Where Beauty Abounds

On Tuesday, most university courses were canceled for "Sports Afternoon."  During this time, students can choose to sign up for various sports activities organized around campus.  Because of the beautiful weather, my friends and I took this opportunity to explore a nearby national park.  Just an hour north of Joensuu, Koli National Park is known for its unique geology and cultural history.  "The bedrock that forms the high hills of Koli was first formed more than two billion years ago in the roots of a great ancient mountain range known as the Karelides.  Only the hardest white quartzite rocks have survived subsequent eons of erosion by wind, water and ice."*  I think from the pictures below, you can see why the Finns set this land aside as a national park.  

With spruce and birch, the hills of Koli Park
are spotted with green and gold in the autumn.

Jana shows her enthusiasm for the beautiful weather!

After the jumping photos,
we tried for more "normal" ones. J 

Meet Begüm.  She's my new friend from Turkey.

When hiking through Koli, you periodically
come across old wooden structures such as this one.

Jana and I enjoy a quick break
before heading down to the lake's shoreline.

A tree hug. J

Check out the stellar outhouses they
have in Finland!  The woodwork makes it
smell lovely inside.  How refreshing!

 

Lake Pielinen is in sight!



After wandering through mossy forests interspersed
with brief meadows, we eventually made it down to the
lake.  The sky's blue and tree's yellow reflected off
the lake's calm surface.  Beautiful.  Kaunis.

Having arrived at our destination, the group stopped
for lunch.  A fire was made and sausages were cooked. 
I thought it was curious how no s'mores were made. 
They must be on the same list as peanut butter.

After lunch, we trekked back up the hillside,
having one last look out at the lake before heading home.
Another wonderful day in Finland.

*Quote from a Koli National Park brochure.