Overland to Scandinavia and more! Spring 2017

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Preview

With the back of the ‘TinTent’ now fully repaired and fully serviced, and my pair of ‘itchy feet’, we are off on the tour mentioned above, which has taken around 4 months to put together.

This time however we are including a mini cruise to St Petersburg, which is a city we have wanted to see for some time and the cruise starts in Helsinki while ‘Flamenco Red’ and the ‘TinTent’ are taking a short rest/vacation, and staying there as we ‘cruise’ over the Baltic Sea for about 48 hours in St Petersburg!

After which and our return we then set off on the next stage that takes us from Helsinki in Finland across the Baltic Sea into Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania as we continue South to Poland and a trip on a strange Canal, where we are invited to ‘Go Sailing Over the Grass’ then over to Gdansk also in Poland, for a look around this famous city, but more about that a bit later!

Here is the route to our most Northerly point which is a small village at the top of the Lofoten Islands in Norway, while at the moment there are still some places on the way there that are experiencing temperatures at night of down to -12C and the daytimes are sometimes ‘Snowy’!
‘Thermal Vest & Longjohns’ were the first items to be packed after I saw the weather along the way! Trust me!!!…….

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This is the side trip ‘Cruise’ to St Petersburg which we hope is not too ‘lumpy’!.....

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While this is the route after getting back to Helsinki then the Ferry across to Tallinn and the route back home via the Baltic States……

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I will mention that a significant number of the places we will be stopping at, do not have any Internet or Wi-Fi access so updates will not be as frequent as previous travel blogs.

So if you are up for it then come and join us once again in the ‘Third Seat’ of our Swedish Tug ‘Flamenco Red’ as we trundle along.
You are more than welcome and we hope you enjoy the tour!

[ssicarman]

Looking forward to the trip.

Sure hope that the weather gets warmer real fast for you.

[XCovlov70]

Looking forward to the trip.

Sure hope that the weather gets warmer real fast for you.

Thanks ssicarman!

I am also fingers crossed for a weather improvement as I only posses 1 pair of Thermal's!!! :D:D

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

South Wales (UK) to France

As the trip down to the Eurotunnel Train has been covered many times before, then the only bit unless something dramatic turns up, is crossing over the Second Severn River Crossing and NOT having to pay a toll to ‘Exit Stage Left’ over the Bridge, and out of Wales!

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Once out of Wales we enter the first ‘Foreign Country’!...

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After a couple of hours we then come to the M25 that is the ‘Freeway’ that circles London and I am glad we were going the anticlockwise way today as we saw the nose to tail stack of vehicles going clockwise!....

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Next stop after a quick bite to eat at Chobham Services on the M25 was at the Eurotunnel Check-In……

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Then around 1 hour later we were making our way down to the train and getting onboard, but at least the time allowed me to change over the headlight settings for driving on the ‘wrong side of the road’!...

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As we went into the Terminal we spotted a display that was headed up as the picture below…….

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I must admit that the answer seemed rather simple: “You go in one end, and come out the other, and you don’t get wet!” [thumbup]

Then we are out and having got off the train we head off onto the ‘Exit Road’…….

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While we then heads off to a right slip road and the very large shopping and fuel fill up area called Cite Europe that also has an Aires that you can spend the night in…..

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As we make our way around to firstly the fuel station we are passed by these two rather nice open topped sports cars! Very nice but no room for the luggage and our 11Kg of Porridge required for this trip!

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That though completed the 1st Stage of this trip, while the next one is one of the longest we have travelled in a day as we normally try to make a limit of 250 Miles but as tomorrow is a Sunday and a lot of the Heavy Goods Vehicles cannot travel then we are travelling for 340 miles…..
So it’s an EARLY Start!...... [nonono][cussing]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

France to Germany

06:30hrs this morning, just as daylight is beginning to come out and we are off on the 340 Miles to the town of Bramsche and the campsite called Waldwinkel, and as we got on the road and put a few miles behind us that wonderful ‘Pink Glow’ started to appear in front of us called SUNRISE!……

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With the last one for today as it started to get a lot brighter……

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While being ‘Sunday’ we found that when we pulled into a Service Area to try and get breakfast all the long parking slots were occupied with the ‘Sunday Stationery Trucks’ which cannot travel unless they have a special or perishable load!...

