Last winter photos from Niinikumpu

Landscapes

At least one photo a day

To the old primary school

Landscapes

These are few photos from the short walk to the old primary school in Niinikumpu (first picture at the top). The school has not been in use for many years as there are not enough children to attend it in the area. I think the school building has been sold to a family who now lives there.

At least one photo a day

The first day of the year

Nature
The first day of the year (Hyväslami, Finland)

I woke up. Put on my boots and windbreaker and walked down to the lakeshore. The ice cover had thickened over the night and thin layer of dry snow had covered the ice sheet overnight. It was chilly this morning but the air was clean and crispy. A nice way to wake up. Welcome 2020!

At least one photo a day

Winter walk around Niinikumpu

Street photography

Here is the full series of the black and white photos from the walks around Niinikumpu in Kitee, Eastern Finland.

At least one photo a day

Bye bye 2019

Nature
Last sunset of the year in Ihamaniemi (Enonkoski)

Last sunset of the year. The temperature is dropping quickly. The ice on the lake is thickening and the lake send strange sounds of bubbling water and ice cracking for long distances and with echos that travel the hills.

At least one photo a day

Solitude

Landscapes

I took these pictures during the walk around the hill of Niinikumpu. The electricity poles standing in the middle of snow covered fields seemed to stand in solitude against the winter.

At least one photo a day

Walk

Landscapes
People walking near Niinikumpu (Kitee)

There are few hours of day light in December in Finland. That is why during the holidays it is important to take advantage of those few hours and go tor a walk.

At least one photo a day

The tree line

Landscapes

Mi misi a camminare lungo la strada che gira attorno alla collina di Niinikumpu con lo sguardo rivolto al cielo. La nevicata era imminente, ma speravo che non mi sorprendesse a metà strada. Il cielo era di un grigio liscio e monotono. Sembrava che la neve si fosse accumulata tra le nubi e le avesse fatte scomparire. Alla prima svolta a sinistra decisi di proseguire. Se la nevicata fosse iniziata avrei affrettato il passo. Tanto sapevo che la sauna sarebbe stata pronta al mio ritorno e sarei riuscito a scaldarmi velocemente. Passai la casa di alcuni vicini che non avevo mai visto e dei quali non conoscevo il nome. Sulla sinistra la loro casa ad un piano di mattoni. Stonava con il vecchio garage di legno dipinto di rosso. A destra della strada la vecchia stalla che era inutilizzata da anni ed era in uno stato completo abbandono. Sapevo che non avevano mai avuto un cane, ma come sempre mi sentii sull’attenti come se da un momento all’altro potesse saltare fuori un muovo cane da guardia. Accelerai il passo verso il bosco di betulle.

At least one photo a day

Winter landscape in Niinikumpu / 7

Landscapes
Farmhouse, Niinikumpu (Kitee)
Wooden barn, Niinikumpu (Kitee)
Birch trees, Niinikumpu (Kitee)

The weather is changing. It is getting colder. The forecast for after tomorrow gives heavy snow.

At least one photo a day

Winter landscape in Niinikumpu / 6

Landscapes
Empty house (Niinikumpu, Kitee – Finland)

People are moving to towns. In the countryside the population falls. There are several houses which are now empty along the 6km look I have been walking. I imagine that years ago a large family might have lived here. They might have sat together in the living/dining rooms during the long winter nights. Talking or listening to a radio and the news coming from Helsinki about the rest of the country and far away unknown countries.