Hiking club Ulvova susi’s autumn hike was to Koli 22nd to 24th of October. There were 18 of us on that trip included three brave Japanese change students. Here are their thoughts about the trip.

A great view on the top of Koli.

Atsushi Yarimizu
It was great pleasure for me to have a trip to Koli. I have never hiked before, so everything such like sleeping in cottage, burning sausages by campfire, walking long way with backpack, having sauna in the forest were new experience for me. Tokyo, where is my hometown, does not have much nature and I have not had a chance to enjoy it. There are many people and many shops are opened 24 hours there. Actually it is convenience, but I think nature is more important for people.
I could make many good memories in this trip. I would like to have more trips in Finland, because I can have wonderful time with many friends! Finally, I would like to say ‘’Kiitos!!’’ to everyone.

Katja, Sayoko, Atsushi, Tatsunori, Matthias and Tony on teh bridge

Tatsunori Nakabayashi
I really enjoyed the last hiking trip to Koli. There were two things I shall never forget. One is a beautiful piece of lake and forest scenery in Koli. The other is that the night staying in small cabin and talking with Finnish people. I asked them some questions, for example, “What is the difference between Swedish and Finnish people?” They gave us very interesting answer, and told us some jokes about Swedish. I would rather not write about details but it was really really fun. In this trip, I could learn a lot of things from Finnish students and nature of Finland. I am already looking forward to next hiking trip. At last, I want to say thanks to everybody.

We spent the other night in this kind of shelter, ”Kotus” in Finnish.

Sayoko Koizumi
To be honest, it was harder than I expected and quite arduous for me. Because I had never done like this hiking before and actually I had no idea about “hiking” in Finland. You might be able to imagine, if I talk about “hiking”, I could say it’s different between Finland and Japan. It might be one of the reason is localism though, in Japan most of the things are organized and hiking is no exception. I mean it’s hard to have real hiking in Japan.
When we started hiking I said “It would be a good experience for me.” and somebody replied to me “I hope you can say that again when you go back to Lappeenranta.” I can say it was in many ways the most precious experience of my time in Finland. You were every reason why I could do it. Thank you for taking care of me a lot, helping to pack a sleeping back, waiting for me, leading the way, making food, teaching me how to make a fire and take a Sauna, borrowing the stuff, and giving me like this time.. I’d cherish this experience all of my life and I hope I could share the time with you again!

A great peace of nature.