13 Jul 2018
I only learned of this activity quite by accident, but it seemed like a must-do thing while we were in the Arctic. Besides, it had been a stinking hot day - yes, go figure, in the Arctic! We were picked up at our accommodation by Marjo who was a font of information about reindeer and the Lapp people and very pleasant company for the trip to the cabin in the wilderness. My husband and I ended up being the only people on the trip, which made it special as we could enjoy the quiet together. Marjo ran us through how the survival suit works and how to get into the water and then we were off, keen to start our adventure. The suit is cumbersome and uncomfortable (at least for me) but it sure helps you float. The sheer beauty and tranquillity of floating on a Finnish lake under the midnight sun can't be described. We felt like a pair of otters floating around holding hands. Marjo took some photos for us but after 15 minutes I decided I didn't like the way the suit was so tight around my throat so I climbed out (an easy to use ladder is provided) and Marjo helped me out of the suit while my husband continued his floating experience. I found the water temperature surprisingly bearable and refreshing and enjoyed myself without the suit more than with it. If it hadn't been for the insects trying to devour us, we'd have stayed in longer. We both really enjoyed this activity and would love to do it in winter as well (although there's no way I'm going in the lake without a suit in winter!) On the way home we were privileged to see a rare albino reindeer.