Luosto - Day 3 - snow shoeing!

Last night our escapades to see the northern lights didn't amount to much - we went down to the usual hang out point to see the northern lights - the frozen lake behind our hotel - and stood on the lake for an hour and all we did see was a white halo around the moon (which was quite impressive but not what we really wanted to see!).  Whilst talking to our group this morning one of them said they had seen the northern lights last night and when we asked at what time it was 1:30am!

This morning we went snowshoeing and we loved it!  It was a nightmare to get the snowshoes on at first but once we all managed it we were off - you had to be careful not to tread on your snowshoe with the other foot, which a few of us did to begin with, but once you got in to the rhythm it was fine. Bearing in mind that none of the group had ever done snowshoeing before the first thing they did was take us uphill! It was quite strenuous but it was worth it to get to the top for the views.

Peter's all kitted up and ready to go!

Me looking knackered at the top!

 After a quick drink stop at the top, we started to make our way down and this is where it got very interesting - going up the snow hadn't been that deep but they took us through deep virgin snow going down. Well I think I was the first one to fall down and, as I was one of the first ones going down, it meant that everyone is then just walking around you as you flail in the snow - it was a nightmare to get up as you had these great big things on your feet.  I managed to pull myself up (using every bit of energy that I had) with Peter shouting 'don't twist your ankle' as I practically had my legs pointing is opposite directions (a bit of an exaggeration but you know what I mean!).  However, I got the last laugh as everyone else kept falling over so I just waltz passed them (until I fell over again and Peter had to come and help me up!).

We made it to bottom - who thought going downhill would be hard!

Once we got to the bottom the group then made our way to the frozen lake - as you are concentrating on what you are doing you are not really aware of the others behind you and when we reached to the lake half the group weren't there - I said to Peter where is everyone and he just shrugged.  It turns out that we were in the FAST group.....yes, that is right, the FAST group.....I think this makes up for us being made to go to the front whilst snowmobiling don't you?!!

Standing on the frozen lake

The afternoon was all about relaxation - I had a little snooze as I was knackered from this morning, and then I went swimming at the hotel's pool and in the Jacuzzi.  I was tempted to go in to the sauna but you aren't allowed to wear your swimming costume and there were naked people in there so I daren't go in!!

After that, I had a 90 minute full body massage which was lovely - however it wasn't the usual spa experience I am used to where the room is dark, relaxing music is playing, and the masseuse leaves the room whilst you get undressed - Oh no, the room was like a big cupboard with boxes in the corner, there was bright lights and I had to undress in front of the woman (she didn't leave the room!).  And to top it all, when I had to roll over she didn't hold up a towel to protect my modesty like they usually do - I think the Finnish are a lot more relaxed about nakedness than we are!