ICT Days 4 to 6 Sodankylä Savukoski Sallatunturi

Wednesday, May 22nd: 130 km, 600 meters altitude at 2 to 6 degrees.

In Taankavara we visit the Gold Museum. Even in northern Lapland there was a small gold rush with all its accompanying features such as short-lived happiness, envy, and arguments. Shortly afterwards, we meet a Polish person on the way to the Nordkapp. He suffers from cold feet at the current 2 degrees and also from an upset stomach. In the supermarket in Vuotsu, the residents gather at the slot machines, filling out the lottery ticket or for a coffee. Very lonely area here. We still have 90 km to go to Sodankylä. After 50 km, we struggle with a hunger knock and enjoy a cheese sandwich and Swiss chocolate. In Sodakylä, we find accommodation in a cabin at the campground. We prefer to wait a little longer before camping.

Thursday, May 23rd:

138 km, 750 meters altitude, pleasant 5 to 12 degrees.

Today we cycle on secondary roads through the Pyhä-Luosto National Park with some '500-ers' that stand out clearly from the flat surroundings. We cycle along comfortably, with Dominique usually one kilometer ahead.

In Pelkosennemi, we come across the first traces of the Winter War in 1939. Now it's all about pedaling kilometers! I (Dominique) really have to motivate myself. We do have a bit of a masochistic streak, because the route to Savukoski stretches through the wilderness, and we are glad to have booked accommodation in advance via email. The Korvatunturi, where the legend has it that Santa Claus lives, belongs to the village, but is nearly 100 km away. The mother of Santa Claus runs a campground here. (:

Friday, May 24th:

93 km, 570 meters altitude, sunny at 7 to 12 degrees.

From Savukoski, we go around 50 km to the east. The 965 road runs straight through the forests. It gets hilly again before Salla. We are in Northern Karelia, very close to the Russian border. We do some shopping in Salla and cycle with our fully packed bags on a brand new bike path to the winter sports resort of Sallatunturin. It's dead quiet there, and we get a cottage with all comforts at a very good price. A warm shower, sauna, and then a cool beer and pasta - what more could you ask for? 😊