It’s been a
great day today but mainly in a “you had to be there” kind of way. The temperature has been up in the mid-teens,
sun out and lovely dry, sticky, windy roads.
Was a really
great feel good day – wind in my hair – ok on my forehead - flies in my teeth
job.
But, before I
get to all that, I’ve got more stuff from my friend Gary – you know I think
every home should have a domesticated American, they are really handy. You
should really be able to get one on the NHS (that’s our public health service
G) – they do wonders for relieving stress. I’ve looked and looked at how to get
a map on the blog and he does it before breakfast. It came about because Gary
asked if I was coming down the same was as I went up and it was easier to show
on a map than verbally.
Here are the maps that Gary so kindly prepared .....
 |
| Going up.... |
 |
| still going up... |
 |
| Coming down. |
I’m not, as you
can see coming back the same way.. Going north via Norway was wonderful but for every mile north you had
to go 50 around Fjords and coastlines. Coming south through Finland and Sweden,
as well as seeing the different countries, is more direct and the speed limits
are kinder.
The Swedes are just as careful/anxious/nervous/dithery drivers as
the Norwegians though – in England to survive on a bike you have to think “What
could that **** possible do?” and usually they do it. Here it’s almost the
other way, if you try and give way when you actually have the right of way or
if you indicate to let them past because you are slowing to look at something you’ll
likely both be there till Christmas.
Anyway,
enough. Today I dropped down from Avidsjaur to Ostersund.where I am now.
Just done 4000
miles, that is 1000 miles since I turned round at Nordkapp. For some reason I
can’t explain I’m about 500 over what I calculated - though I do turn round and
go back to things a lot!!! – and I have about another 1500 miles to do to get
home.
The countryside
has been about perfect. Still lots of forests, lakes and rivers but those hills
from which to get a view of it all. If I’d stopped to photograph every breath-taking
lake or river vista I’d still be out there so just a few.
Love this one
though
Look at it upside down....
When I set off
I naively bought a Scandinavian phrase book intending to at least try and say a
few pleasantries – more on that later – but that is a total nonstarter.
The book itself
is difficult but even iif I could grasp Can you tell me the way to - “Kan du berätta vägen till …”
which seems pretty
intuitive, what chance would I have if I wanted to go to this place?
At least today
though I did see a place I could say…. That’s on the way in though!
These are a couple of other “Don’t know” pics. The first in Arvidsjaur where I stayed overnight - a family of Mooses - I've still not seen signs of any real ones, the second in Stromsund....
As regards the second I guess the Jolly Green one needed a day off. Actually, I
do know about that one now having read my guide book, it’s the
Wildman, the towns emblem, brandishing his club he’s the traditional symbol for
Lapland encapsulating strength, riches and determination – so not sweetcorn
then.
I saw a lot
more reindeer today – I know what I promised but I admit to being thrilled when
I do see them.
And this which
I was excited about but think it’s a Common Crane, would be wouldn’t it.
What has been noticeable
today is that there are now genuinely old buildings. The total devastation that
occurred in the Second World War didn’t reach down here.
There were
therefore museums in original old buildings – this is one in Avidsjaur ...
and ordinary villages that looked
as though they were part of a heritage museum.
This one was
stuck out in nowhere and could have been the village time forgot – except for
the vehicles of course.
I ‘ve seen a lot
of the word Loppis around - usually on
old, tatty looking buildings so thought it might mean for sale or keep off – no
it means Flea Market – this one was Stangt, closed, breeding more fleas no doubt.
The buildings are great though don’t you think?
Parking up in Stromsund I saw this sign and if it is correct I may drive home via Hong Kong!!
and then when I was sitting in a cafe having lunch I saw this great invention, a Granny Scooter. Not good shots but look, uphill it's a walking aid, down hill it's a scooter
Oh, and about
those pleasantries – the Swedes appear as reluctant to engage as the
Norwegians. And again I don’t mean to be offensive, it’s just a different
approach. None of the “familiarity” of more southern Europeans. If you walk in
to a breakfast room and say “Good morning” generally you are looked at gone
out! Again though all very friendly if you do have to communicate.
Now settled in a small hotel in the centre of Ostersund. It is in a pedestrian precinct so had to park my bike some distance away and carry my stuff here. That was abit of a pain but cheered up by these little dragon litter bins
And on that happy note .........Night night
