Sisu travels, Part “The Beginning”.

We are about a quarter into the Finland 100 Centennial Year. Sisu has had the pleasure of traveling from Minnesota through Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona to California, meeting wonderful people and attending fabulous events on the way.

But wait, there’s more! The journey continues. There’s so much more to see and do. Next stops are San Francisco, CA, Portland, OR and Seattle, WA before Sisu heads back to the Upper Midwest for the glorious summer months. Check out the full calendar on Traveling Sauna website, and come see Sisu and celebrate Finland 100 with us.

As in all story telling, you want to keep the audience in suspense. To quote Jean-Luc Godard, a French-Swiss movie director: “All stories have a beginning, middle part, and end. But, they don’t necessarily have to be in this order”. So, when we started the blog we kind of just jumped in, and promised to circle back at some point to let you know how this all began and why the Traveling Sauna. How about today?

Hold on! A HOT new video has just been released. DUDESONS CHECKING OUT THE TRAVELING SAUNA!

Sorry, we had to put this in ALL CAPS because this video is so hot that even the thermometer in Sisu stopped registering at 260 F. This is not how to take a sauna, folks! On the other hand, Jukka Dudeson seemed to be very nostalgic and true about how to sauna. Just watch!

Now, let's get back to the original story.

When we all started to discuss 2017, and plan for our activities and celebrations, a common theme of sharing information about all the events across the US and through out the year soon emerged. How could we best promote our events? How could we best show that we Finns, Finnish Americans and Friends of Finland are celebrating from January 1 to December 31?

“Sauna” is the only Finnish word in the English lexicon. We had it! Embassy is quickly on-board, pledging their support.

Fast forward to 2016 when project “Traveling Sauna” is kicked off and put on the drawing board at Finnleo in Cokato, MN.

It was amazing to participate in the build process. Design and specifications, selection of materials, start of construction, finish of construction. Sounds very simple but, trust the Sauna Ambassadors, a lot of hard work and hours were put into the design and build to make sure Sisu will make it through the 12,000 miles and four seasons. Thank you, Team Finnleo!

Hey! One final detail. What color? Blue and white? Black? Wood tones? We even organized a Facebook vote on the color. So difficult! In the end, we knew we had it. The sauna had to be red with white trim. The traditional color of the grandma's house, and almost every house in the old country way back when. Whew!

On a crisp winter’s day in January, Sisu emerges from the cozy contains of the Finnleo factory. The entire Finnleo staff is out to cheer with residents from Cokato.

We take Sisu for a quick spin. First stop: The oldest sauna in the United States, at the Temperance Corner in Cokato. America’s oldest and youngest sauna, together!

After visiting the Barberg-Selvälä-Salmonson Sauna, what else will we discover once we start touring the country?

In the tradition of fine Finnish carpentry, couple of final details are added to Finnish things off: First, a Sauna sign, donated by Will Ojanen.

Then, a plaque from the North American Sauna Society.

The kick-off of the Centennial Activities in the U.S. was in Minneapolis, Minnesota on January 12-14. The day was, if possible, even crispier than the day when we drove Sisu out from the factory.

Ambassador Kirsti Kauppi announced the name for the Traveling Sauna - "Sisu”. She also lit the first fire in the sauna stove, and poured the first water on the rocks. All us Minnesotans could feel the warmth of the “löyly”.

During the week end, there were several other activities, such as a business breakfast organized by the Finnish American Chamber of Commerce Minnesota, cultural activities organized by FinnSource, and a luncheon where Ambassador Kauppi spoke, organized by Global Minnesota. To top things off, the Minnesota Orchestra had arranged an entire week end of Finnish music, conducted by Osmo Vänskä.

Please click here to watch a video of an interview with Ambassador Kauppi, Osmo Vänskä and Finnleo CEO Keith Raisanen.

Sisu’s full schedule and up-to-date calendar, please click here.

Finland Centennial Calendar in the US, please click here.

Like reading about Sisu’s travels? Please help us bring Sisu to a location near you. Get a souvenir from our web store, or feel free to make a donation.

Sisu travels, Part 5.

After Phoenix, next stop: Los Angeles!

