100 meter commute to the office from the hotel. Free bikes at the hotel. And a nice beach a bike ride away. Cannot complain!
Full story
June 2018
Tegelhagens Badplats, Sollentuna, Sweden
Biking (Bike-City,Track-Trail,Track-Road,Outdoor); Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Sea,Beach)
For the last two days, I've had the opportunity to be trained for techniques that are needed to traverse vertical cave shafts.
Full story
June 2018
Myllypuron Urheiluhalli, Helsinki, Finland
Caving (Man-Made); Climbing
More after-work bunker scouting. I thought I had already explored all the underground structures in the northern Korvlinjen, but apparently not. This "batteri" as they called it is a set of defence structures for guns, with small tunnels going from one structure to the next.
Full story
May 2018
Karby batteri 1, Täby, Sweden; Karby batteri 2, Täby, Sweden; Karby batteri 3, Täby, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Mystery metal hut. I was looking for an entrance to a tunnel I saw in Rotebro, but was in the end unable to find a way in. I did, however, find an odd, round metal hut at the top of the cliffs.
Full story
May 2018
Metal hut, Rotebro, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Buildings); Sauna
Benvengudo, near Arles, France. Nice pool!
Full story
May 2018
Benvengudo, Arles, France
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
While in France, I happened to get a number of brochures for tourist caves. One of these brochures was about the Chauvet Cave, the cave with earliest known paintings from 30 000+ years ago. But, that cave is off limits to visitors, so they built a replica of the cave nearby!
Full story
May 2018
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Caving (None); Travel
I was on my way to Marseille for a conference. And on the way observing other interesting things... like caves.
Full story
(TGR version)
May 2018
Baume Obscure Cave, Cote d'Azur, France
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
Wow, that was a nice tour. Another brief cave visit while driving to my conference, but this time with a specialist guide, Eric, who has been exploring the depths of this cave.
Full story
(TGR version)
May 2018
Grotte de Saint Cézaire, Cote d'Azur, France
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
45 minutes before I need to be at the airport. But I'm sweaty. Is there a sauna that I could visit? Yes there is. Santa's sauna.
Full story
May 2018
Santasport, Rovaniemi, Finland
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
While in Rovaniemi, of course I needed to stop at Ounasvaara, the local and legendary ski hill. They were also equally obviously no longer open, but obviously I hiked up.
Full story
May 2018
Ounasvaaran hiihtokeskus, Rovaniemi, Finland
Skiing
Will software update be enough or should I stop at the repair shop?
Full story
May 2018
Pyhä, Finland
Skiing; Equipment
Coming back from Pyhä and Ruka, we had a day to spend in Rovaniemi. So we visited among other things the Arktikum museum. Complete with a northern lights simulator!
Full story
May 2018
Arktikum, Rovaniemi, Finland
History
Reject spring. Ski in Pyhä! Party glasses on and champagne in backpack!
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
April 2018
Pyhä, Finland
Skiing
I'm feeling a bit alone here. The tunnel ends are too far to see even that pinhole of light. I'm in a long railway tunnel on the Petite Ceinture, the "little belt", an abandoned (I think) rail system under Paris.
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
April 2018
Old Charonne Station, Paris, France
Urban-Exploration (Tunnels); Caving (Man-Made)
Jeff and I were taking a walk after our meeting in Paris, and happened to run into an "elevated linear park", the Coulée verte René-Dumont. Such a beautiful creation! Also with some old railway tunnels.
Full story
April 2018
Coulée verte René-Dumont, Paris, France
Urban-Exploration (Tunnels); Hiking
Well, that was dangerous. We're very careful when we visit blown-up bunkers. But, we did not expect intentional traps, at least not recent ones. Next to a bunker in Siuntio, Jarmo almost fell into a 5-meter deep well that was covered with fresh tree branches. Would he have hurt himself if he fell in, or even if not, would he have been able to get out if he was alone? Who does this sort of thing?!
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
April 2018
Ansabunkkeri, Siuntio, Finland; Kallionreunan bunkkeri, Siuntio, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made); Hiking
Ski pole bouquet, five poles! Should be enough for redundancy, now.
Full story
April 2018
Ski Service, Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland; Ylläs, Finland
Equipment; Skiing
To be honest, I did not expect much. My old helmet was broken in the back, I was flying to the Ylläs competition next day, and the Ski Service shop was closing. They had only helmet model that was even close to what I was looking for. I had to buy it.
Full story
April 2018
Ski Service, Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland; Ylläs, Finland
Equipment; Skiing
Many things are better in Sweden than in Finland. Take their appreciation of small city airports, for instance. Bromma is a small but thriving airport in Stockholm. Whereas in Finland... the idiots are tearing down a historic airport.
Full story
April 2018
Bromma Airport, Stockholm, Sweden
Travel; Flying
I had a long day at my Kista office today, but on the way back to the airport I managed to scout ruins of fortifications and bunkers at Tivoliberget in Bergshamra, Solna, near Stockholm.
Full story
April 2018
Bunker, Bergshamra, Solna, Sweden; Ruins, Bergshamra, Solna, Sweden; Fortifications, Bergshamra, Solna, Sweden
Caving (Man-Made); Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Ruins)
Tero and I are joining the Ylläs 24h race. They hold the ski lifts running for 24 hours straight... and whoever skis most vertical, wins. There will be no rest :-)
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
April 2018
Ylläs, Finland
Skiing
My old helmet broke (maybe in transport), and since parts are now sticking out, I needed a new one. I got a helmet with an integrated visor, and it will be interesting to see how it works.
Full story
April 2018
Ski Service, Pitäjänmäki, Helsinki, Finland
Equipment
Olli and I went to Sepänkylä to visit more bunkers, and to fly our drones. We found a standard Soviet Porkkala bunker model, relatively intact except for the room under the gun hole. But what wonderful flowstone!