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Water tower…….(I know it looks like the 'Leaning Tower of Pisa' but it was the camera, the tower was upright!!)

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Sports or concert arena!

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The entrance to the Kennedy Tunnel in Antwerp, Belgium…..

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As we get back out in the countryside the weather brightens up a bit, but we were not to know that it wouldn’t last!.....

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High Tech Campus, Eindhoven. The slim ‘black strips’ looked a bit like small Solar Panels……

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Don’t see many of these combinations on the road these days…..

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Then we ran into the rain, which lasted for a bit of time while the temperature dropped quite considerably……

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While shortly after and the final ‘Are we there yet?’ we turned off the Autobahn having travelled through 3 countries (France, Belgium & Netherlands) and ended up in the 4th (Germany) to take a minor road and then a ‘track’ up a hill…..

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To finally arrive at Camping Waldwinkel…..

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While across the road in the opposite field we see these two ‘little fellas’ that look a bit like ‘Highland Cattle’ but a lot smaller…..

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Long day, so time for a nice coffee and see what happens tomorrow as we have 2 nights here......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day out in Bramsche & Osnabrück

Well the weather forecast says RAIN later today, but we are off for a bit of exploring around the nearest town called Bramsche and then over to the city of Osnabrück……
Bramsche is a small town with a lot of old buildings in that are still in use either as shops or dwellings for families. The next picture shows the list of all the buildings and the dates they were erected. Take a look at Number 26 and the year is was built….

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You can see it on the ‘Plan’ in the middle at the top of the next picture…..
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This is Number 26 which is now being used by the C&A group as a clothes outlet……

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While here is a metal sculpture of ‘Geld Lotte’ outside of one of the Banks in the town……

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Looks like she is counting her coins before she goes into the Bank...

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While we have a few street scenes around the town next……

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Look closely at the next picture, just up to the right of the centre. What can you see?……

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Yes, it’s the Glockenspiel Bells at the top of the house front. The house was the home of one of the first ‘Bag’ makers (Tuchmacher) in the city before the Factory was built

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We then went to have a look at the ‘Tuchfabrik’ (Bag Factory) which has ceased production and is now a Museum but as it was Monday the place was closed along with the Tourist Information Centre……

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One of the original ‘engines’ from inside the Bag Factory……

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As we then started to make our way back into the town centre we could not help notice this very dark house which was completely different to the other houses and their bright colours…..

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The town Book Store……

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Oink….Oink! This little piggy got painted!......

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While these little piggy’s and sheep were waiting for the water trough to be filled up!......

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One more street picture as we make our way back to ‘Flamenco Red’……

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As we then head over to the city of Osnabrück……

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Interesting collection of ‘Locks’ left by visitors from all over the world!......

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While the Rabbit is not having much luck with its fishing attempt in the river that runs through the city……

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Not sure what this soldier was trying to do, but even the Duck left him to it and swam off!......

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No explanation for this sculpture and water outlet……

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The City Cathedral……

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The inside of the Cathedral……

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As we came out and made our way through the arch there was another church in front that along with a couple of buildings had been ‘decorated’ with a long strip of blue fabric that was stuck in place……

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The ‘decorated church is……

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The inside of the church……

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We think this was the ‘Rathause’ (Town Hall) but it was not identified!......

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While opposite to the church were these brightly painted buildings……

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Council Office Building?…..

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As we then get into the Altstadt (Old part of the city) and the houses……

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Well the water was not in any way deep enough for ‘paddling’ but this Duck was not moving, but eventually got chased off by a man from a food shop!.......
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This is how a lot people over here keep fit as the place was swarming with bicycles……

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Time to head back to the campsite as we could see the rainclouds coming over, and as we made our way back to the car park we spotted this little family by the side of the river……

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Just got back on the campsite and the heavens opened up with the watering can, while the temperature has taken a decidedly ‘Arctic’ feel to it! YUK!

