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The description of the canoeing route |
The route starts at
Juva Camping and runs 8 km along the lake to the first
resting place, Haravaniemi , there is also a shelter against inclement weather.
The first rapids stretch of the route begins at the south end of the lake.
At the beginning of the river
Polvijoki (5,5 km), behind the road bridge there is a dam which must be passed by carrying the canoe on the right. It can
be launched just after passing the dam.
The route can also be started at the end of road at Toivio, where there is a parking place and latrines. |
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Polvijoki flows into Lake
Riemiö and the norhtern shore of the lake is where the Riemiö resting place is located.
From here the route continues through
Kapeasalmi strait and Laajalahti bay to Souru. At the northern end of
Lake Souru there is the location of Voikoski. Voikoski rapids are about 200
meters long, fastflowing and easy.
After that comes Voilampi pond which is 0,5 km long with a small
island at the end. Behind this island there is the Souru resting place, which have to approach
from the RIGHT side of the island. Note that the resting place appears suddenly.
Be careful: the currents caused by the nearby Karikoski dams. From Souru the route continues
to the right along a disused log-floating canal about 500 meters.
The canal ends at a yard area where the canoe must be carried for
about 100 meters on the right and across the road bridge. The canoe must be launched
at the left-hand shore after Viitakoski rapids and the old mill.
Note: Carrying the canoe across the yard straight is totally permitted as long as
you remember proper deportment.
Karijoki river is swift and without obstacles with the exception of two
bridges, which can be passed easily.
Kaitajärvi is long and narrow lake with uninhabited shores. As the lake
narrows into a river becomes the Kissakoski rapids which are 600 meters long
with a drop of 1,6 meters.
Good current, plenty of water, no rocks, the road bridge can
be passed under by stooping.
Kissakoski rapids flow into Hyypiönlahti bay of
lake Kyrsyänjärvi. The route continues from there the western shore of Kangassaari
Island, almost directly north and from there along Kyrsyänjoki river which
starts at the northern end of the lake.
Kyrsyänjoki has 200-300 meters long rapids with strong currents. A cover
for the canoe is recommended. At the end of the rapids the river makes
a zigzag turn. There is a total drop of 1,9 m in the river. At the end of river
is the Kyrsyä resting place on the left bank, which includes a shelter providing
protection from inclement weather.
The river Rasakanjoki is 15-20 meters wide, has plenty of water and an
easy current.
The river Tikanjoki has a drop of 3 meters with surges under the bridge.
The river is swift, clear and easy. Tikanjoki flows into Kaislanen which is
1,5 km long lush lake, surrounded in the west by a swamp and in the south by farm fields.
The river Pyöninjoki is 1,5 km long with a slow current.
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The
river Pyöninjoki flows into lake Halmejärvi and ends
behind Hämeensaari Island.
It must be passed from the left, the right-hand strait is
overgrown with grass. The route runs under Virransilta bridge at the north-eastern angle of
Huttulahti bay.
The resting place Partala is on the left shore of the bay after bridge.
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The route runs the
western shore of Lohnanjärvi lake to Lohnankoski rapids. There is a drop
of 1,6 metres and a few rocks along the 300 meters stretch of rapids, a cover
for the canoe is recommended.
Lohnankoski rapids flow into Myllylampi pond which
can be paddled close to the bridge. Kuhakoski rapids are short and fast
with a drop of 1,6 meters and numerous rocks, so you need to take care.
It is difficult to see it from upstream and consequently we recommended that
you go ashore and look over the rapids before shooting them.
You can also carry your canoe past the rapids by going ashore on right just before the
bridge and take the canoe out of the gate down to the river, a distance of about
50 m.
The last lake part before Sulkava begins now. Lake Kuhajärvi ends where
Hasulanjoki river begins; the river has a few rocks when the water is low.
Hasula, the last resting palce of the route is situated at the right bank of
Hasulanjoki river; it provided with a shelter.
Next comes second small lake Myllylampi, which is rather overgrown by vegetation.
The route runs along the wide and quiet river. The short and swift
Tiittalankoski rapids come 1 km before Sulkava.
Uitonvirta river takes the paddler to the center of Sulkava. The route ends
at Kulkemus Boating Center, which is straight ahead of you on the
right after bridge. There is a small jetty especially designed for canoeists
between the bigger jetties.
You have now arrived in lake Saimaa. The total drop from lake Jukajärvi to lake
Saimaa Alanne is 24,3 m.
Check out the safety
regulations before starting. Have a nice trip!
MORE PICTURES FROM THE
ROUTE top
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