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
April 2018
Sepänkylän metsäbunkkeri, Sepänkylä, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Man-Made); Urban-Exploration (Bunkers)
April 2nd and the Easter. I'm back from the US, and far too jet lagged, but managed to go out on a walk in Kauniainen. Walked around the lake, through the small nature reserve swamp, through the underground tunnels... and also saw an easter bunny :-)
Full story
April 2018
Gallträsk, Kauniainen, Finland
Hiking
When visiting the Big Bear Lake ski areas, I stayed one night in the village, and obviously had to try their pool. Even if there was no sauna...
Full story
March 2018
Big Bear Frontier, Big Bear Lake, California, USA
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
The service industry is about experiences rather than products. These guys have taken that to the heart, also in a refreshingly honest manner!
Full story
March 2018
Home of the Hangover, Big Bear Lake, California, USA
Other
Cave of Munits is a wonderful cave and a sacred site on Simi Hills in San Fernando Valley, half an hour from Los Angeles downtown.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
March 2018
Cave of Munits, Los Angeles, California, USA*; Bronson Caves, Los Angeles, California, USA**
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Sandstone,Morphology-Other,Basic); Caving** (Man-Made); Urban-Exploration** (Tunnels,Quarries)
Another guest blog article from Jarmo: He found a previously unmarked and unmapped bunker from Stubböle area.
Full story
March 2018
Stubbölen peltobunkkeri, Inkoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers)
Another guest blog entry from Jarmo: When I visited Stubböle a few months ago with Jari and Olli we met some local people. They pointed us to a bunker that is not shown in any maps. At that time we did not have time to check it. When Eino wanted to join me on a Sunday adventure in a perfect sunny weather we decided to go and check this bunker.
Full story
March 2018
Stubbölen iso bunkkeri, Inkoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers)
Another guest blog entry from Jarmo: Perfect winter finally arrived and sea and lakes are frozen. Time to go skiing at the sea and at the same time check for some potential bunker locations at the islands.
Full story
March 2018
Södra Svartö bunkkeri 1, Inkoo, Finland; Södra Svartö bunkkeri 2, Inkoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers)
The winter is running out, and even the HR department though that I had too little vacation. So I decided to take some last-minute cheap flights to Romania to ski in my #57th country.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
March 2018
Sinaia, Romania
Skiing; Urban-Exploration (Ruins)
When you have to make a call... you will find the way.
Full story
March 2018
Sinaia, Romania
Skiing; Urban-Exploration (Ruins)
Last year I bought a book on ancient rock paintings in Finland. There's a painting nearby that is very hard to reach, but with the recent low temperatures, Jarmo and I figure we could cross the lake to go see it.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
March 2018
Juusjärven kalliomaalaukset, Kirkkonummi, Finland
History; Hiking; Urban-Exploration (Historic-Sites)
Saw a magazine about Porkkala in the shop today. Bought it and need to read it, it will be interesting to see what material they've got, and if there's any discussion of the bunkers.
Full story
February 2018
S-Market Grani, Kauniainen, Finland
History
Volvo... again. Generator replaced now, but it also needs a new cooler, new clutch, new exhaust pipe and eight other things. And, most seriously, to fix leaks, a new fuel system and I only have a month to put in. And there are no new parts for it, and my car is from the youngest batch, so no old good parts either. The repair shop will probably build something though. Many troubles to overcome, $$$ to spend.
Full story
March 2018
Autofit Latokaski, Espoo, Finland
Car
Kiven kivi? Today's trip to look for cave underneath the large boulder in Nurmijärvi that may have inspired Aleksis Kivi in the writing of a the first significant Finnish language novel, "Seitsemän veljestä" (seven brothers). And there was a nice, 10m meter cave under the rock.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
February 2018
Hiidenkiven luola, Nurmijärvi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Boulders,Basic,Surveying); History
I visited the Itäkeskus swimming hall after many years of not being there. It is one of my favourite community swimming pools.
w Full story
February 2018
Itäkeskuksen uimahalli, Helsinki, Finland
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Underground,Waterbody-Pool)
1/ It is -15C 2/ I had a nice smoke sauna & dip to lake 3/ But my car... dead. Now waiting for the tow truck.
Full story
February 2018
Kuusijärvi, Vantaa, Finland
Sauna (Smoke); Swimming (Outdoor,Ice,Water,Waterbody-Lake,Beach)
I wonder what happens to human-made underground structures, when enough time passes by? Will they turn into caves. or cave-like environments, eventually?
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
February 2018
Solbackan bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
I went for a swim in the Allas Sea Pool today, again. Except that now it is February, and it is -5 C outside.
Full story
February 2018
Allas, Helsinki, Finland
Swimming (Outdoor,Ice,Beach,Water,Waterbody-Pool); Sauna
Europe... the continent of many countries. So many that it is difficult to ski all of them... but on Christmas break I was able to visit Croatia, and finally ski its nice ski areas. What a wonderful experience to ski on mountains towering above the Adriatic Sea, sunshine, powder...
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
December 2017
Sljeme ski area, Zagreb, Croatia; Platak ski area, Soboli, Croatia
Skiing
Janne and I visited Interlaken, and stayed at the Grand Hotel Beau Rivage. A grand, old style hotel, and I of course also wanted to visit their pool & saunas department.
Full story
January 2018
Grand Hotel Beau Rivage, Interlaken, Switzerland
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Uh... a museum... a ride... of chocolate. But we are in Switzerland, so it is all as expected.
Full story
January 2018
Swiss Museum of Transport, Luzern, Switzerland
Food
Jarmo and I have been looking for a lost cave. The Finnish Caves book notes a rumour of the "Skevabackgrotta" cave in Kirkkonummi, but does not give exact location. And notes that the cave entrance has collapsed.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
January 2018
Peuramaan pieni vaakahalkeama, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Peuramaan pieni pystyhalkeama, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Peuramaan pikku halkeama ja juuttuneet kivet, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Peuramaan luola-hiidenkirnu, Kirkkonummi, Finland**; Peuramaan iso vaakahalkeama, Kirkkonummi, Finland*
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Erosion,Basic)
We got a chance to fly Aeroflot on our trip to Kazakhstan... I was hoping for a real historic Soviet experience, and Tupolevs. Or at least a Sukhoi Superjet. But no, sadly I was disappointed.
