Espoo's outdoor islands: Gåsgrund

Welcome to perhaps the most beautiful of Espoo's outdoor islands, Gåsgrundet. A photo series of a walk around the island will follow shortly, but first, here's a rocky view from the southeast coast of the island.

But in reality, the trip started on the north shore. The sheltered side has lower terrain, making it easy to land with a kayak.

The northwest side has a shallow shore. Gåsgrundet has two beaches, and in general, the island's 

There are several grill shelters and fire pits. Gåsgrund is ten hectares in size, and the terrain varies greatly. The sheltered side has low shores and almost a deciduous forest, but three-quarters of the island's shores are rocky, shaped by the waves.

An archipelago boat can take you to Gåsgrund from May to August.

The landscape starts to open up in the southern corner.

Then we arrive at one of the most beautiful spots in Espoo. This and the next photo were taken from about the same place.

On the last weekend of July, with the sun shining, there were more than ten artists on Gåsgrund. Whether it was a complete coincidence or something organized, I don't know, but there was plenty of beautiful scenery to paint.

Oh, and a boulder field. It seems that about every other island in Espoo has one.

I love my job, and I love my kids, but still, as I was editing these photos on a sunny autumn day, I felt like that's where I should be. Not at work, not at home. Just right there, sitting on the rocks under a blanket, drinking something warm. Preferably in good company, but I could manage alone too. My shy poetic side is showing.