for us to run on again!

Eino: Climbing to the top of all those mountains in Norway was exhausting. I’m so happy to back on my own couch. And now they are talking about more trips like this in the future?!

The Finnish flatcoated retriever breeders association has organized evaluations for young dogs almost every year since it was founded 10 years ago. This year all evaluators / trainers and participants got a commemorative dummy. Topi has been at almost all of the evaluations over the years: first being evaluated at under 5 months of age…

September is quickly coming to an end and this marks the final image of our trip to Norway in August. The fire is burning and we will be back. Probably not this year, but hopefully next year.

This picture was taken when Topi turned 10 years and 8 months. He is still going strong and ready to top up a 530m mountain on any day.

Resting at the top

Another day and another hike up a mountain. This time up to 530m and luckily there was some snow along the way for a quick roll.

Only in Norway can a trail that rises 100m with a 20-30% incline be labeled as easy. But after longer hikes on taller peaks, this was a refreshingly easy walk.

This sitting with the subjects back towards the camera in front of a beautiful location have become a trend on Instagram. Are we doing it right?

Spot the setter

Wonder what Kamu was seeing back there? Maybe some birds?

No words

A little cuddle session after the hike up.

The Norwegian coast is often rainy and windy, but who cares when you can explore views like this.

Topi: This ball I found on the beach is a bit spiky…

Kamu: Oh, this pool is even better. It’s not a kiddy pool that you can only wade in.

Kamu: A pool by the sea. I could get used to this 🙂

Another walk along the coast. Alas, we couldn’t get the dogs on top of the little lighthouse.

Sometimes photographing nature’s wonders with the dogs in them is pretty much impossible. Behind Topi there are two cracks in the rock going down 10m or more. But the view is still cool even if you can’t see the cracks.

A road that can lead to new adventures!

The little fishing village of Stø and its whale murals. We have no idea we there were so many whale murals in this small fishing village, but it was fun to walk around and look at them. An alternate view.

Kamu: Could we transport these big waves back home?

Kamu: Why didn’t anyone tell me big waves are this fun?! Kamu: Why didn’t anyone tell me big waves are this fun?! Kamu: Why didn’t anyone tell me big waves are this fun?!

Playtime at the beach. There was no one else to be seen, so the whole pack got to run free for a bit.

It’s a new week and we’re off on a new adventure from our recent trip to Norway.

Kamu: Sit here and look handsome? Nah, I’d rather go exploring.

Eino: Don’t even think it. I’m not going swimming there. I’ll just sit here and admire the view.

While in Lofoten we didn’t just wander around the mountains and explore the coast, we did walk once or twice in the small towns as well. But mostly we stayed in away from the towns and where there were as few people as possible.

Kamu: If I start swimming in a straight line from here, where will I end up?

A little wet setter safe from the cold waves of the Arctic Ocean

Love is…

How about starting the week by slowing down a bit and listening to the sea?

Kamu: Exactly what cold water was Eino complaining about?

The glorious Arctic Ocean Eino: Are we done yet? I’m freezing!

Kamu: Hello, who are you? Kamu: Do you wanna play? Kamu: I’m a nice little boy. I promise.

Kamu got to retrieve his first pigeons today. He got four retrieves. Alas, all was quiet on the western front where Ramin and Topi were.

That beach was quite windy, but really fun!

Kamu, Meet wave

Eino cared. He was satisfied with sniffing the wind on the beach with dry paws.

Pack members that are gone but definitely not forgotten. Pictured left to right Flippe, Jalo, Luka and Kassu. Today marks 27 years since Kassu’s birth and 18 since Flippe’s. Kassu was Anna’s first dog and Flippe our first flatcoat.

Of course when on a beach the flatcoats went for a swim. Who cares if it’s the Arctic Ocean?

Yesterday was an exercise in patience for both the dogs and the guns. Mostly high flying birds and only a few shots fired which missed. When we packed up the guns, Kamu went off a swim and came back with this mallard from across the pond. This is why retrievers are a must to have…

We interrupt our series of travel photos to remind you that today is Christmas for the retrievers: waterfowl hunting season begins!

What is this white stuff that isn’t snow?

At the end of the trail and top of the waterfall was this beautiful lake in a valley. Sorry, the hunting dogs were too focused on the boat and seagull on the lake to care about posing. And a Eino was just tired.

On the way to find out what is at the top of the waterfall.

