Enonsaari

This was probably one of our favorite experiences while in Finland, Enonsaari.  A ferry took us from Lahti to the island where we planned on spending most of the day.  We didn't know what to expect on the island, it just looked like a place people enjoyed spending time so we hoped we would have a good time too.  I was a little worried as we waited on the pier and a gnarled old sea captain who didn't speak English motioned for us to board a rickety old ferry.  We didn't know we could sit up top so we sat down below on mustard, velvet cushions next to peeling veneer tables.  I felt like we were in an old fishing boat from the stories.  

The ferry didn't run very frequently which meant that we were literally the only ones on the island.  There was a small play area, a fire pit, a few cabins, an unopened sauna, a small beach, a cafe, and a trail that wound around the island.  It became a choose your own adventure type of day for our family.  

Cambrie went up into the forest to have her own quiet time where she listened to her music and sketched.  

The other kids and Jeremy played on the shoreline.  

My mom and I went hiking on the trail.  There were so, so many mushrooms!  It was a simple single loop but after we had been walking for quite awhile we realized that we literally walking in circles.  It was that classic movie moment when you look up at think, "That tree looks familiar."  

We finally found the side trail that took us back to the shore and saw McKenzie leaping through the forest.  

Cambrie and Daxton looked like they were communicating with the rocks trolls from Frozen.  

Kelton was climbing a large rock wall.  Everyone looked so happy.  Back down on the shoreline we had a picnic lunch while waiting for our return ferry to arrive.  

There was something really special about being the only ones on the island.  It spoke to the quiet part of our souls.  Both Cambrie and Daxton have decided that their dream home is now a cabin on one of these remote islands. 

On the return trip we opted to sit up top in the open air.  It was much more pleasant up there.  It wasn't just the ferry ride though, spending time on that island just felt right.  I'm glad we went even though we had no idea what to expect.