Sisu heads west at dawn. After a comfortable hour and a half on the road, the pilots hear a pop and feel a little jolt. Wonder what that was? Hold on, we see a wisp of smoke in the passenger side rear view mirror?!? Full stop!

The pop and jolt turns out to be a blown tire. Luckily it is on the passenger side as the freeway, even in the middle of this no-where, remains busy and there are semis whizzing by at steady pace.

The tire change operation takes, remarkably, less than 1/2 hour but requires a little bit of imagination to get the lug nuts off. The tire has totally disintegrated and there is not much left of the tire on the rim. Without anything touching the surface the wheel wants to spin freely when co-pilot Jouko applies pressure to the tire iron.

Amazing what a 60 mph speed does to a tire in distress! Please drive carefully!

We soon pass the California border and arrive to Blythe, CA where we decide to get a new tire, some well deserved lunch, and finally get an opportunity to fuel with Neste MY Renewable diesel.

So, AZ wanted a little over $100 for us to use their well managed roads. We didn’t even want to guess how much CA would want for the same. Zip. Yes, you read right. Nothing. Just observe the top speed fo 55 mph for vehicle combinations, and welcome to California!

About an hour later, even though we just refueled both Sisu and ourselves, we feel like we have to make another stop.

At exit 173, lies a small unincorporated community of Chiriaco Summit (pop.: not listed) and a travel stop. Plus, signs inviting to visit the General Patton Museum. What? Was he from here? We really have to go find out!

So can you. The museum is right on Fwy 10, 200 miles from Phoenix and 150 miles from L.A.!

Rest of the trip to L.A. goes without any further disruption, except that we are more than pleased to be heading into the city, rather than heading out of it. The last 35-40 miles, there’s pretty much a stop-and-go heading the other way.

What happened in Los Angeles is very well documented in the latest video blog on Youtube, go check it out: Sisu goes to Hollywood, Sisu visits 626Golden Streets, Sisu hears another “Happy Birthday” song.

A big thank you to Suvi Aherto from the Consulate General of Finland in L.A. for coordinating our visit to L.A.

Greetings to Aki Luukkainen and family from the Consulate, Tero Frestadius with family & friends, Anssi & Chelsea Viljanen & family.

A very special “Vuosipäiväonnittelut” to Ridgecrest, CA.

Sisu’s full schedule and up-to-date calendar: please click here

Finland Centennial Calendar in the US: please click here

Like reading about Sisu’s travels? Please help us bring Sisu to a location near you.
Get a souvenir from our web store, or feel free to make a donation.

Sisu travels, Part 4.

Wednesday morning, March 1. Time to continue the journey and say goodbye to our hosts in Albuquerque, Valpuri and Sasha Remling.

But wait, there’s more!

The 2 Dudes who we met at the Bow and Arrow the day before were none other than Huli and… sorry, Timo and Wili, the two jovial guys from Arctic Accident who have been looking for Sisu, the Traveling Sauna, high and low for the past several months: streets in Helsinki, frozen lakes and forest in Finland, Super Bowl in Houston, Bogota, Colombia, even went to check with Santa Claus (“Joulupukki” in Finnish or, as spell checker just suggested: “Sauna Claus”!).

The Dudes turn out to be experienced truckers so, after a quick meeting between the Paperisotamies and Chief Sauna Ambassador, we decide to offer the brethren (lajitoveri) a ride to Phoenix, AZ, our common destination.

After our experience upon arrival to New Mexico, Paperisotamies Jouko had diligently filled out the DOT paperwork for the Arizona State on-line, and paid the fee of $15 to use AZ roadways for our rig. Seatbelts fastened, we head out to I-40 and west towards Phoenix, AZ.

I-40 doesn’t provide a lot of excitement, except that when we arrive to AZ we need to stop at the weight station. The friendly staff at the station immediately guide us to park our ensemble with an invitation to visit the office with the paperwork in hand. After some 30 minutes, Tour Guide Jouko emerges from the structure with a officer of the AZ Highway Dept. The officer measures Sisu with a tape measure, notes the dimension in the paperwork and gives a thumbs up. Jouko signals to hop in. "OK", we signal back, and Sisu is on the road again…

Once back on I-40, Jouko explains that the delay was because there was a line to the desk, not that there was an issue with our paperwork. We decide it was the first day on the job for the officer. Oh yes, we were assessed an extra $84 because the 1/2 hour Jouko had spent on-line to register was only for the trailer. Live and learn.

