Firing up the Sauna

Charlie ordered wood to be delivered so we can fire up the sauna to ward off the chill of the oncoming winter.  It isn't cold yet, but with the perpetual rain we've been having and the temperatures dipping below 50 we thought we'd fire it up.

Believe it or not, most Estonian homes are equipped with a sauna.  We've been told it really takes the edge off after being out in the elements.

"No matter how small and simple the house in the countryside, it generally has a sauna. Estonians are fond of relaxing in a hot and steamy sauna while occasionally beating each other with a bunch of leafy birch twigs called a "viht" in order to maximise the utter joy of the cleansing ritual."  Click here for link.

I snapped these pics just after Charlie started the fire.  

 It is a small sauna, but big enough for our family as you can see.

 Charlie definitely built up a nice blaze!

 I went to snap a picture of him enjoying the sauna but it was a bit steamy by then.  I have no doubt it will do the job when we need to take the chill off of those harsh winter days.  I guess now I need to get a viht!

For more reading about the Estonian sauna, go here: