Today we have planned to reach Ranua, Finland via Route 78 which is around 54 miles away and well South of the Arctic Circle.
Good nights kip in our posh digs, very little to repack, nothing needed from our own kit as all supplied.
Breakfasted and away by 09:00 despite Miles locking us out of the cabin by letting the door slam behind us... Uh oh, could have been one of those naked moments in the hotel corridor. Luckily no corridor and plenty of clothing for us both!
Very hot and dry from the off which is a welcome change after we'd started to rust with all the rain we've been having.
Followed the bike path adjacent to Route 78 out of Rovaniemi and headed South West. Our route here split from that of the 'common' cycle tourists as they all seem to be continuing along the shorter 75-4.
We've had enough of the admittedly light traffic and daft driving. 78 proved much quieter and a little more picturesque, more like Northern Norway.
Continued along deserted tree and forest lined roads coming across Reindeer from time to time. No major ascents or descents though the wind was on our bow blowing (gently) from the South West. This proved just enough to stop us engaging Hyper Drive and had us pedalling downhill unlike yesterday.
Stopped for coffee and buns after an hour and a half at a roadside café then bashed on. This part of Finland is so much like bits of the USA. Very sparsely populated, straight roads, lots of hunting & fishing and a penchant for inbreeding. Ha!
Arrived into Ranua around 14:30, shopped to buy dinner in the supermarket and then cycled the last couple of miles to the campsite.
Had a major mossie blitz in the cabin on arrival after letting a load in when we entered. Gonked for a couple of hours, showered, ate and slept some more.
Miles' knees are hurting a bit. Rearranged his SPD's yesterday so hopefully in a day or so, they'll be OK. For today, the 'Doctor' prescribed icing with a packet of frozen mixed veg! You never know, we might even eat them afterwards!
Total today 54 miles and 315m of ascent. Total trip 521 miles
Enough for now, more Southerly ramblings tomorrow.
Back soon. Miles & Tracey.