In Holbrook, AZ we decide to head straight southwest to Phoenix on highway 87 via Payson, instead of staying on the freeway through Flagstaff.

One of the more experienced travelers in the group, Chief Sauna Ambassador Risto, had recommended this route. The recommendation is first met with some suspicion as the road quickly narrows to a 2-lane highway. Nothing unusual, if you are used to traveling in Finland. But, with Sisu in tow, we prefer the 4-lane ones.

To everyone’s pleasure, the suspicion soon turns to ooohs… and aaahs… 10 to 15 inches of snow had fallen in the higher elevations the previous night and the scenery soon looks like, well, could this be Finland? Pine trees, snow, even a couple of snowmobiles. No reindeer, though.

Arizona is an amazing state to visit. Desert, resorts with lakes, snow and skiing. Grand Canyon, caves, Petrified Forest, Native American reservations to introduce you to the history of the Continent.

Descent to Phoenix is quick and tests the brakes of Sisu. No problems, though and soon we find ourselves at our destination.

Leena and Olli Tuomi from the Finns and Friends in Phoenix greet us at our arrival and brief us on the arrangements for Thursday.

Thursday morning, we head to downtown Mesa, AZ. First customers will be arriving at 11 a.m.

Sisu is setup to receive customers, and, do they come! From 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., steady stream of sauna lovers, Finns living in the Phoenix area, and friends of Finland.

Even Batman pays us a brief visit! We don’t have time to take a picture as he is quick on his feet but, according to the waiter at Mango, a nearby Mexican restaurant, Batman is a 20-year old who strolls the streets of downtown Mesa daily. What a blast!

We all know kaalikääryle, cabbage roll, right? Serve it with mashed potatoes and lingonberry. Well, fancy having a meeting of two reps from the Kaalikääryle Capital of the World in AZ! Vaissi Oy in Keuruu, a town of around 10,000 in Central Finland, produces the majority of the cabbage rolls sold in Finland. What an excitement for the Chief Sauna Ambassador Risto to meet Gary Waissi of the Vaissi family in Mesa!

If having a good time and the visit of Batman wasn’t good enough, the one and only Mr. Ralph Tuttila, shows up with his lovely wife, Jaana! They soon unpack their gear and set up to entertain us with their tunes. Ladies and gentlemen, Finn Hall!

At the end of the day, we pack up and get ready for the next leg of the trip. Los Angeles. “Stay tuned”, as they say in the music world.

Before we go, a BIG thank you to Leena and Olli Tuomi, and everyone at the Finns and Friends in Phoenix! The day was very special, and we wish you all the best in your continued celebration of Finland 100 in the US.

A very special thank you to Judith Hunter, who drove all the way from Tucson! Sorry, Judith, that we weren’t able to make it to Tucson this time. Do we have to say that your "Sisu" ear rings rock!

Sisu’s full schedule can be found at http://www.travelingsauna.com/map.html
Finland Centennial Calendar in the US, go to http://www.finland100usa.com

Like reading about Sisu’s travels? You don't need to be a corporate sponsor to help us bring Sisu to a location near you. Get a souvenir (do we need to remind you this is a once-in-a-100-year opportunity?) from our web store, or if you don't need all the stuff, feel free to make a donation.

Like to read more? Check the papers in Finland, courtesy of Kirsi-Marja Hayrinen-Beschloss.

Sisu travels, Part 3.

Monday morning, February 27, in Clovis, MN arrives with bright sun. After a 12 hour drive the day before, we decide to do a little maintenance on Sisu. One thing Sisu has been missing until now are nice curtains in the dressing room. Well, no more! Curtains, courtesy of Ann Borgwardt, are installed in Clovis. We think they look very pretty!

It is also time to check the tires before Sisu continues her trip towards Albuquerque, NM. Our truck is fitted with Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta tires. Not necessarily needed in the southwest but they were really appreciated when we left MN in early February. We had just received some wet snow and freezing temps overnight had made roads a little slick. We’ll also probably need the Hakkapeliitta’s when we head back east from Seattle in late April.

