Ruska in Finland: A Stunning Display of Autumn Colors

This is ruska. (n the Finnish language, this stunning phenomenon that paints northern landscapes in deep and soft tones is called ‘ruska’.

What is ruska?

Ruska comes from the Sami word “ruškat”, and close to the Finnish word ruskea which means brown. This refers to the time of the year when the spectacular natural phenomena of the autumn foliage happen, or when leaves change colors and the trees get ready for winter.

Puuruska

There are two different types of ruska; puuruska and maaruska. In Finnish language, puu means tree, therefore puuruska refers to the leaves of the trees changing to different colors. Maa means land, ground, or soil; so maaruska, when translated to English, means bushes and plants of the ground changing their colors. The maaruska is especially beautiful to see in blueberry bushes at the forest. The colors are very bright and intense, creating the perfect spot for that perfect shot, or most of the time, simply an immeasurable and breathtaking view that a photo can’t even justify.

river Salajoki

Typically, ruska starts in the north of Finland in early September and gradually moves southward. By late September to early October, the southern parts of the country, including Helsinki, will be in the full throes of this colorful season.

Lapland, the northernmost region of Finland, offers some of the most stunning ruska views. The fells and vast wilderness areas, interspersed with crystal-clear lakes and rivers, provide a perfect backdrop for the red and gold leaves. 


Reflections

I took these last weekend, and since then, this week the colors have intensified spectacularly. Hopefully, the rain and winds of the autumn storm pass swiftly, allowing the beauty of nature to remain mainly undisturbed. I hope for a chance to photograph the stunning fall leaves again in the coming days, capturing the fleeting beauty of the season.

flow and foam, river run wild

Lock on a dam
Monochrome of Lock in a dam

Flowing and foaming, the river runs wild,
Bringing me joy, making me feel
With not a worry or care in sight,
It spins me around, filling me with delight.
Flowing and foaming, the river runs free,
A place of solace, where I can be me.
You are my escape, my source of glee,
In your embrace, I feel completely free.

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

Flow – river flow 2

Water, the essence of life, flows endlessly through the rocky crevices and gentle streams. It is a symbol of resilience, adaptability, and transformation. Just like water, we too must learn to flow through life’s challenges, gracefully navigating the twists and turns that come our way.

Movement

Imagine a babbling brook, its gentle melody soothing your soul. The water, sparkling in the sunlight, dances over pebbles, creating a symphony of nature’s music. It reminds us to embrace the beauty and serenity of the present moment.

Pebbles in flowing water
flow – flow

As water cascades down a waterfall, it reminds us of the power and strength within us. With every drop that falls, it signifies the potential for change and growth. Just as the water carves its path through solid rock, we too can carve our own destiny, shaping our lives through determination and perseverance.

So let the flowing water be a constant source of inspiration. May it remind you to adapt, to embrace change, to find strength in the face of adversity, and to let your spirit flow freely. Like a river, may you navigate through life with grace and purpose, leaving your mark on the world.

Pebbles in sunlight with water flowing over them

Flow – river flow

The river makes the water flow. That’s how I live. I just let everything flow. Flow with the river.

Vitor Belfort

Everything flows and nothing abides, everything gives way and nothing stays fixed. – Heraclitus

Flowing water

Reflections

The sun was warm but the wind was chill.

You know how it is with an April day

When the sun is out and the wind is still,

You’re one month on in the middle of May.

But if you so much as dare to speak,

A cloud comes over the sunlit arch,

A wind comes off a frozen peak,

And you’re two months back in the middle of March.

(Robert Frost)

Sequoia, Giant Forest

The beautiful redwood trees are HUGE, unless you see them it is hard to imagine the size them. To think that there are people who think they should be cut down. I am blown away of the majesty of the trees. General Sherman is a giant sequoia tree located in the Giant Forest of Sequoia National Park  it is the largest known living single-stem tree on Earth.

Height 83.8 m (275 ft), Diameter 7.7 m (25 ft), Volume of trunk 1,487 m3 (52,500 cu ft), Date seeded 700BC – 300BC

The Giant Forest, famed for its giant sequoia trees, is within the Sequoia National Park. This montane forest, situated at over 6,000 feet (1,800 m) above mean sea level. The giant sequoia tree is the most massive species of tree on earth and they are impressive for sure.

We caught up with a group of people who had a guide with them and so we discovered this three that you could crawl into and you could also see though the tree to the side and the top of the trunk a hollow tree. One more thing to be amazed about.

Memories from 1990’s

Sequoia National Park

We arrived to Three Rivers at dusk so the only thing was to book ourselves into a motel and find a place to eat. There was nothing to take photos at this time.

Next day we are meeting old friends and heading to the Sequoia National Park to see the beautiful red woods, mountains. These are from the way up. I mean really, this is such a lovely place. I have tons of photos from out trip up, so be prepared to be overloaded with natures wonders. Art form that I so appreciate.

Old Edits – Beautiful light

Chapora river morning (34 of 68).jpg

Light play

Goa India, Chapora River (46)

Pale orange on the river

I am still on the river, my posting and editing is so slow, but then again I am in no hurry and I hope you willing look at my impression of Goa. The river – obviously had lots of boats there. Fishermen doing there jobs, us tourists enjoying the beauty of the moment.Chapora River (29)Chapora River (113)Chapora River (21)Chapora River (163)Chapora River (36)Chapora River (180) – kopio

Kerala Style boats at Chapora river

These boats are so beautifully crafted so I am sharing few more photos of them as seen from abroad one of them