Another hike, another mountain like. Pretty much a standard day while on vacation in Norway.

Topi and a waterfall. Yes, he stayed dry for this one 😉

Greetings from Lofoten!

Kamu is a curious young flatcoat, so he walked around trying to see what’s down below that sharp drop-offs.

Eino’s reaction when we reached the summit and let down their leads was to find a grassy spot and lie down and whatch the clouds go by.

Topi at 10 years and almost 8 months up at 798m. He still has it, chugging along like a faithful diesel engine while the younger sprinters are all tuckered out.

After quite a bit of time frolicking in the water and rolling on the leftover snow, we finally made it to the top of Heggmotinden at 798 with 760 of ascent. The views were incredible and we had the peak mostly to ourselves while we were up there. And yes, we also got lost on…

Ok, so we got a bit lost from the marked trail since in many places it splits into many and there are no signs saying which one to take. We got sidetracked quite a bit and ended up scrambling up the slope to get past a ravine and back on the trail once we spotted…

One third of the way up done – about 250m of ascent. It’s not so bad. A medium hike like the guides say…

Preparing for the upcoming hike to the top of the mountain in the background. Each in his own way.

Topi: Now that’s a big food bowl. Can I take it home? On our way up to Norway we visited the site with Finland’s largest Devil’s Churn.

We’re off exploring Lofoten. Expect pictures of dogs in various scenes in the near future 😉

Even while traveling there is always time to train some gundog work. Bumpers may be replaced with toys and all that, but it’s still training.

Kamu: Dear photographer, are you sure you got the shot? Just like Luka before him, Kamu is sure to pose to anyone with a camera even when working.

Not a bad place for an evening swim. Or to spend the night in our campervan that you can see in the background…

Swimming towards new adventures.

This is our Finland. Both Anna and Ramin (and all of the dogs) have lived all their lives in the lake district of Finland so spending time in the forests and lakes is home to us. And of course the dogs –or at least the retrievers – love the water.

Topi: This climb back up made me hot. I’ll just go back down for another swim. Kamu: Me too!

Just hanging out here.

There’s nothing better than a swim in the lake on the evening of a hot summer day. This picture was taken after 8pm and we spent some more time in the water before heading back into the campervan.

Yesterday marked the 16th birthday of the namesake of this blog. Looking back at photos of the original gang brought tears to our eyes and many laughs of happy remembrance.

Ice age shoreline that goes up almost vertically nearly 30 metres from the lake surface.How could we not pose in front of such a view?

It’s Saturday. Just relax and don’t take life so seriously.

Walking along the ridges that the last ice age left in our area. At places, this ridge is over 30m from the lake surface on both sides and only 40 or so metres wide.

When you come across a crystal clear lake while hiking on a hot summer day, the only acceptable choice is to jump in the lake for a swim. When you come across a crystal clear lake while hiking on a hot summer day, the only acceptable choice is to jump in the lake for a…

Just in time for wet dog Wednesday, our GoPro is again waterproof with a dive housing and we can get more photos of beach time on warm summer days.

Topi has the best mental endurance of all our dogs on long walks, but unfortunately old age is starting to show and his body can’t quite keep up. But keeping our pace a bit slower and with enough of breaks for a swim or to eat some berries means that he doesn’t have any major…

Long walks on hot summer days require swim breaks every now and then.

Training water work with Kamu.

Waking up Topi’s brain for when hunting season starts.

Flower boy

Beautiness of summer

Field of flowers

Sometimes when going through old photos you find shots that you’ve missed. This is from our test drive of our campervan last September in Tallinn.

This kind of picture is probably the most common picture taken of Topi 🙂

Sunday swim

Ten years and seven months

Kisses on the beach

Yep, the barn is still there.

So, what we should do next?

Topi took his tongue out for a walk Topi took his tongue out for a walk

Monday… Could we rather just keep traveling in our campervan and explore new places?

Eino: Common cranes? Are they birds that I should point?

The first hay of the year has been cut and the flatcoats are enjoying rolling around in the spiky short grass.

The flatcoats are ready to go, but Eino still wants a nap.

Could this be an old weirwood tree?

The king and his stump

We found trenches from WWII, though these were never used in actual battles. From were we live to the east of Finland there are different chains of fortifications that were built but never used since most of the fighting in WWII occurred outside of Finland’s current borders (with the exception of the area around Hanko).

It isn’t always Kamu that’s is the copilot seat ready to head out on new adventures!