Full story
February 2018
Almaty Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan; Sheremetyevo Airport, Khimki, Russia; Helsinki-Vantaa, Vantaa, Finland
Travel; Flying
It turned out that our hotel, the Uyut in Almaty had a sauna, and a small jacuzzi. The sauna was almost too hot, and there was no way to throw water on it.
Full story
January 2018
Hotel Uyut, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Good morning Kazakhstan! More room to think about stuff. And search for that turn.
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
January 2018
Shymbulak, Almaty, Kazakhstan; Almaty Airport, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Skiing; Travel
Maps of the Peuramaa area in Kirkkonummi show a pothole or devil's churn near the ski area. Jarmo and I set out to find that, along with other potentially interesting features in the neighbourhood.
Full story
January 2018
Peuramaan pyöreä hiidenkirnu, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Hiking
Hiking in the woods of Kirkkonummi, thinking about life, universe, and everything. And keeping an eye open for that rumored cave somewhere.
Full story
January 2018
Peuramaan luola-hiidenkirnu, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Erosion)
It was worth waking up at 6:45am for this. If I wanted to visit the Upper House Spa at the 20th floor of this Göteborg skyscraper, I had go early before my meetings.
Full story
January 2018
Upper House, Göteborg, Sweden
Swimming (Indoor,Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool); Sauna
I was determined to find a few hours on some evening, even if my meeting seemed to be running from 8am to at least 8pm or even 10pm... but then the local ski hill closed.
Full story
(TGR version)
January 2018
Isaberg ski area, Hestra, Sweden
Skiing
A quick set of runs in Switzerland... of Hyvinkää. Small local hill. I was here as a kid long time ago and it looked different. I only now understand why... they moved it :-)
Full story
(TGR version)
January 2018
Hyvinkään Sveitsi, Hyvinkää, Finland; Hyvinkään Sveitsin hiihtokeskus, Hyvinkää, Finland
Skiing
The Swiss Museum of Transport in Luzern had also nice displays about the building of the Gotthard Base Tunnel. And the tunnel boring machine's sharp end!
Full story
January 2018
Swiss Museum of Transport, Luzern, Switzerland
History; Urban-Exploration (Tunnels)
Kuusijärvi smoke sauna and beach. Great public sauna, maybe best around Helsinki (?)
Full story
January 2018
Kuusijärvi, Vantaa, Finland
Sauna (Smoke); Swimming (Ice,Water,Waterbody-Lake,Outdoor)
At the Swiss Transport Museum, we were able to visit Auguste Picard, a passenger sub built for the 1964 World Expo.
Full story
January 2018
Swiss Museum of Transport, Luzern, Switzerland
History
Janne and I visited the Swiss Transport museum in Luzern, and were able to visit the Convair CV-990 "Coronado", in the cabin.
Full story
January 2018
Swiss Museum of Transport, Luzern, Switzerland
Flying
While I was travelling for work and fun for the last couple of weeks, Jarmo had scouted several bunker sites. His visit to an incredibly large bunker in Siuntio's Östersolberg provoked our interest as well, and last Saturday Janne, Olli, and me went there as well.
Full story
(TGR version)
January 2018
Knapantien suuri bunkkeri, Östersolberg, Siuntio, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Jarmo, Olli and me explored the Stubböle area on Sunday, and played around with drones. This area is in Siuntio, on the Soviet occupation area of Porkkala, and they seem to have had bunkers on every little hill around the fields.
Full story
(TGR version)
January 2018
Säiliön raunio, Stubböle, Inkoo, Finland; Pohjoinen bunkkeri, Kasabergen, Stubböle, Inkoo, Finland; Eteläinen bunkkeri, Kasabergen, Stubböle, Inkoo, Finland; Kellari, Sunnankärrsbergen, Stubböle, Inkoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
After some prodding from friends in the Finnish Caving Society, I finally decided that I should travel to my first caving conference, the EuroSpeleo!
Full story
January 2018
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Caving (None)
Einstein museum! I did not know there was one in the world. As we were returning from Interlaken with Janne, stopping at the museum in Bern was easy.
Full story
January 2018
Bernisches Historisches Museum, Bern, Switzerland
History
Another guest blog entry from Jarmo: I have done some Bunker hunting with kids during the last few weeks. In December I did a walk in the forest with Eino. First we visited a natural cairn that was in a list of prehistoric sites maintained by National Board of Antiquities (Museovirasto).
Full story
January 2018
Dalkullan kivikasa, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Lödängen bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Knapantien mahdollinen bunkkeri, Östersolberg, Siuntio, Finland; Knapantien suljettu bunkkeri, Östersolberg, Siuntio, Finland; Knapantien ilmeisesti tuhottu bunkkeri, Östersolberg, Siuntio, Finland; Knapantien suuri bunkkeri, Östersolberg, Siuntio, Finland; Sarfvikin liittymän bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Memorial)
Janne and I were in Switzerland, and we met Barry, the famous St. Bernard dog.
Full story
January 2018
Museum of Natural History, Bern, Switzerland
History
For sale: cosy apartment with flower decorations, strongly built, safe and in the middle of nature. In good condition. Also largely underground and abandoned 100 years ago.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
January 2018
Lugnetfortet trenches, Arninge, Stockholm, Sweden; Lugnetfortet, Arninge, Stockholm, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
I thought I was being smart, staying at a cheap hotel, at a Stockholm suburb I've never been to before, Järva. But there were surprises...
