VLOTR [8]: Savojärvi Circuit 

Ob this day, Gabriela and I decided to go and visit Kurjenrahka National Park, which is located about 50km from Turku, for the first time, and this time we would have company, namely my mum! Despite her mobility issues (she uses a rollator), it’s important to be as active as possible, in both body and mind, and my mum was certainly up for a nice day out!
The plan was for me to do the Savojärvi Circuit trail, while my mum relaxed at the lakeside outdoor area, and I would then join her for a picnic afterwards; and fortunately, the weather was absolutely stunning, so our spirits were high from the outset. On the way, we made a quick pit stop at Lieto to buy some snacks and drinks for our picnic, and then it was off into the beautiful Finnish countryside of Southwest Finland. After about another 30 minutes of easy driving, we’d arrived at Savojärvi.
Without delay, I set off. This 6.5km short hike around the lake would be a good introduction to the quite extensive 300km trail network in Kurjenrahka National Park; and it was also the best choice, as I didn’t want my mum to be stuck on her own for too long. As it turned out, she ended up talking with lots of other park visitors, so hardly even missed me!
Anyway, a little more about Kurjenrahka. It was established in 1998 and covers an area of 29 square kilometers. The area is mainly made up of marshes and bogs, but it also includes primeval forests, some of which have been unmanaged for over 150 years. The Eurasian lynx is a permanent resident here, as are some brown bears and gray wolves. There are also many bird species, including stately long-legged cranes and curious woodland owls. The park is suitable for visitors of all ages and is open all year around. The yard area of the Kurjenpesä Nature Information hut (Kurjenrahkan Luontotupa) is suitable for visitors with mobility difficulties, including a short easy-access nature trail that begins and ends there.
Even though completing the circuit at walking pace wouldn’t have taken too long, I actually decided to fast-pack it, that is, alternating walking and jogging. With the amazing ambience of the surrounding nature, my body just wanted to move with more vigor, and so I obeyed its wishes. Running again after such a long break, even though they were only relatively short sections, felt simply sublime!
Once back at base, we enjoyed a relaxed picnic and chat. Then, once our coffees had been drunk, and the mini cinnamon rolls had all been scoffed down, it was time for my mum, Gabby and me to make our way back home to Turku. What a wonderful day it was, and I was also very happy that my mum got to see something more than just the urban views around her seniors apartment. So, there’s a very good chance that we’ll be doing more such day trips, or even longer ones, this summer.
Be blessed.
Jyri
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I'm an Australian-Finn, now in the second half century of life. I'm an intrepid nomad and professional coach possessed with a keen curiosity to explore the world around me, and to keep discovering and learning new things.
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