Sunset, Finnish Lake

After a busy day of reactor tours our hosts kindly took us to an outdoor sauna (see below). This was situated on the edge of one of Finlands many lakes. As the sun dropped it was clear to see that there was going to be a fantastic sunset so I nipped out during dinner (I'm awful, aren't I!) in order to get a few shots. Unfortunately I was without my tripod so I was forced to shoot hand held. This was taken with a 24mm just as the sun was dropping.

May Day picnic, Finland

The Finns celebrate May Day in style with an all night drinking binge followed by this massive picnic in the park. Traditionally it was to celebrate the coming of the spring but it is also workers and students day so just about everyone joins in. They are all wearing their white hats which they recieve when they graduate.

Smoke Sauna, Finland

The traditional smoke sauna that we were taken to by the lake in Finland (see above) caught the evening sn beautifully. Smoke sauna's are heated with a wood fire which is used to heat rocks which hoold the heat. Cups of water are thrown over the hot coals to generate the steam and then you sweat it out for a half hour before a dip in the lake followed by a beer.

Saunas are a big thing in Finland and were a recurring theme of our trip. Its not uncommon to go for a sauna with your boss after work and many businesses own (or rent) a sauna somewhere. Nokia even went as far as allowing customers to text their sauna at home in order to warm it up for your return!

Cowslips, Hills & Holes NNR

This shot of backlit cowslips was taken at the Hills & Holes National Nature Reserve in Lincolnshire. During May and June the reserve is full of flowers, some of which are particularly rare.

I was taken by the strong colour, brooding sky and wind that was blowing the flower heads around.