Full story
January 2018
Ibis Järva, Järva, Stockholm, Sweden
Sauna
Eve of the eve... not much time, heavy rain, slush on the road... but I wanted to get out and about. And visit another bunker.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
December 2017
Tammitien bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
The Lynx map about the remnants of Soviet occupation in Porkkala pointed to a bunker in Vårnäs, next to Kabanovintie. But, I think what's on the site is more likely remains of farm houses and wells/sewers.
Full story
December 2017
Vårnäsin rauniot, Porkkala, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Ruins)
Another guest blog entry from Jarmo: Before visiting a very nice bunker in Fagerkulla with Jari, I went to a walk in a forest. The plan was to visit some interesting spots I had found from a map. I did not expect to see any bunkers but when I stepped out of the car I saw a bunker just a few meters from me.
Full story
December 2017
Sepänkyläntien parkkipaikan bunkkeri, Sepänkylä, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Jarmo and I were scouting for bunkers or other interesting underground findings on Sunday. Besides finding the inaccessible Ingels bunker, we found no other bunker despite the promise from the Lynx information that there'd be a "ruins / bunker". There was only ruins!
Full story
December 2017
Juoksuhauta 1, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Juoksuhauta 2, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Juoksuhauta 3, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Huvilan rauniot, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kivipöytä, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Juoksuhauta 4, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Rantamökin rauniot, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kukkulan rauniot 1, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kukkulan rauniot 2, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kukkulan rauniot 3, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kukkulan juoksuhauta 1, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Kukkulan juoksuhauta 2, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Mahdollinen louhos, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Sisällissodan muistomerkki, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Ruins,Quarries,Trenches)
Jarmo and I visited the Ingels bunker. Unfortunately, it turned out that we could only find a concrete slab, and found no way to enter or peek inside, or even figure out if there was anything underneath.
Full story
December 2017
Bunkkeri, Ingels, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
I went for a sauna and swim in the Allas Seapool today. Late arrival, after 8pm... and they were already closing at 9pm.
Full story
December 2017
Allas, Helsinki, Finland
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool); Sauna
I had a tough week, basically trying to survive on 4-5 hours of sleep for every night, due to travel and meetings. I had talked about possibly exploring something with my friend Jarmo on Saturday. But by the time I woke up, it was already afternoon...
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
December 2017
Fagerkullan bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
This is a difficult bunker to get to. Not because being covered by dirt or blown up. But the whole area is guarded by, well, people who do not like other people to visit their part of the country. I have seen plenty of blocked roads, but the Sarvvik people have managed to block more than ten square kilometres of land.
Full story
December 2017
Näsbacken bunker, Sarvvik, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
The "Shades of Death Road" address was odd, but the day and the nature was wonderful. I found the Faerly Hole cave easily on the shores of the Ghost Lake, and walked in. It wasn't before I had crawled through a small hole that I realised something the rock walls above me were covered in layers of spiders and crickets. Thick enough to form a dark mass. And that mass had now awakened and was dropping and jumping on me.
Full story
December 2017
Faerly Hole, Jenny Jump State Forest, New Jersey, USA
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic); Hiking
I finally managed to test the pool area in the Homewood Suites hotel in Reno. It was OK, even if there was no sauna... at least there was a hot jacuzzi! :-)
Full story
December 2017
Homewood Suites by Hilton, Reno, Nevada, USA
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Sacred cave. Sacred place. Secret place. This place has suffered, but is still sacred for those who believe in it.
Full story
November 2017
Sacred cave, Nevada, USA
Caving (Rock,Morphology-Erosion,Basic); Climbing; Urban-Exploration (Historic-Sites)
Made the classic "SIN to HEL" trip again.
Full story
November 2017
Helsinki-Vantaa, Vantaa, Finland
Flying; Travel
Eight days inside a shopping mall. Enough! The question for the ninth day though was if I could find something interesting. Are there any caves in Singapore? There was scant information in the Internet, but it seemed like there could be beach caves on the Sentosa island, if we only could find low enough tide moment to reach them.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
November 2017
Cave 1, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 2, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 3, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 4, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 5, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 6, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Cave 7, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore*; Triangle stone, Sentosa, Singapore, Singapore**
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Sandstone,Morphology-Erosion,Basic); Hiking**
No swim for you Sir... because thunderstorm. Ok, but at least I got wet from the rain as I walked to the pool at the Swissotel & Fairmont Singapore.
Full story
November 2017
Fairmont Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
Swimming (None)
I arrived... and needed a sauna. Or at least an excuse to completing that document. Actually, I really needed a sauna to wash off travel and to warm me up from the freezing aircon climate.
Full story
November 2017
Fairmont Hotel, Singapore, Singapore
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Mmm... should have ordered this.
Full story
November 2017
Tatsu, Singapore, Singapore
Food
Today's exercise was to visit the Jolkby and Lindal bunkers near Kirkkonummi center. The designation "Command Bunker" promised much, but unfortunately, we could not get in. Digging might help, but while the tunnel started promisingly, it ended in dirt and a big stone. But we were able to enter the one in Lindal!
Full story
(TGR version)
November 2017
Lindalin bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Komentobunkkeri, Joklby, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Leikkijuoksuhauta, Jolkby, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jolkbyn potero 1, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jolkbyn potero 2, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Trenches,Vehicles); Caving (Man-Made)
Olli and I went again to the Kalasberget bunker, to take some video and drone footage. It continues to be an amazing-looking bunker in the middle of the forest. Olli took some great pictures, and we got decent drone footage, too. The drone took some hits though.
Full story
November 2017
Bunkkeri 1, Kalasberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Buildings); Caving (Man-Made)
An abandoned cowshed? Or abandoned building to store abandoned cars? Not sure. But it is for sure about to collapse. The concrete looks very shaky. We were on top of the building before realising how sketchy this was.
Full story
November 2017
Hylätty navetta, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Buildings)
I visited the "GoExpo" this weekend, the merge of previously separate Vapaalaskuiltamat (Freeskiing Festival), Helsinki Adventure Night, and SkiExpo.
Full story
November 2017
Messukeskus, Helsinki, Finland
Skiing; Climbing
The darkness falls early, before 4pm. Exit from the office then at 15:10, while having a conference call as you ride an Uber again; fortunately, the call ends by the time I am at the bunker.
Full story
October 2017
Gribbylundsfortet, Täby, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Visited the Memory Hotel sauna. Free, but needs to be reserved. Sauna reservations are not my thing. But not a bad sauna at all! There's also a pool.
Full story
October 2017
Memory Hotel, Kista, Sweden
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Guest writer article from Jarmo: There was snow and rain, kids did not want to join and I had a schedule mismatch with Jari so I decided to stay at home. But after a while I figured that it would be nice to do some Sunday walk in the forest anyway. From local orienteering club Lynx map I had checked a bunker with an interesting description, "blasted big bunker".
Full story
October 2017
Kärinberget quarry, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Quarries)
Project! Having done the survey work last year for Korkberget, the massive cave (in Finnish class, at least), this fall I've been trying to visit other underground places in Kirkkonummi. And I have now visited and surveyed all nine known/reachable caves in Kirkkonummi. There's three more but they are either on military area, their location is not known, or they have collapsed.
Full story
(TGR version)
October 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Caving (Surveying,Research)
Busy busy... more than half of my weekend goes to editing documents. But I decided I would too today go out, once I complete the doc. I should be able to still go out at 4pm, with sunset at 5.30pm. Except that by the time I'm hopping onto my car, I realise the daylight savings change is making the sunset at 4.30pm. Sigh. But no matter, I have a head lamp. Onwards!
Full story
October 2017
Viinakallion luola, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic,Surveying); Hiking
Another weekend, another set of bunkers. Today me, Jarmo, and Velma went to explore further bunkers in the Sonnimäki and Kalasberget area. We found two interesting bunkers.
Full story
October 2017
Bunkkeri 2, Sonnimäki, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Bunkkeri 1, Kalasberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Bunkkeri 1, Sonnimäki, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
While searching for possible bunkers, we came across a tiny roof cave. Probably not enough to be classify as a cave, but now that I've seen it, I wanted to record its location.
Full story
October 2017
Pieni lippaluola, Kalasberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
It is the usual story, a "Suomen Luolat" book tells that there's a cave at certain coordinates. But when we show up, our GPS and the coordinates don't quite match. And there are caves around, possibly several, although we're not quite sure which ones the book referred to.
Full story
October 2017
Vuorenmäen kulkurin lippaluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Vuorenmäen kulkurin lohkareluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland**; Vuorenmäen kulkurin kivenalusluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland**; Vuorenmäen kulkurin nuotioluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland**; Vuorenmäen kulkurin ylälippaluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland*
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Boulders,Basic,Surveying)
Apparently, we like caving so much that we're willing to search forests in darkness, with headlamps, to look for caves.
Full story
October 2017
Iso lippaluola, Kakarberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Pieni kulmaluola, Kakarberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Matala lippaluola, Kakarberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
I managed to stop at the small roof cave in Majvik when going to the office the other day. And took measurements. So here's a map!
Full story
October 2017
Majvikin pieni lippaluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Majvikin pienen lippaluolan sivuluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
I said that I only knew four caves in Kirkkonummi. I should have checked the Suomen Luolat book, however. Or even my own archives which said I've been to five...
Full story
October 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Caving (None)
Bunkers... where we were supposed to find a bunker was what seemed the remains of two regular houses, one with a basement. But a hundred meters away we found an almost intact Soviet bunker.
Full story
October 2017
Rauniotalo, Sonnimäki, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Rauniotalo ja kellari, Sonnimäki, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Bunkkeri 1, Sonnimäki, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Ruins,Vehicles); Caving (Man-Made)
Kirkkonummi underground <3 And Retkipaikka told us of yet another cave in Kirkkonummi.
Full story
October 2017
Gruvbölebergetin lippaluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
The flights from Sweden were incredibly booked this week, so I ended up in returning home on an airline that I've never heard of before, 2N or Nextjet. And interesting routing, via Port. And there was an interesting rust on the airplane...
Full story
October 2017
Arlanda, Sweden
Travel; Flying
On the way back to the airport and home, I stopped at the yet another place on the Korvlinjen, this time in Arninge, a village in Täby. There was supposed to be two fortresses or bunkers here. I found one fortress, but could not get in, and did not find the other one.
Full story
October 2017
Västra Arningefortet, Täby, Sweden; Östra Arningefortet, Täby, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
The 2nd Korvlinjen article was the 100th blog article I've written this year. Quite a number. I've attempted to do more explorations, often local things like caves and abandoned bunkers or interesting swimming pools, in addition to the usual skiing articles.
Full story
October 2017
Arlanda, Sweden
Travel
Mera korv, more sausage? Once again I'm in Kista, but wanted a quick outing in the evening after a long day. The answer was once again Uber to another bunker on the Korvlinjen.
Full story
October 2017
Prästgårdsfortet, Täby, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
And now, with batteries in my flashlight... I stopped at another bunker in Majvik on the way home from the office.
Full story
October 2017
Majvikin bunkkeri 2, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Ralf and I went to Torhola on Sunday to draw a map. We made some progress in that, but oh boy, there are so many problems, question marks, and on top of that, it is a lot of work in cold damp place!
Full story
October 2017
Torholan luola, Lohja, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Surveying)
There's just a little bit of warning tape, but most of it is gone. And one danger sign in a tree, visible from one direction only. The bunker is gone though, or hiding underground, with no easy way to enter. Just some holes in the ground that one needs to be careful of not stepping into.
Full story
October 2017
Killinmäen bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
Googling for more information about the Kirkkonummi bunkers, I found out more bunkers, obviously. But also a tidbit that there maybe 250-300 bunkers in the Kirkkonummi area.
Full story
October 2017
Degerbyn bunkkeri, Inkoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
It is getting dark very early in Finland, so today I stopped to see a possible bunker in Majvik on the way to the office. I found a bunker with clear entrances go inside, as well as a small roof cave on a cliff near the bunker.