A visual inspection of the tires, check pressure, and we are all set to head west again.

After Clovis, we connect again with Heini and Teemu to do a little bit of aerial video. We had met with them in Houston for our first attempt but discovered that power lines, trees, buildings, traffic, etc. aren’t the best environment to fly a drone. Around Clovis, no problem! A detour off the highway takes us past miles and miles of fields waiting to be plowed and planted. It is a little windy, though and, at times, we get the feeling that the drone isn't really under the full control of the pilot/operator. All goes well in the end and the drone returns to base from it’s trip.

Next on the agenda is lunch. We proceed to Fort Sumner, NM pop. 1,031, elev. 4,032 ft. Rodeo Grill at 451 Sumner Ave looks very inviting so we head in. Good pick, says the smile on Chief Sauna Ambassador Sipila’s face!

Little we knew about Fort Sumner but, upon arrival, it quickly becomes very clear what earned the town it’s place in the history books. Next to Rodeo Grill is Billy the Kid Museum. Yes, Billy the Kid met his fate in Forth Sumner and is buried there.

We decide to check out the museum and are more than pleasantly surprised. It consists of several rooms and, apart from telling Billy’s story, appears to cover the entire history of this small town. There are mastodon bone fragments, farm machinery, knick knacks, and a whole room of 20’s to 50’s vehicles. In one area, there must be over 50 typewriters neatly organized on the shelves. As with the story of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid, when Commodore 64 entered town, it was time for someone to bit the dust! The museum is absolutely a must see if you travel through the area.

In Fort Sumner, we part ways with the Youtube team of Heini and Teemu. They are heading towards San Diego, Sisu has an appointment in Albuquerque, NM.

Albuquerque sits at 5,312 ft. It feels like it is a continuous uphill from Fort Sumner to Albuquerque. We already mentioned that Sisu is not the most aerodynamic vehicle on the road. But, 8 miles per gallon heading towards Albuquerque. Ridiculous! We can only assume that there is a reward later. Los Angeles is supposed to be on the ocean at sea level…

Valpuri Remling from the Tamarind Institute had invited us to visit Albuquerque. Tamarind is part of the University of NM and and specializes in fine art lithography. Valpuri runs professional shop at the institute and, upon arrival, greeted us warmly and gave us a tour of the institute. Sisu got parked in the back courtyard at the institute, behind the fence, for the night.

In Albuquerque, we were booked at a local micro brewery, Bow and Arrow. The tap room was very inviting but, when on the job, there’s no sampling of refreshments for the Chief Sauna Ambassadors.

We set up Sisu, get a pizza truck next to us, and are set to go. Valpuri had promoted the event locally, along with the brewery. It turns out that there are several Finns and friends of sauna living in the area looking for a sauna experience. A line quickly forms, and turns in the sauna are taken.

We get a lot of interest at the souvenir table, too. Albuquerqueans seem to understand that here and now is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to grab a Traveling Sauna T-shirt, a baseball cap, a pub glass, or a LöylyKaveri seed packet. Once the year is over, we may have to wait another 100 years for the next opportunity!

If you missed he opportunity to make a purchase, or can’t make it to an event near you, feel free to visit our shop to get your piece of history.

Does anyone know the 2 dudes above? You were so concentrated on your communication devices that we missed to get your names. Can you guys send us a text or something?

We bid a for farewell to Albuquerque. Thank you Valpuri and Sacha Remling for the experience, and for hosting us. Hope to see you again!

Let's not forget that Sisu the Traveling Sauna was making history again: A happy reunion of old elementary school classmates is witnessed in Albuquerque. Tiina Mari and Jouko meet each other, after a couple of decades of graduating from Tuomarilan Koulu and going their separate ways. Sweet!

Want to take a peek inside Sisu? Click here. The 360 view is courtesy of Exactly Done.

Some of you have inquired about an opportunity to support the Traveling Sauna campaign. Donations are now accepted on our website. Select your level of support from $25 to $1,000. You'll get cool stuff as a THANK YOU in return, we get gas money to bring Sisu to you!

Sisu’s full schedule can be found at http://www.travelingsauna.com/map.html
Finland Centennial Calendar in the US, go to http://www.finland100usa.com