Ascending Pikku Malla

On Friday 11th October, we had a particularly bright morning. Therefore, the KAIRA observing team decided to change the weekend plan and take Friday morning off, instead of some time on the weekend itself. Our plan was to climb Pikku Malla.

Although Pikku Malla is often climbed by tourists in the summer, October is a slightly different story. Indeed, it was a delightfully sunny day, but it was very cold and extremely windy. And that was before we ascended to the top!

Pikku Malla... our mountaineering target (Photo: D. McKay-Bukowski)

Looking back, part way to the summit. You can just see KAIRA
in the centre of the image. (Photo: D. McKay-Bukowski)

Nearing the top. The wind was howling by now. (Photo: D. McKay-Bukowski)

Made it! We just need to hang-on now to stop being
blown away. In the distance, you can see Kilpisjärvi
lake and Sweden. (Photo: P. Martin)

While Pikku Malla might not be a very tall mountain, the high winds made it quite a challenge. Still, we thoroughly enjoyed the trip and we made it safely back.