Full story
October 2017
Majvikin bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Majvikin pieni lippaluola, Kirkkonummi, Finland**
Urban-Exploration* (Bunkers); Caving** (Man-Made); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
I used the "Parenteesi Suunnistuskartalle" database from Lynx and coming home from work, stopped at bunker location in Sarvvik.
Full story
October 2017
Tulikukkakujan bunkkeri, Sarvvik, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
How can one work somewhere for 25 years, and NEVER visit a lake just a few hundred meters away? I really don't know, but in my defence I went there today. And found trenches and flooded bunkers.
Full story
(TGR version)
October 2017
Jorvas bunkkeri 1, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas bunkkeritie, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas juoksuhauta, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas potero 1, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas potero 2, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas potero 3, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Jorvas potero 4, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers,Trenches); Caving (Man-Made); Hiking
Got the "Kotinurkilta kallioille -- Espoon luontokohteet" book today in mail. Very interesting, can't wait to go through this book, and what treasures it will reveal!
Full story
October 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Hiking
Is that a green mushroom, or is somebody trying to exit a forgotten and blown-up bunker? Jarmo and Eino joined today for a walk through Masala, in an effort to again find bunkers left from the Russian occupation of Kirkkonummi. We found three bunkers, one of which was very interesting. Even if dangerous.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
October 2017
Masalan bunkkeri 1, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Masalan varastorakennus, Kirkkonummi, Finland; Masalan bunkkeri 2, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made); Hiking
I've been a couple times at the Hotel Neuhintertux in Austria. A wonderful place, great saunas, very nice views from the top floor pool department, and very friendly staff. And, of course, next to one of the two around the year open ski areas in Europe.
Full story
September 2017
Hintertux, Zillertal, Austria
Travel
One of the large, round oil silos in Helsinki's Laajasalo has been decommissioned, and turned into a light show. Nice!
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October 2017
Öljysäiliö 468, Helsinki, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Silos,Industrial); Art
I've been resting my feet last couple of days, after some treatment by doctors. But today I felt the urge for at least a small visit, somewhere. Maybe an abandoned bunker from the Russian occupation times?
Full story
October 2017
Sundsberg bunkkeri, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
This is the cheap and far-away hotel for my office visits in Sweden. But it is comfortable and the staff is friendly. I like it, now even more when I realised there's a sauna.
Full story
October 2017
StayAt Kista, Stockholm, Sweden
Sauna
... or was it urban exploration? Today's evening exercise was to find an abandoned bunker in Sweden. And when I got inside, there was shooting outside. Fortunately, it turned out to be a shooting range.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
October 2017
Skogbergafortet, Täby, Sweden
Urban-Exploration (Bunkers); Caving (Man-Made)
In better daylight and with Jarmo's help we now found the quarry. I must have walked 20 meters from the quarry wall (a 10+ meter drop, btw) yesterday.
Full story
September 2017
Österbackenin päälouhos, Vantaa, Finland; Juvanmalmin louhos, Espoo, Finland; Juvanmalmin tuhottu louhos, Espoo, Finland; Österbackenin mahdollinen historiallinen louhos, Vantaa, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Quarries); Caving (Man-Made)
Today's newspaper had a story about the difficulties of the Stockmann department stories. Will they make it? However, in 1920 an even greater tragedy hit the Stockmann family and left the family house in ruins. The ruins are nearby in Kauniainen, so the day felt like a good day to visit them again.
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
September 2017
Stockmannin rauniot, Kauniainen, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Buildings,Ruins)
There's supposed to be an old quarry in Juvanmalmi. But I kept going up and down near the coordinates, but found nothing. Wrong coordinates? As the darkness came, I did manage however to put my painful foot to a hole in the ground, have it get twisted, and stuck.
Full story
September 2017
Österbackenin päälouhos, Vantaa, Finland; Österbackenin mahdollinen historiallinen louhos, Vantaa, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Quarries)
Since my foot didn't like the walk I did few days ago, an obvious thing to do was to go try more quarries, and this time climb a fence. Without noticing that the fence would have ended if we had walked 10 meters further.
Full story
September 2017
Laaksolahden kalkkikivilouhos, Espoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Quarries)
Today we visited the ruins of a gazebo in Laaksolahti (Dalsvik). The gazebo, or pavilion belonged to the Dalsvik Mansion. If all this sounds funny, in Finnish place was called "Laaksolahden kartanon huvimaja".
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September 2017
Laaksolahden kartanon huvimajan rauniot, Espoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Ruins)
Smocza Jama. Or Dragon's Den, an ancient cave. Despite the puffing, fire-breathing dragon, there's nothing to be afraid of, as long the dragon is fed enough cattle every week. Either cattle .... or equivalent number of humans.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
August 2017
Smocza Jama, Krakow, Poland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
I had an opportunity to visit a sauna in Poland. Obviously I took the opportunity!
Full story
August 2017
DoubleTree Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
I've been sick, and with painful feet problems for a long time. I wanted to get out today, to test if I can move around. Or breathe outside air. I chose to visit the Elfvik Quarries in Espoo, near Villa Elfvik.
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September 2017
Elfvikin louhos 1, Espoo, Finland; Elfvikin louhos 2 ja 3, Espoo, Finland; Elfvikin louhos 4, Espoo, Finland; Elfvikin louhos 5, Espoo, Finland; Elfvikin louhos 6, Espoo, Finland; Elfvikin louhos 7, Espoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Quarries)
Nepperi is at the center of the big controversy: is the largest cave inside Ring III in Vantaa as currently believed, or perhaps in Espoo?
