The Saimaa Ringed Seal are among the most endangered in the world, with a current population below 400 animals. They have been isolated from other Ring Seal species for nearly 10,000 years when the the land rose in the last ice age, and are one of the few living freshwater seals. Sightings are rare, but Lake Pihlajavesi is one of their primary habitats and a good place to spot one.

After spending three days at Punkaharju and visiting Imatra, we anchored for the night at Lake Pihlajavesi Nature Reserve. And while out in the tender, we were lucky to see two Saimaa Ringed Seals.

Below are trip highlights from June 16, 2019 at Lake Pihlajavesi Nature Reserve in Finland. Click any image for a larger view, or click the position to view the location on a map. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.

Leading Lights Position: 61°39.11’N, 29°6.78’E A proliferation of leading lights where the channel Riutonselka narrows. Leading lights constist of markers mounted visually one above the other. A boat is on the correct course when the marks line up.

Cable Ferry Position: 61°40.99’N, 29°3.99’E Old cable ferry in the narrows of the channel Riutonselka.

Cygnets Position: 61°41.17’N, 29°3.80’E It’s breeding season and we’re seeing lots of cygnets, goslings and ducklings.

Gasoline Change Position: 61°44.66’N, 28°56.10’E We annually change the gasoline in all of our small gas engines, including the crash pump and the 2.3HP Honda outboard.

Tender Oil Change Position: 61°44.65’N, 28°56.09’E The Tender is due for it’s annual oil change. James pumps the old oil out through the dip stick tube, changes the filter, and then pours new oil in through the fill tube.

Summer Position: 61°44.65’N, 28°56.09’E Enjoying lunch on the flybridge with the temperature a balmy 77°F (25°C)

Lake Pihlajavesi Position: 61°44.66’N, 28°55.98’E At anchor in the Lake Pihlajavesi Nature Reserve in the Great Saimaa Lakes system.

Bonfire Position: 61°45.44’N, 28°53.40’E June 21st is Midsummer Eve, a major celebration in Finland frequently accompanied by massive bonfires. In the past few days we’ve seen many built up and ready to go.

Ringed Seal Position: 61°46.65’N, 28°50.99’E The Saimaa Ringed Seal are among the most endangered in the world, with a current population below 400 animals. They have been isolated from other Ring Seal species for nearly 10,000 years when the the land rose in the last ice age and are one of the few living freshwater seals. Sightings are rare, but Lake Pihlajavesi is one of their primary habitats and a good place to spot one. We were lucky to see two today while out in the tender. This is our second sighting—James wasn’t fast enough with the camera on the first.

Deck Position: 61°46.77’N, 28°50.40’E Wonderful deck perched on a cliff at Lake Pihlajavesi.

Evening Light Position: 61°44.66’N, 28°56.09’E The view east from our anchorage in Lake Pihlajavesi Nature Reserve just past 9pm.

Click the travel log icon on the left to see these locations on a map, with the complete log of our cruise. On the map page, clicking on a camera or text icon will display a picture and/or log entry for that location, and clicking on the smaller icons along the route will display latitude, longitude and other navigation data for that location. And a live map of our current route and most recent log entries always is available at mvdirona.com/maps.