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Rafts ready to roll from Käylä
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Life jackets, helmets, waterproof jacket/pants, boots, and glovesFirst we had to suit up. It was like we were ready for combat. But it wasn't that dangerous.
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Great day for raftingBut later we had hail.
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"If you fall out, just float and do nothing. We'll grab you back in."Before we started off from Käylä, our guides gave us basic instructions such as what to do if we fell out of the raft. (Don't do anything and just float until someone grabs you and pull you back into the raft.)
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Cruising with outboard motorWe had oars, but an outboard motor also propelled us on the water.
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One paddle, two paddleThat's me wearing the red helmet.
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Easy rapidsOur guide instructed us as to when to start paddling forward or backward.
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Shooting the rapids
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A piece of cakeOur guide instructed us as to when to start paddling forward or backward.
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Almost autumn colors
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Lunch break
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Picnic place
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Delicious Finnish sausagesOne of our friendly guides smiles for camera.
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Finnish horse and owner
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Sudden hailSuddenly, it hailed. Our helmets came in handy for the onslaught of little ice pellets.
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Hail
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Wiping off the hailMy feet was near freezing even though we were wearing boots. The hail made it even colder. Our guides made us run up and down a hill before we went back to the hail-covered raft. My feet were still cold.
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Our guidesI asked them what they do during the winter: They offer reindeer sled rides.
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Lake JuumaThere's a law in Finland where lakeside summer cottages must be at least 200 meters apart.
We also passed by the Finnish Prime Minister's (or maybe president) summer cottage. I was surprised that there was no security in that area.
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Also Available in GreenOur main means of transportation for our nature trips out of Kuusamo. Rented of course. In rural areas of Finland, many of the roads are unpaved. And when it rains, your car can easily get dirty.
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A photographer's carObviously.
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