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
September 2017
Nepperin luola, Espoo, Finland; Nepperin kulmalippaluola, Espoo, Finland; Nepperin sivukololuola, Espoo, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic,Surveying)
Imagine bright, white snow, gently covering a mountain. Now imagine all that snow black, dirty. Melting hard ice, covered by an accumulation of pollution and dust from air. This is reality.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
August 2017
Hintertux, Zillertal, Austria
Skiing; Health; Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
This is the world's oldest and biggest hotel room. And it is 64 meters underground, in a cave in Arizona. Sadly, we did not have money to for the night (850 USD) but we did get a tour.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
July 2017
Grand Canyon Caverns, Arizona, USA
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
Take an outside slide from the 70th floor? Yes please. But, we were a bit disappointed when the slide didn't take us all the way down, just to the balcony one floor down.
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August 2017
US Bank Tower, Los Angeles, California, USA
Sliding
A small announcement in the newspaper -- Mannerheim's bunker to open for visitors. Of course I had to go...
Full story
August 2017
Tamminiemi, Helsinki, Finland
Caving (Man-Made); Urban-Exploration (Bunkers)
For some reason, one of my favourite places in the greater Los Angeles area is Santa Monica. Maybe it is because on my first trip I stayed there, various fun memories from all my time there. Or the beach.
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August 2017
Santa Monica Beach, Santa Monica, California, USA
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Sea,Beach)
When Janne and I were in California, we made a pilgrimage to the SpaceX headquarters. In front the building stands a used Falcon 9 booster. Impressive feat of space technology!
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August 2017
Space X, Hawthorne, California, USA
Flying
Janne and I managed to see yet another space shuttle, the Endeavour at the California Science Center in Los Angeles. They also have the one remaining external fuel tank on display.
Full story
August 2017
California Science Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
Flying; History
Getting tired with my foot hurting. Another re-occurrence of the problem in May. For the last two weeks its been hurting again, on several days I've been unable to walk and on others it has been at least disturbing. All tests and X-rays show nothing. So maybe it just hurts...
Full story
August 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Health
Vegas. Glad we visited it briefly. Never been here before. But, all in all, and considering the breakfast options, I think it is time to move on.
Full story
July 2017
MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Food; Travel
I hadn't really known about this, but one of my favourite places in L.A., Santa Monica, played a large role in early commercial aviation. The Douglas Aircraft company was based here, for instance, and many iconic aircraft, DC-3 included, were designed here.
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August 2017
Museum of Flying, Santa Monica, California, USA
Flying
I never thought I'd visit a presidential library in the US. Couldn't imagine anything more boring. But, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library hosts a VC-137C SAM 27000, or more commonly known as the Air Force One.
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August 2017
Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Simi Valley, California, USA
Flying
Janne and I are on a trip through California (and few other states). We dropped by the Crystal Cave at the Sequoia National Park.
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July 2017
Crystal Cave, Sequoia National Park, California, USA
Caving (Rock,Rock-Marble,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
I'm on vacation with Janne, a road trip through western US. Our hotel in Flagstaff turned out to have a sauna. Great!
Full story
July 2017
Flagstaff Hilton Garden Inn, Flagstaff, Arizona, USA
Sauna; Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
Had plenty of meetings, but now I'm on vacation for a bit. Janne and I are headed to California for an epic road trip. With skis!
Full story
July 2017
Helsinki-Vantaa, Vantaa, Finland
Travel
When I finished my term as a chair, my friends at the IETF gave me a truly wonderful gift: skis tagged with stickers from our meetings and little notes and signatures from everyone.
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July 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Equipment
Cool. Got a certificate in the mail from the caving course earlier in the summer :-) and clearly they were focused on things that needed improvement on my side, like responsibility and safety.
Full story
July 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Caving (None)
Patrick and I share the same hobby: skiing in as many different places around the world as we can. We had run into each other in the Internet and chatted often. But I had never met him. In spring 2016 I finally got an opportunity to do that *and* go skiing in Killington for the first time.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
May 2017
Killington, Vermont, USA
Skiing
Most people visit the Askola potholes or devil's churns (hiidenkirnut in Finnish) as a part of a school trip. Me too, but it's been a long time since then. I remembered almost nothing.
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May 2017
Askolan hiidenkirnut, Askola, Finland
Hiking
The Finnish Speleological Association arranged a basic caving course in Turku in June. The course started from the basics, like crawling. A slide to teach crawling! And walking, for that we had another slide.
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June 2017
Luolavuoren luola, Turku, Finland*; Ispoisten ranta, Turku, Finland**
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic,Training); Swimming** (Outdoor)
Long meeting... but for once, I had a free Sunday morning, so I went to the sauna and pool at the Prague Hilton. Hot... spacious and well-maintained sauna.
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July 2017
Hilton Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
I had an opportunity for a brief visit to the Bozkovské Dolomitové Jeskynĕ or the Bozkov Dolomite caves. The cave system is 1060 meters long and hosts the largest underground lake in Czech Republic.
Full story
(TGR version)
July 2017
Bozkov Dolomit Caves, Bozkov, Czech Republic
Caving (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Showtour)
Late arrival... quick dinner... and then onto testing the wellness area at Dresden's Hilton hotel. Usually, hotel saunas are simple, but not this one!
Full story
July 2017
Hilton Dresden, Dresden, Germany
Sauna; Swimming (Indoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
I'm between Czech Republic and Germany, on my way to a conference. Late night arrival... tired. But, the sauna at Hotel Grunt rescued me.
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July 2017
Hotel Grunt, Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic
Sauna
This is an exceptional opportunity that only opens once a year. Janne and I are crawling in the cave, guided by friendly cavers from the Swedish Speleological Association. We get to see amazing things, from stalactites to "Inre Sjön", a small lake (or rather, a pool) a kilometer into the cave.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
June 2017
Lummelunda, Gotland, Sweden*; Kanalen, Lummelunda, Gotland, Sweden**; Bryet, Lummelunda, Gotland, Sweden***; Galgbergsgrottan, Visby, Gotland, Sweden***
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Swimming,Boating); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Digging); Caving*** (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic); Swimming* (Indoor,Underground,Water,Waterbody-Cave)
Earlier this week I was on caving at the Lummelunda caving week. Afterwards... I needed some refreshing. Sauna to the rescue!
