Joensuu adventure: 1100km of Laughter, Dog Hair & Diva-Level Camping 💅🐾

Back home, still slightly vibrating from the road trip of the century. Picture this: two women, three Lhasa Apsos, one caravan, and 1100 kilometers of pure chaos, glamour, and questionable GPS decisions. The destination? SFC Hietajärvi. The vibe? Autumnal adventurers meets dog show divas meets “we don’t need no man—but thanks for the unsolicited help anyway.” 😂

Laura Lhasafam

8/21/20252 min read

The Caravan Chronicles

Let’s start with the caravan. Apparently, two women towing a caravan is rarer than a dry sauna towel. We rolled into the campsite like seasoned pros—Sini at the wheel, me navigating like a caffeinated squirrel—and immediately attracted a small crowd. Not because we were struggling (we weren’t), but because unsolicited advice is the national sport. Did we need help parking? No. Did we get help anyway? Absolutely. Did we graciously accept it while maintaining our feminist pride? You bet.

Rain, Awning, and Accidental Entertainment

Rain tried to ruin our vibe, but we pitched that awning like it was a tent on the Champs-Élysées. Later, in the sauna (where all good gossip lives), we found out we had an audience. Apparently, watching two women wrestle with canvas and poles is peak entertainment in Hietajärvi. You're welcome, campers. 🫢

Dog Show Saturday: Fluff, Fame & Fabulous Friends

Saturday was showtime—literally. Our trio of Lhasa Apsos strutted their stuff like they were auditioning for RuPaul’s Drag Race: Canine Edition. Madame Gigi served face, Eekki gave puppy realness, and the third (whose name shall remain classified for diva mystery) brought the fluff. Shoutout to friends for being the kind of company that makes you laugh until you snort and forget you’re wearing mismatched socks.

The evening? Oh honey. Smoke sauna, lake dips, crocs with wool socks (don’t judge, it’s a lifestyle), and karaoke that ranged from “wow” to “is that a dying seal?” Peak caravan glam. 💃🏻🕺🏻

Sunday: The Farewell Tour

Sunday was bittersweet. One last dog show, one last coffee brewed in a questionable caravan kettle, and then the long drive home. 1100km of deep chats, belly laughs, and world-fixing theories. We solved climate change, redesigned the education system, and planned our next trip—all before the third gas station stop.

Final Thoughts: Diva Dogs & Road Trip Royalty

This trip was more than just kilometers and kibble. It was a reminder that adventure doesn’t need five-star hotels or perfect weather. It needs good friends, fabulous dogs, and the kind of laughter that makes your abs hurt (or maybe that was just the sauna squats).

Thank you, Sini & the boys—this one’s going in the memory books, right next to “times we almost set the awning on fire” and “karaoke renditions that should’ve stayed in the shower.”

Until next time, Joensuu. Stay fabulous. 💖