00:01It happens rarely and doesn't last for long.
00:05But when the Baltic Sea freezes over like it did this February,
00:09it creates new transport routes in western Estonia.
00:13The longest one, approximately 17 kilometers,
00:16connects the two largest islands, Sarma and Hyjuma.
00:20For locals, it's a chance to run a quick errand.
00:27I have a work errand. It's faster depending on how fast you drive.
00:33I need to buy clothes for the kids and things like that.
00:36Is there a big selection of goods?
00:38Yes, of course, there's not much here.
00:42The ice road only opens once Estonian authorities declare the route safe.
00:47Then it's treated as public road under traffic law.
00:50Special speed limits exist to reduce dangerous vibrations in the ice,
00:55which can put drivers at risk.
00:59Every morning people from Sarma come here and I go there.
01:03We inspect the ice, check for cracks and make sure everything's under control.
01:09The Baltic Sea is vital for islanders.
01:13With fishing and fish processing among the key pillars of Hyjuma's economy,
01:17this profession is also the lifelong calling of Imre Kiwi,
01:23a generational fisherman who lives and works on the island.
01:28For him, the ice road to Sarma is more than a winter shortcut.
01:33It is a connection to mainland Estonia,
01:36a route that keeps his fish business thriving all year round.
01:42We don't get this ice road very often.
01:46It's been many, many years since the ice has been good enough to drive on.
01:50So after such a long time, it's pretty great.
02:03Only fools do this, really.
02:06Apart from me, no one else is out here anymore.
02:09Normal people don't do this.
02:12Only fools, I guess.
02:17I was born into this.
02:20My whole life, ever since I was a child,
02:23I went along when my parents were fishing and working out here.
02:38By the next morning, the catch is already being processed on the island.
02:44From here, smoked spreads and other local specialties are transported to markets on the mainland.
02:52Imre sets out before down to deliver the fresh shipment himself.
02:58This year's ice road was open for just three weeks.
03:02After that, it was no longer safe for cars and trucks.
03:06Now the ferry is back in operation, carrying people and goods across the Baltic Sea.
03:11We're getting to know the right way from the border.
03:13We have to go back in operation.
03:13Then we will have to get to know the right person.
03:15We are in a cockpit.
03:15We are in a pit mesmo site, trying to get to know the other side of the sea.
03:16We need to keep going up an empty vehicle and speed.
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