Poronpolku sparkles

There is gold in the valley. That's true. My thoughts inevitably wander in that direction, because many people have already found this valuable currency. On a sunny autumn day, gold panners sit with calm eyes and satisfied faces at the lean-tos and rest areas of Poronpolku. I saw this over the weekend, and I noticed something similar when I quickly glanced in the mirror at home.

Decades ago, people bravely searched for precious metals in difficult conditions on the edges of the earth and might even get rich. Now, seekers find resources and peace of mind in nature. There are other nice things to grab onto your jacket, your own activity and the number of repetitions multiply as good health and fitness. Not much financial investment is needed either, shoes suitable for walking on trails are already in many people's hallways, and a mountain bike can be rented in case of an emergency.

We'll still measure, even though I don't know the weight unit.

Proposal: Add a “balance sheet of movement and stopping in nature” to the various balance sheets of companies. I bet it would bring many positive effects, perhaps even euros. Why couldn't it also be used by municipalities and public administration. That way, decision-makers could have their own picnic day or campfire parliament, and there would at least be a low threshold for meeting residents.

I'm starting to believe in the power of repetition and familiarity. I've already walked along the Poronpolku trails and the forests and beaches of Loppe in recent years. But walking a longer, continuous route ties the stages together and gives an even stronger experience that I hope everyone from baby to grandpa will discover this region. Does your neighbor or friend know where Lepakkolaavu or Luutasuo is? Get excited, go as a couple or with families, or in the best company by yourself. Even a mental health professional would like the experience, isn't he somewhere around here?

The routes and prepared rest areas of the reindeer trail are well-chosen and varied, there are accessible places, and you can cross the marshes with dry feet on planks. After mountain biking, the experience is richer, although the muscle sensations of a beginner are expected and the oddities are amusing.

Free-style and brilliantly

The last weekend of September has a lot to offer. The events on the Reindeer Trail are a great example of how decades of regular and persistent work to maintain and improve the nature trails are rewarded. Visitors are satisfied and tell others about their experiences. After all, the otherwise respectable 54 implementations would not have been possible if the organizers did not have a burning desire to succeed and even new generations have been involved. On Sunday, we will meet a large group of nature lovers from all over southern Finland. On Saturday, the trails will be filled with hundreds of cyclists for the Reindeer Trail Walk.

Johan, this is accumulating valuable gems for the winter. I wish the lovers who found each other (again) at summer festivals and cultural events would warm up by the campfire in the twilight of an autumn night. Komio, Pilkutin and Marskin Maja. Here we come!

Text and images, Johanna Heikkilä FM

The author enjoys nature, is enthusiastic about everything, and always wants to go on a trip.