We are in Joensuu, North Karelia (Finland) for the biathlon world championships. So far the weather has been miserable.

And the next few days were not any better. Helsinki was all about drizzle and sleet, and a freezing wind. On march 7th we took the train to Joensuu. This is how it looked like in Lahti, Tomi’s hometown, 100 kilometers north of Helsinki:

As we got more north there was just more snow and ice. This was at Simpele railway station:

On the first race day we attended the championships, there was a strong gusty wind at Kontiolahti, and during the womens’ race (which was the latter one starting at 5pm.) dense sleet coming down. Some top athletes’ shooting did not go too well.

The second day was equally gloomy but not that windy and rainy, although the spectator areas were covered with puddles and slush, since the temperatures have been above zero for several days.

The race village offers delicacies from Eastern and Northern Finland, like reindeer (or more generally game) stir fry and butter fried vendace, and mooce (sic!) sausage (once you find it)

Today is the first rest day and it has been sunshine and +5C all day here in Joensuu.

Here is the link to the championship song, from which the title is.