Yesterday we went on along walk through Finnish forests and swamps. A hot day, 13km of walking and several swims later, we then had a calm evening in our campervan listening to the dogs snore.

We found the easternmost point in Finland and the continental European Union. If you look closely, you can see the border posts on the island in the background. The Finnish Air Force – aka mosquitos, horseflies and no-see-ems – was out in force.

Summer is progressing and the dandelions have lost their flowers and seeds are flying everywhere.

Kamu 2,5 years old.

Eino trying to be a flatcoat 😉

Topi 10,5 years young.

A sure sign of the heatwave over Finland right now – a swimming Eino!

Enjoying summer

Happy midsummer from the smoke sauna!

The weather is hot and the water is warm. Remember to swim with a friend and keep an eye out for each other.

Yay! Swimming as fast as we can towards the midsummer festivities. Do you have any special plans?

Sorry Kamu, but we don’t think that that car will be taking you on adventures anytime soon.

The area also has a free for all art gallery and seeing our dogs wander around the area the upkeeper started to think that the obstacle course he is planning for kids could be built so that it would at least partly be suitable for dogs.

Topi: Where’s my tea and crumpets?

There’s this old abandoned hospital area in the middle of Tampere that has cool little art installations all around it.

Eino: Doesn’t this red on the wall complement me well?

Country bumpkins in the city

Even in the city, a flatcoat will always find a way to get wet.

Kamu: Could we have one of these to tow behind our campervan?

On one of last weekends adventures: Topi got to go for a walk with one of his favourite humans.

Another day, another adventure calling!

Where do you think Kamu is driving us now?

After a never ending November, it seems inredible how quickly spring has turned into summer.

TGIF, but remember to behave yourselves even though the bars have opened here in Finland so that you don’t find yourself in the stocks.

The memorial for the Battle of Villmanstrand (Lappeenranta) A version of our pack has posed on this same monument almost 14 years ago.

The Lappeenranta Fort has the oldest surviving Russian Orthodox church in Finland that was built after Lappeenranta and the fort switched hands from Sweden to Russia in 1741.

Our campervan has a 1.2m by 2m area just for the dogs. But where do they spend their evenings? Of course in the smaller space where our feet are supposed to fit as well.

So it’s officially summer now so should we give a haircut to the dogs?

In beautiful Lappeenranta city

Eino posing in this lovely old surroundings

Topi and Kamu aka The Swede and The Pole, on the old hill fort walls prepared to protect Eastern Finlanders from those pesky Western Finlanders 😉

This is Finland

Well, it isn’t a Trans Am, but Kamu’s ready for a cruise around town.

Topi keeping a watchful eye on breakfast being made

Instagram vs reality – or in this case, photoblog vs reality Instagram vs reality – or in this case, photoblog vs reality

Kamu and and the art of some graffiti artist about 5000 years ago. Honestly, canceling all our travel plans so far for the spring and early summer abroad has meant that we are now focusing on exploring places near us and finding a lot gems and enjoying the small Finnish country roads in the process.…

Kings of the castle We are on a social distancing road trip and exploring areas near our home. This is an old hill fort from the iron age rising 55m from the lake level.

Waiting for the swamp to turn green

Kamu: Found it!

Kamu: Where did that pesky bumber go? Kamu: Where did that pesky bumber go?

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?

Yay, it’s Monday!

One of those rare occasions when Ramin was captured in front of the camera.

Topi hasn’t been recovering from our walks lately as well as he used to so a few days ago we took him to the vet to check that there is nothing seriously wrong with him. After x-rays of pretty much all of his body, the end result is that his body shows the wear and…

Eino’s version of the water suitability test for swimming: 1) Sniff carefully while avoiding accidental contact with possibly cold water, 2) Test temperature with tip of the tongue, 3) Run away

Kamu’s hints for a safe swim: 1) Visually check the water to see if there are any obstacles under the surface preventing a safe jump, 2) Taste test! 3) And a good jump in!

Walks like this where the boys get to swim and romp in the cold water, are something we can’t do every day anymore. Topi is getting older and despite what his mind thinks, his body can’t keep up with the younger dogs and the cold has a bit more of an effect on his body.…

Lingonberries are an almost evergreen that gives the spring forest floor a welcome coat of green.

We are still waiting for spring to really kick in and the colors to start turning towards the greens of summer from the oranges and browns of autumn.

Of course, after a swim it is vital to roll in the snow if at all possible.