This week, I had a very nice trip to Finland. I started coming here in 1984, and have returned more or less annually since. But never had I spent time in such an outdoor-oriented place as Herrankukkaro, which is a small spa-resort near the south-western coast of Finland.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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...as we gathered for a cup of tea before we began our meetings.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Originally a farm, it's a very country-like place, with a history going back to the 1930's.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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What looks like a lake is really an inlet to the sea,
which explains the strong nautical theme of the place.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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So, after meetings, we gathered under a sheltered area to cook some starters,
and of course drink some beer and wine.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Nice bird...
...but completely unimpressed with our cooking abilities.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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"Nailing" a large trout filet to a plank, with wooden pegs,
then rubbing down (the fish) with olive oil and spices.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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While the fish cooked, we warmed sausages over an open fire. Lucky for us, the area was covered, because the weather turned to a rather typical rainy, cloudy and cold Finnish day.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Oh-Yeah !!!
Looked great, smelled great, and nobody knocked one into the fire !
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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The light rain, clouds and cool weather continued through the evening...
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Since Finland is at such a high latitude, the sun slants slowly down to the horizon...
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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...and so the Finnish Dusk lasts for a long time.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Beautiful, quiet, peaceful.
Calm wind, water like a mirror.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Day 2 started considerably sunnier and warmer.
So we had some outdoor activities in the evening, without the need to stay under cover.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Summer cottages on a beautiful lake are the dream in Finland. Many families own them and fortunately, there are a LOT of lakes here.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Day 3: But to be honest, for true peace and beauty, it is difficult to beat...
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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...the Finnish dawn.
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Photo by Mark W. Laughlin
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Try Finland, you will love it !
But even in the Summer, bring a jacket...
...(in Winter time, bring two !!)
Y'all Take care,
-Mark W. Laughlin
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