By Angel Alma

This summer the important word is WATER. Nature is thirsty, wildfires rage, and the demand for water grows. Finland has been lucky so far, although we have a history of wildfires too.

The South East experiences sporadic, gentle rain, yielding lush greenery in lawns and gardens. We had some heavy showers, with streets flooding, but that didn’t last long. It was worse in central Finland where smaller roads even crashed.

Water is essential also for mum. You could call her slightly obsessed, as she must visit the waterside several times a week if possible. Our former home was by the sea in the Helsinki region, followed by many years in Finnish Lakeland. The biggest lake in the country, Saimaa, was almost on the doorstep. Mum swam post-work, even through winter, through an ice hole.

This passion for water started as a child during the long summer holidays by Lake Saimaa. Her family had a summer cottage, like many Finns do. Swimming occurs mornings, on numerous occasions daily, and certainly in the evenings following sauna use.

A few years ago she learned that this is called wild swimming. One style is running in deep water using a special vest, but we do that mostly in swimming pools. You can also walk and maybe do some gym moves in waist-high water.  

My brother Aimo and I went swimming too, not on purpose, but jumping after Mum. Imagine a flying cat! We appeared that way, retreating quickly toward the pier. Aimo even waded in the shallow water. He had Norwegian Forest cat heritage, and they catch fish.

Mum often drives to nearby lakes or rivers, sometimes just to sit and enjoy the sounds of the water. A park pond offers more than nothing.

The big river Kymijoki flows through this region towards the Gulf of Finland. Scenic trails for walking and cycling now line the banks.

For those who like waterside action, there is a resort area with an amusement park, Aquapark, cottages and bikes for rent, beach volleyball courts and a diving platform. This summer’s speciality is a sand art exhibition by local artists.

Our lakes are mostly clean, although blue algae can be a pain, especially in hot summers. Periodically, the Gulf of Finland waters resemble thick, green soup. Authorities collected samples from popular beaches; results here were “excellent” when Mum last checked.

Finns call the first swim of the year “throwing your winter fur away”. Mum plans to do that, though she has not yet. Maybe in August when beaches are quiet and the water is “warm”, meaning about +20 Celsius. If you ask me, I’ll rather keep my winter fur on and my summer one dry. Licky baths, of course, make an exception.