JESPERI HEINO

WILDERNESS & NATURE GUIDE

Behind Lake & Hike is me – a nature-loving adventurer who simply cannot look at a map without starting to plan the next trip. I am especially fascinated by waterways, remote rivers and small lakes, and places that few people ever find their way to.

In my free time, I plan and go on adventures by paddling, hiking and, in winter, skiing. I love the feeling of reaching new places under my own power and experiencing nature in peace and quiet.

If I had to choose one favourite summer activity, it would be whitewater rafting. The rush of the rapids, the power of the water and the complete sense of presence make it something truly special.

Fishing, on the other hand, offers the perfect counterbalance to the action. Sometimes it is good to simply head out onto the water, let your thoughts quiet down and cast a lure without any rush. For me, fishing is one of the best ways to unwind and recharge in nature.

Life with dogs

Besides nature, there is another great love in my life: dogs.

My first adventure companion was my Labrador Retriever, Sylvi. We have explored the outdoors together all year round and learned everything from winter camping to skijoring. Together, Sylvi and I have even tested how well we can sleep outdoors in temperatures below −20°C.

On my own, I have tested −36°C – and slept surprisingly well in a double sleeping bag.

Last Christmas, our pack grew by two Siberian Husky puppies, Nila and Skadi. We are now practising tent camping and learning the basics of mushing. Sylvi is also taking on the role of teacher, showing the youngsters which way is left and which way is right.

My long-term dream is to build a team of 6–8 huskies and, one day, take part in sled dog races. At the same time, I dream of one day being able to organise dog-sledding and skijoring trips for clients, where every participant would have their own sled dog to help them along the trail.

Time will tell where this dream takes me.

People are at the heart of guiding

My other profession is as a practical nurse, working with elderly people. Over the years, I have also worked in a daycare and with people with reduced mobility.

These experiences have given me the opportunity to meet people from many different backgrounds and have taught me to recognise and respect individual needs.

When it comes to being outdoors, the most important thing to me is not performance – it is the experience.

I want to offer adventures where you can slow down, learn something new, challenge yourself, or simply enjoy nature in good company.

How Lake & Hike began

I also have around 20 years of experience playing Finnish baseball, but these days my heart belongs especially to the water, the forests and planning new adventures.

Lake & Hike was born from a desire to share this way of life with others.

I want to show that a nature experience does not have to be complicated or extreme. Sometimes the best adventure can be found on a nearby lake, sitting in a kayak. Sometimes it is waiting on a forest trail, around a campfire, or on a snowy winter trail with a dog pulling you forward.

If you made it this far, thank you for reading.

I hope to see you one day out on the water, on the trails or in the winter snow.

– Jesperi, Lake & Hike