4. Finally on the road

Today was the first day I crossed a border to another country without even knowing it. I expected to see finnish customs officers or some big official looking sign. It took me some time to realise that the road signs had changed, and that I wasn't in Sweden anymore. Finland! 😍

The bike handled like a drunk rhino on a unicycle the first 15 km. I don't know anything about bike touring, but that just can't be a good sign. Moving the daypack from the front to the back rack solved the problem instantly. A huge relief!

After that I was flying, and able to just enjoy the scenery going by - wide rivers, dense vegetation and cute birds and finnish people enjoying the sun. Day/night temperatures of 22/12 °C (72/54 °F). Optimal conditions!

I had to force myself to stop and camp south of the city Kemi. 30 km was the pre-planned maximum distance for the first day, to slowly adapt the body and bike for this journey.

The spot I chose to pitch the hammock is probably the least stealthy I have ever camped at. It is way to close to central Kemi, and I am just partially obscured by some old boats. But today it doesn't matter, I'm just happy to find a spot without aggressive mosquitos.

Click to see the camp location on Google Maps.

Dinner for champions - Boat Bolognese.