nbjtours

Rovaniemi, Finland

 Day Five 94 miles 1448 ft

Unlike previous mornings we were not greeted by bright sunshine but were enveloped in morning mist. 

Not desperate to set off too early again, even though I left at 10 it took another 45 minutes before it burnt off requiring arm warmers and removal of glasses to keep warm and to see. Full front and rear lights were deployed too. In common with cars here, I have taken the view that the front light should always be on but today had two rears flashing as well. 

The route followed the river down from Kittila to Rovaniemi and was not the most inspiring, and did become a bit gutty as the day wore on as fatigue and an increasing headwind took its toll. 

The scenery added more varied trees and farmland as I peddled South. 

  
This view was typical with the bright green grass offsetting the blue sky. 

On the bike I only had a couple of minor incidents with Reindeer but they got out the way after I had slowed down. 

After the last 5 days inside the Arctic Circle I crossed the line just before the end of the day. I think we have got the wrong impression, as it has been warm and not rained at all or global warming is worse than we thought. 

The first view of Rovaniemi was impressive with kids swimming in the river below and the lumberjacks candle bridge ( what a great name) spanning the water. 

  
As often the case the campsite is on the banks of the river opposite the town and as has been our fortune so far, we are sitting outside whilst Nigel does the barbecue. 

Tomorrow my legs, and perhaps more so my backside are looking forward to a rest day in Rovaniemi, although sadly Santa is already preparing for Christmas and will not see visitors. 

My final picture from today summed up what I could have done with 25 miles from home, pushing into the wind!