I decided to go on a road trip during Easter. The decision was quick and made in the moment, as was the destination. I haven't been to Inari before, just driven through quickly. I’ve long wanted to see Lake Inari, often referred to as the sea of Lapland.

I transformed the car into a bedroom with a sleeping pad and two sleeping bags. There was also room for my backcountry skis for spontaneous day trips, photography gear, and food and drinks—everything a person needs to live. And of course, my authorized adventure companion, Papu.

A friend gave me a few tips about the Inari area: the Juutuanjoki river, flowing near the center, would likely be free of ice by this time of year and would be flowing wildly toward Lake Inari. I also spotted a village called Nellim near the eastern border on the map, where I impulsively decided to go without any major plans.

The Juutuanjoki was flowing freely and powerfully. It started as a small stream, where one could ski with a light heart, but soon swelled as turquoise ice floes gave way to a roaring rapid. A new, beautiful suspension bridge has been built over it, providing a prime spot to admire the rushing waters of the rapids.

I arrived in Nellim in the evening, still in daylight, as darkness doesn’t fall until around ten. Nellim presented itself as a village with a few houses and a guesthouse that seemed to be popular among fishermen and hunters, surrounded by vast forests and the southeastern corner of Lake Inari.

I planned to ski to Nellimvaarra, from which I thought I would enjoy stunning views of the lake. However, I didn’t realize that the hill is located in the border zone between Russia and Finland, where entry is prohibited without permission. The yellow warning signs dotted along the edge of the forest, emblazoned with large letters, didn’t entice me to test how strictly the border is guarded.

I changed my plans and skied to the log flume built during the war, which is now a museum, between Lake Nellim and Paksuvuonon. I spent the day admiring the small, wooden bridge over the tame rapids between the lakes. The sweet, clear-watered rapids were just as captivating as the potential lake views from Nellimvaara. A few snowmobilers passed by, but otherwise, I spent the entire day without seeing or hearing anyone. Near the eastern border, you often get to enjoy your solitude.

I found new inspiration from the roadside and my trips. Apparently, I need a change of scenery to get new ideas and energy. The trip did me good, and I got the idea to make a video for the first time in a long while. Filming means a lot to me; it’s a way to organize my thoughts, channel my creativity, and share with others what I get to experience here in the beautiful northern nature.

I hope that through my pictures and videos, I can share at least a small part of the freedom and happiness I find on these adventures. Thank you for being here to share it with me <3

♥: Sanna