Smoke Sauna

13, Sep. 2006 Fell Centre Kiilopaa




The reason you can see autumn colors there in early September is that it is actually chilly. So why don’t you enjoy smoke sauna? Wearing the bathing suits, then we went out of the door. A small pond was in front of us against the sunset. This kind of situation was familiar, because in Japan, there are lots of outdoor hot springs in nature just like this.

Entering the sauna shack, we had to wait some time to make our eyes accustomed to the dark. That was called smoke sauna, but there was no smoke in the shack. Just you could feel smoky and woody smell inside, which was relaxing. A wooden ladder would take you up to the loft where you can sit back and relax.

A middle aged guy and 2 ladies were there. There was a heated rock and a bucket of water. Take some water with a dipper and pour it on the rock so that the temperature would instantly go up with water vapor.

With these natural steam and smell, we were so relaxed. Of course it was hot, but it was tender hotness compared to electric heated sauna. The guy told us how great to have smoke sauna. He said that it was kind of meditation.
“Well, but some young generations don’t care about that. The can be noisy everywhere…”
He was complaining a bit. Well, he reminded us Japan, too. Complaining middle aged man in the spa resort…

We went out to cool our bodies down. We were supposed to go into the pond to soak the body in the cold water. The water was actually ice-cold, so I only was able to soak up to my knees. One of the lady also came out, then she jumped into the ice-cold water without hesitation, then started swimming.
“Why don’t you come here? It might be a bit cold at first, but soon you will get used to it. It is better to have cold water rather than sitting there.”
My friend tried to soak her whole body, but she just dipped in, the came out.
“Oh, you are going to be Ok soon…just try once again”
She looked she wanted to have us in the water with her. Sorry, I wish I could, but it is TOO cold!
A beautiful black and white bird flew in, the flying around to find some bugs. It was very pretty, so we speak down a bit not to bother the bird.

Well, I loved that smoke sauna.

Now it is time to eat.
We went to the café, and had Reindeer Sauté with Lingonberry Sauce and Cream Salmon Soup. Yes, we have just seen the reindeer, but we just wanted try some local food. Sorry!