"A Week I'll Never Forget"
I went to Lapland excited to go on a hunting trip in what I had heard was an untouched landscape. Due to illness in the family I ended up traveling alone, and though I have seen much of America with its vast mountain ranges and deep forests, nothing could have prepared me for the jaw-dropping beauty I encountered as soon as I got off the plane in Ivalo. Driving to Villa Sarmi, reindeer were crossing the road. I even missed my exit because I was too focused on the landscape.
You get to Villa Sarmi by boat, and my ride was Mika N., who during my stay ended up becoming a true friend, even inviting me into his home for a traditionall kahvi ja pulla. If Finns are supposed to be quiet and reserved, Mika didn't get the memo, because he was so welcoming, and who also took me fishing and hare hunting. His knowledge of Lapland is better than any encyclopedia, and he cooks dinner quickly and easily anywhere when you get hungry.
The cabin was as promised, remote, but so beautiful and not lacking a thing. After long days outside it felt heavenly to heat the sauna and dip into the lake.
Autentic Boreal were so organized with the hunting trips. Everything went according to schedule and as promised, and the guides were clearly at home. The dogs were well-trained and performed impeccably, I was most impressed.
I never wanted to leave. (Actually, I want to move to Lapland, just need to get the missus onboard with the plan...) It is a truly wild land, and the men and women who live there are simply put, good people. I've never felt so welcomed nor so at home. Nothing about my trip felt touristy, though I was a tourist from Florida. Everyone were so hospitable and out in the wilderness, hunting and fishing, it felt like you created true bonds with the people. I can't wait to go back and experience more seasons, hike more, hunt different animals and see the people I met again.
This was a week I'll never forget. And as much as I want to help Autentic Boreal to grow, I don't want too many people to know about it either....
Thank you for everything, from the bottom of my heart. Kiitos paljon ja nähdään pian! See - you even taught me some Finnish!
- Steve
