Today we went up to an Amethyst Mine in northern Finland. We took a tour to get up there which was about 2 hours on the way up. We saw some reindeer in the woods as well as a lot of trees and snow.
Our first stop was for lunch we went to a picnic area which had a little hut on a lake. Inside the hut was a central barbecue. It had a basin with three metal posts. On each post was a little swivel tray you could use to cook on over the file. After we got there the snow really started coming down. We ate the traditional pork sausages and some other stuff like corn, mini burgers, spinach Pancakes, bread and cheese with Hot Chocolate.
We had a little bit of time to kill so we took a walk along the lake. There are paths everywhere in Finland. We even saw some big tired mountain bikers out in the snow down the paths.
All the paths are graded and they aren't little foot paths they are about 4 people wide.
Apparently taking with our guide everyone has a snowmobile or cross country skis. He also mentioned you can take multi day husky rides and camp in the little cabins scattered thought out the wilderness.
After lunch we headed up to the mine. We climbed a little bit adjacent to a ski resort. The snow was coming down pretty good so we could only see the lights of ski hills. When we hit the parking lot we started to see really different types of trees. They are skinny and have this Dr Seuss look about them. From the parking lot you take a Snowcat up the hill.
As we go the trees get shorter, stubbier and more spaced out. First we stop at a little lodge with a cafe and bathroom. Now the bathroom looks all neat from the outside and then you step into a breezy pit toilet. Having been equipped with coveralls it was an interesting challenge going to the bathroom. After the brief stop we headed up the hill even further.
At the top there were barely any trees, we passed some fence posts that look surreal all covered in icee snow.
For the mine we sat in a small little hut and had some warm juice. One thing I will say about this place everywhere you go there is a warming hut with a warm drink. Some fun facts I liked about the mine was everything is done by hand. They do not blast or use any equipment other than a small chisel and their hands. They do this to preserve the stones and the site in a sustainable way. The mine was established in the 80's and its the only one in Europe.
We mentioned the one in Arizona which he had heard about and said it was a big deal. Who knew. After the talk we were off to dig up some Amethyst. Luckily they had a little building around the dig area because its outside not in the mountain.
We were able to keep one of our finds so we each kept a small stone. Very dusty work but a fun hunt.
On the way back down we took the Snowcat again. This time as we looked out the window it reminded me of the submarine ride at Disney land except with snow and cool trees instead of underwater coral and shells.
We caught a night flight to Helsinki and will be headed to Copenhagen in the morning. Most of our flights seem to have the little stairs outside. But it was kinda cool seeing a few planes all covered in snow kinda like we had been seeing cars. Our plane had just landed so it wasn't too bad.
Now to wait until morning. Hope to try out the Finnair lounge with my One World status for breakfast. Our morning flights at 7:40a. Its going to be a long one.
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