Mikko “Peltsi” Peltola spent a day together with Ali Leiniö in autumn.
Mikko “Peltsi” Peltola is known for his numerous nature-themed programs. Pete Anikari
Journalist Mikko “Peltsi” Peltola, known for his nature programs, says that he met a camping betta Ali Leiniön last fall. Leiniö’s death was reported on Wednesday, April 22.
The men met each other at an event organized by Metsähallitus’ nature services, which brought together people who make social media content about nature. The day was spent together at Haukkalammi in Nuuksio.
– He was a fun person. I had gotten the idea that he was an introverted guy who liked to be by himself. But in the company of like-minded people, he was really comfortable, open and cheerful. I was positively surprised. It was funny to notice how nice and cheerful the guy was, Peltola describes Leiniö.
Mikko “Peltsi” Peltola and Ali Leiniö met at a joint camping event. Mikko Peltola’s archive
Leiniö was already familiar to Peltola, as he had watched almost all of Leiniö’s YouTube videos. Leiniö, on the other hand, had become familiar with Peltola’s programs.
– It was like we were already familiar with it, says Peltola.
– We talked about our trips and the importance of nature, equipment and routes and other camping tasks.
A similar event is planned to be organized again this spring. Leiniö was also supposed to participate. The hiking influencers noticed how fruitful it is to spread the good news of nature together.
Peltola describes Leiniö as a loner. The two did not stay in touch.
– For him, the greatest satisfaction of all would come from being alone in nature, Peltola suspects.
If embedding doesn’t work, you can see Peltola’s publication as well from this link.
According to information from Iltalehti, Leiniö was found dead in the wilderness of Käsivarre on April 10. He had suffered a seizure in the middle of a ski trip. Peltola read about Leiniö’s death on the news. The passing of a person younger than himself was startling.
– As far as I understand, he left in the jobs he loved the most.
Käsivarre Wilderness is a familiar camping terrain for Peltola as well. Peltola describes the area as a barren and conquerable place that feels the most like Finland.
Peltola recognizes the dangers of solo camping.
– If you get sick anywhere in the forest and can’t call for help yourself, that’s the end of the game.
In the wilderness, rescue operations are long distances away and it takes time for help to arrive, says Peltola. He does not know the exact location of Leiniö’s place of death.
– But if there’s an illness and you’re on the move alone, it doesn’t matter if the helicopter is there in five minutes or half an hour. The game is lost, he continues.
Ali Leiniö from Tampere was an experienced hiker who was known for his hiking-themed YouTube videos. His channel has over 86,000 subscribers, and his videos have been viewed millions of times.