Day 2: Collecting Anna's family and arriving at Palvajarvi

After the heat in Helsinki yesterday we had a leisurely breakfast in the hotel before packing our things and getting started for the 3 hour drive northwards to our base for the next two weeks.

Awaiting the train at Lahti Station.

The first stop was Lähti train station and we were there to welcome Anna's folk from the train which arrived bang on time from St Petersburg.
We drove north for an hour, stopped for a late lunch at ABC Joutsa and then continued towards Vaajakoski and our base at Lake Palvajarvi.

First dip of 2015 for Sandy - Keith's already in!

Here, the sun was shining brightly and our landlord Timo was on hand to welcome us to this wonderful cottage and Lake. I've said it before, but this setting is truly amazing. We also discovered that Timo had further improved the cottage itself by freshening it up with a new paint scheme inside. Beautiful!

Young Arnold takes to the water.

Keith was delighted to be back in the water again here.

This is a place where relaxation comes naturally for me.

And it looks pretty relaxing for Olivia too!

Anna's mum was unaware I zoomed in from the jetty and took this. This wee camera is quite brilliant!

Within 10 minutes or so, the sauna was heating and we were getting ready to sample the water as we were all keen to swim. Keith was first into the lake and he confirmed that the water was lovely to swim in, and he (and we) continued to swim and sauna until nearly 8pm when we enjoyed a great barbecued pork dinner. After that, there was some fishing, with both Sandy and Olivia catching several good sized bream.

Anna and Olga together as the barbeque heats.

Spicy marinated pork for dinner.

Late evening fishing in the sun to round the day off.