Here is a plot of the great long path opening described in the Force 12 "Salty Dog" tests.  It appears this was just after sunset in Finland.  From N6BT and K6AJ's story:

"The Saturday before Christmas, December 23rd was a day to remember. We turned on the rig about 5:15AM and heard someone who we thought was a local. Hah - it was OH5BR and he was 20 over 9. Conditions were absolutely amazing. Too bad the mornings are not all like this one. Dale, K6UA said this happened only 3 or 4 times in the last 40 years. Other mornings are minimal, but we always hear and work long path DX. Some mornings only certain regions seem to be active: VU, RU9, etc. OH, SM, LA are on most every day, but not always. Being able to work into the UK area from our location is most difficult, as our sunrise is before their sunset. Be that as it may, we have already worked into that area twice and have listened over the speaker as we are having a cup of coffee, copying the many western Europeans the northern West Coast stations are working after our sunrise. Too bad we can't reach them at this time, too. Under some circumstances, perhaps we can, so we will keep trying."