Finnish Fun

Cross country skiing gives me blisters but that wouldn't stop me from ice-climbing, dog-sledding or hockey so when a local Finnish couple invites us to enjoy the sport we go. Donning unwaxed circa 1982 boots and skis in hand, Mutti, Sister T and me drive the 70 miles to enjoy Lapland Cross Country Ski Resort. The place is located in Northville, NY and quoted by Ski Magazine as 'one of the finest' in the country. It's a part of the Adirondacks where it's still dense with tall pines, deep snow and winter activities. Ann and Olavi Hirvonen are the owners of 70-acres of trails, some that cater to night skiers, others that accommodate tube riders and ponds of ice for skating and Finnish games. Happily absent are logging tractors, massive cranes and new construction. Instead we enjoy skiing past reindeer cages, bubbling brooks and hot chocolate stands. It's reassuring to known that some Adirondack owners still care about preservation and athletics. Towards the end of the day, I'm vigilant to sweat through the pain from the blisters and tear away to compete against a skate skier. We're on Woods Lake, he's practicing for the Olympic time trials and I'm merely fooling myself. It takes just 10 paces for me to fall behind gasping for air and exfoliating layers of clothes. At the Finnish line (get it) I treat myself to a free cup of cocoa and a new set of bandages.