I was told this had been Finland’s coldest summer in 50 years. Looks like I brought the sunshine, because it turned out to be a gorgeous, warm summer day.

My cousin’s son Alex woke me around 11AM and invited me over to their cottage for breakfast.

Came back afterwards and did some computer work, then went for a walk to take pictures. This was my first visit to Alapihlaja since much of the forest was cut down. I was heartbroken 🙁

Although the deforestation opened up some great views of the water, it still made me sick to my stomach. This was where I spent many summers in my childhood, now much of it was gone, never to be the same again.

Later in the afternoon, I went with my relatives to an old quarry near Virojoki. It’s now a popular swimming spot and very picturesque. While the others swam, I stayed ashore putting my camera to work. We had a little picnic and played dice, basking in the beautiful sunshine.

From there we went into Virojoki to buy groceries at S-market, then for coffee at the nearby Bunkkerimuseo. Fascinating place, full of local military history.

Came back to Pihlaja and I hung around the cottage for a couple hours. Installed one of those magnetic mesh screen doors I brought from home (people seemed to like it so I plan to bring more with me on my next visit). Alex and Ernö went fishing but I don’t think they caught anything.

Went to Terttu’s for a late sauna and got home around midnight. Had something to eat and copied pix to my laptop. Turned in around 2AM.

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