2011 Trip – Day 7

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 45.0 km 9.3 km/h 20.4 km/h I was taken by Jussi to near Koti-Lahnanen to join the snow mobile trail. The journey North was uneventful apart from yet another snow free section, this time about 900m! I diverted to Tilsa for lunch and dropped my bag near the trail to lighten the load for that leg. Headed North again and found a new trail leading through forest to Kortesuo swamps. It had just been driven

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2011 Trip – Day 6

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 40.6 km 11.7 km/h 28.5 km/h After a late start, Jussi drove me to a road crossing on the snow mobile trail near Saija.  The trail was in excellent condition.  I turned onto the lake and followed Asko sticks along Kylmäluomajarvi  to the laavu.  I then returned along the snow mobile trail.  I crossed Harjajarvi (turn right at big rock) and lunched at the kota. The rest of the run was mostly OK, but about

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2011 Trip – Day 5

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 38.0 km 6.7 km/h 31.3 km/h Note:  Max speed may actually be erroneous recording made whilst travelling in truck. Gad, what a difficult day.  Jussi used his huge lorry to drive me to Timo’s mother’s cabin which certainly seemed very nice.  Jussi and Mrs Jussi headed off to open a trail across the lake, but just as I was about to set off and follow them they returned to say that there was too much

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2011 Trip – Day 4

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 30.4 km 9.1 km/h 24.4 km/h In the morning I saw an animal walking across the lake.  I speculated that it might be a fox and Timo later confirmed that this was the most likely. I managed to leave Kÿlkeinen by 0930, but attempts to go South across Hämeenvaara proved impossible.  Eventually I returned to the kennels and dumped my bag.  I then headed to Jänisvaara for lunch and at about 1500 drove North to

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2011 Trip – Day 3

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 46.2 km 8.5 km/h 22.8 km/h Left Jänisvaara at 1000 and headed for Kÿlkeinen.  The going for the last 2 km was extremely difficult.  The dogs went round the edge of the lake in deep snow and were all very tired by the time we arrived. At 1600 I left towards Tilsa and then up the snow mobile trail which was firm but very rutted.  I returned down the Old Tilsa canyon.  The last few

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2011 Trip – Day 2

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 35.8 km 9.9 km/h 32.5 km/h Conditions very poor.  The base of the snow has melted and the surface of many trails is prone to collapse.  I chose a trail through the forest and going was very slow.  I must only stick to the main trails when the sledge is heavy. Lunch and siesta at Jänisvaara.  Timo dropped off a new gas cylinder. The afternoon running was better, but the dogs were getting tired.  I

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2011 Trip – Day 1

Distance Average Speed Max Speed 36.3 km 12.5 km/h 37.6 km/h Limited sleep on train.  I had the compartment to myself until midnight and then they let some other bloke in.  There also seems to be a party in the adjoining compartment until 0200. The Bus was OK and shortly after arriving I met Alan Kiff who had dropped in to see Timo.  Apparently they are now living in Lower Woodford.  Fixed up sled and sorted out dogs.  Timo predicted

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