Full story
June 2017
Lummelunda Vandrarhem, Lummelunda, Gotland, Sweden
Sauna
On a Friday night I was at the airshow in Kaivopuisto.
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June 2017
Kaivopuisto, Helsinki, Finland
Flying
I was just going to walk around in rain, but the sign for ice swimming caught my attention.
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June 2017
Allas, Helsinki, Finland
Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool); Sauna
... and we started from the basics, like crawling.
Full story
(Suomenkielinen versio)
June 2017
Cumulus Hotel, Turku, Finland
Caving (None)
It is a bad sign if you get a frequent customer card from the local military surplus store. Or the "Frequent Pig" card as they call it.
Full story
June 2017
Varusteleka, Helsinki, Finland
Caving (Equipment)
Earlier this week I took some of my colleagues to see the interesting Högberget cave, near our office. I also took some measurements, and drew a map.
Full story
June 2017
Högberget, Kirkkonummi, Finland
Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Erosion,Basic,Surveying)
I had an opportunity to get an upgrade for my room at the Tallinn Hilton Park the other day. I don't usually care for upgrades, but this one had a perk: a sauna!
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June 2017
Hilton Tallinn Park, Tallinn, Estonia
Sauna
I was searching for a place to visit this Sunday... with pretty much the only requirement being that a teenager would be interested in going. We ended up going to Kasaberget in Kirkkonummi.
Full story
June 2017
Abandoned warehouses, Strömsby, Kirkkonummi, Finland*; Kasabergetin luola, Strömsby, Kirkkonummi, Finland**
Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic,Surveying); Urban-Exploration* (Buildings,Ruins); History
I was looking for a quick, interesting exploration for Saturday morning, and finally drove up to Kalkkikallio caves (Limestone Hill caves) in Vantaa. Kalkkikallio is a rock hill area on the other side of the Ring III road from the IKEA store. The hill is next to a secluded, quiet area of houses.
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June 2017
Kalkkikallion ketunluola, Vantaa, Finland*; Kalkkikallion matalan katon luola, Vantaa, Finland**; Kalkkikallion nuotiopaikan luola, Vantaa, Finland**
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Limestone,Morphology-Karst,Basic,Surveying); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Boulders,Basic,Surveying)
Can you drive by something for 20 years, and not be aware of the wonders just few meters from the road? You can. I had not heard about the Bemböle watermill ruins.
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June 2017
Bembölen vanha mylly, Espoo, Finland
Urban-Exploration (Ruins); Caving (Man-Made)
This is how we do picnic in Finland. Rain, hail, cold, jackets, sulking under what cover we might find.
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June 2017
Vallisaaren niityn bunkkeri, Helsinki, Finland
Other; Caving (Man-Made)
This week I'm working in Kista, and it seemed like someone had hogged all hotel rooms not just in Kista but Stockholm as well. I was lucky to get one night in a hotel in Kista, and now another night in town in one of the few remaining rooms in the city.
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May 2017
Elite Palace Hotel, Stockholm, Sweden
Sauna
Yesterday we went to the Solamäki caves (Solamäen luolat) in Siuntio. We found a crack system, with a large cave hall by Finnish standards, and many interesting small cracks.
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
May 2017
Solamäen luola, Siuntio, Finland*; Solamäen luolan halkeamasivuluola, Siuntio, Finland*; Solamäen kivenalusluola, Siuntio, Finland**; Solamäen lippaluolanen, Siuntio, Finland***
Caving* (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Crack,Basic,Surveying); Caving** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Boulders,Basic,Surveying); Caving*** (Rock,Rock-Granite,Basic,Surveying)
Plenty of snow. Greatest snow! Biggest snow. How is skiing in Quebec today, on the third week of May?
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
May 2017
Mont Saint-Sauveur, Quebec, Canada; Mont Saint-Sauveur Versant Avila, Quebec, Canada; Mont Habitant, Quebec, Canada; Ski Chantecler, Quebec, Canada
Skiing
I'm wet. Cold. Sweaty. And have 16 hours of travel ahead of me. Auberge and Spa Beaux Rêves' sauna to the rescue!
Full story
May 2017
Auberge et Spa Beaux Reves, Quebec, Canada
Sauna; Swimming (Outdoor,Water,Waterbody-Pool)
I am making turns on a fresh norwegian moss, when I see something strange. A dramatic outgrowth of moss on a rock? No, it was art wrapping! The Woven Stone by Lise Wulff, a norwegian ecoartist. And a cave underneath!
Full story
(TGR version)
May 2017
Woven Stone, Hemsedal, Norway
Skiing; Caving (Rock,Rock-Granite,Morphology-Boulders,Basic)
The swelling has dissipated, the redness has reduced, and I am no longer in pain.
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May 2017
House Arkko, Kauniainen, Finland
Health
Foot barely walkable today 😟 doctor thinks it is not broken, but something else. Hurt it briefly when putting on ski boot on Saturday. Was fine then, worse now.
Full story
May 2017
Aava clinic, Helsinki, Finland
Health
This morning I woke up and asked myself what would be the most stupid thing I could do today. Can you bike to a ski hill, on your ski boots? Turns out the answer is yes. Although maybe not advisable...
Full story
(TGR version)
(Suomenkielinen versio)
May 2017
Kauniainen ski hill, Kauniainen, Finland
Skiing; Biking (Bike-Road,Track-Road,Outdoor)
On my way back from Hemsedal, I ran into a sign for a meteorite crater near the highway at Nesbyen. The Gardnos meteorite crater is the site of a 200-300m meteorite colliding with the earth 500 million years ago. It must have been quite a hit...
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May 2017
Nesbyen, Norway
Meteorites
Suffering... with no sauna after skiing. Skogstad hotel to the rescue!
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April 2017
Skogstad hotel, Hemsedal, Norway
Sauna; Food