Wilderness Circle went to Repovesi

Being first timers for this sport, it wasn’t quite clear how much stuff one could squeeze in for the trip. The lesson learned: use multiple small bags that fit through the holes, don’t use 2 giant bags (like me). Then you would have to tie them on top of the kayak, which brings the center of mass up. Not optimal.

Finding the rhythm happened quite quickly, and after a few stops and mandatory selfies later we made it to the destination.

The small cottage called Kuutinkämppä was convenient enough for 4 people. It had a stove (which we didn’t use) and a gas cooktop which we used to boil water.

We also learned quite early that this place was also a home to (presumably) Mr. and Mrs. seagull. They were nesting on a rock and the other frequently patrolled the area and gave us vicious looks.

After a brief unpacking we decided to head for the well where potable water could be pumped. Of course there was a high rock too where we had to climb for the nice view – and more selfies.

As the day progressed, it was time to have some dinner. Sausages were grilled on an open fire and then it was time for some relaxing sauna.

During the sauna session Jaakko invented a concept dubbed “Viskinuotio”, which we did next because we actually did bring a bottle of whisky. So we re-ignited the fireplace and started telling stories with a bottle of this bad boy.

According to the timestamps from the pictures taken, there were two hours between the first and second whisky pictures.

The next morning 3 people were capable of going on a brief excursion to a sightseeing tower and kayaking trip. I had a hangover of my lifetime and waited for the demons to leave my body in a fetal position. These are some of the pictures taken from this era. Seems like they had a nice time. At least there are more selfies.

After the expedition returned to the base, it was time to fetch some more water and cook some good-ass-potatoes, sausage and meatballs with onion. Jukka acted as the chef while I prepared the potatoes and onion.

After the dinner and some more sauna, we were the goodest bois and went to bed early. In the morning everyone else felt refreshed but me, because of course I had some kind of a night of the lizards.

The trip back went a bit faster with fewer breaks, but of course it was headwind both ways. I highly recommend Kuutinkämppä if you don’t require state-of-the-art accommodation and don’t mind a very bad phone signal. It was pretty much a 90’s simulation.

And lastly, our routes both ways.