An attempt to skate across the Kvarken strait from Finland to Sweden was halted after seven kilometers due to drifting ice. Ylva von Wright and Joachim Ottow, experienced long-distance skaters and wilderness guide students from Kronoby, Finland, began their journey from Jakobstad aiming for Västerbotten, a distance of about 85 kilometers. They had hoped to cross, thinking ferry lanes might be frozen, but encountered moving ice blocks and ridges of drifting ice instead.
Von Wright noted that the ice movement was likely caused by strong winds hundreds of kilometers away where there is open water, affecting water levels and ice over long distances. Despite the shorter trip, von Wright was satisfied to witness how drifting ice forms and does not rule out trying again under better conditions in a future season.
the ice movement was likely caused by strong winds hundreds of kilometers away where there is open water, affecting water levels and ice over long distances
does not rule out trying again under better conditions in a future season