January moods

January began in a waiting mood. Before Christmas, there had been only a little snow in both southern and northern Finland and the first skiing trip had been just a dream. But after the New Year, it started snowing more. Luckily, December's train tickets to Kolari had been moved to the beginning of January.

Immediately on the day of arrival we had to get to ski, because from the previous skiing trip was an eternity, or at least ten months. We had been in Äkäslompolo at the beginning of March last year when the world became crazy because of the corona virus. So, it was time to get on the skis.

There was also a lot of frost, so we chose the route via Lämpökolmonen to Lake Tunturijärvi and from there towards Ylläsjärvi. There are about 10 degrees less frost in higher routes so skis worked surprisingly well with old ski wax.es. The skiing condition was not completely lost either. It was wonderful to ski and at the same time to admire the snowy trees.

During over a week, we basically skied the same route, but in a couple of less frosty weather we also got to ski the Hangaskuru route. On the ski trails this time around, we did not stop at the huts or the cafes because of the corona.

There was even a small amount of corona excitement as my throat became sore. Since we were on my way home to take care of My Mother, I had to take a corona test. It was quickly done at the MediYlläs medical center. The test gave great peace of mind when both results were negative.

We also spent time with our adult children, who arrived also to Äkäslompolo. We did good food and went out with the whole family. We walked to Velhonkota (the Wizards hut) along a snowy walking path and on the way, we remembered our dog trips with golden retriever Netta. After reached Velhonkota, we sat outside for a while and then returned back to  Äkähome.

One afternoon I talked to my daughter to go on a small adventure, first walking to Varkaankuru hut and then touring around Kellostapuli. We started our trip late, maybe too late and there was dark soon. We walked towards Kesänkijärvi by an easy path. When we turned towards the Kellostapuli gorge, the path had completely disappeared into the snow. Also, darkness had also come. Luckily, we had headlamps and warmed juice with us.

This time the journey to the gorge felt long this time. When we finally reached the gorge, we saw it completely covered with a thick snow. Some of the ski trail was visible, but there was no walking path at all. As we were much closer to the Varkaankuru hut through the gorge, we decided to continue our journey. There was a lot of snow and our feet sank deep into the snow, and walking was both slow and heavy. We used some swear words (it helped) when we fought in a snow.

When we finally got up from the snowy gorge, we found a well-maintained winter path, along which we could easily get to the Varkaankuru hut and from there to the parking place of Y1'. Rest of trip, we were able to admire the beautifully snowed trees shining in the dark. This little adventure in the snow and dark lasted about five hours and when we got home, we were very tired.