Off again tomorrow further up North, but exceedingly glad we managed to refill the LPG cylinder as it looks like we might need it considering the rain has now started hammering down while the temperature has dropped by 10 degrees! [nonono]

[ssicarman]

Looks like you are well into spring there. Hope that you rid yourself of the rain.

[XCovlov70]

Looks like you are well into spring there. Hope that you rid yourself of the rain.

I think the 'Spring' bit is correct, BUT the rain is another 'problem' and keeps hitting us and then stopping! I believe it's what are called 'Showers' while if it gets any colder we will have SNOW!

We have seen some Hailstones in the last shower that came through! [nonono]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Bramsche to Puttgarden

Bit later to start off today on the stage from Bramsche to Puttgarden as we have around 260 Miles to cover and again the majority is on Motorway/Freeway/Autobahn!……

While it was not long on the Motorway and we came into the ‘Road Works’ as they were ripping up and relaying a complete southbound section……

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Then we saw these 2 trucks in the roadworks and the left hand one clearly has not been near any type of washing machine since it started work, it was nearly completely white!......

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While 30Km still away from Hamburg and the traffic starts building up and slowing down.
Then it was solid and ‘stop start’ for around the next 20Km until we got to the right hand slip road towards Lubeck, where we saw two Motorway Workers in a coned off area drilling holes in the right hand lane!......

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Container handling cranes on the railway just outside Hamburg……

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Oh Boy! Here comes that wet stuff again, but it still didn’t prevent some drivers from going like a ‘Bat out of Hell’ in the third lane!.....

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While there was yet another 5 miles of roadworks up ahead butat least this one kept moving!……

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Interesting ‘Camper’ while I was curious as to how, if they had a puncture was the spare Tyre going to be fitted to the wheel? As it was only a tyre that was being carried on the rear of the camper!……

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As we then get very close to the coast on the approach to Puttgarden…..

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Don’t think this was a ‘Mini Oil Rig’.....

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Over the bridge we go towards Burg/Fehmarn which is just before Puttgarden……

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As we then find the ‘Borders Shop’ which to be honest is a ‘Booze and Chocolates’ outlet that is frequented by the Scandinavians on there was into Germany or on there way out as they go back home…..
So I picked up a case of beer, went to the checkout and was told then that only Scandinavians were allowed to buy the items in this outlet!
There was nothing at the entrance advising would be customers of this strange rule, so we left the case there and went to Lidl who gladly sold me a case of beer!......

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One of the Puttgarden Ferries on its way in to the port with its ‘Mouth Open’!…..

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While tomorrow we will be on one of the ferries and I hope they remember to shut its mouth!…..

Meanwhile our Sunset here in Puttgarden. Not as spectacular as a number we have seen but still nice, even though it’s FREEZIN COLD!!!

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Next stop tomorrow is Denmark…..

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Puttgarden (Germany) to Hundested (Denmark)

08:15hrs this morning, and we are rolling into the check in lines for the ferry from Puttgarden to Denmark……

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As we then wait in line while the incoming vehicles disembark……

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Then up the elevated road we go and get into our place on board for the 45 minutes crossing to Denmark……

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We leave Puttgarden behind as the ferry leaves on time……

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On board this is the Waitress Service Restaurant where a full breakfast will set you back over £15, ($22)! But you do get to look out of the front of the ship which the rest of the passengers don’t see.....

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Some more of the Scandlines Fleet……

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Then before we knew it, it was back down stairs as we were docking in 5 minutes!......

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As we then saw the elevated road coming down to let us drive off!.....

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Then off and down we go towards a very effective Security Check by the Danish Police as every vehicles passengers were checked against their Passports, which didn’t happen 3 years ago on our last trip but good to see happening now!…..

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Yes the sign just to the right of center did say ‘Denmark’ while the Sun was out!……

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Copenhagen, but not for us this time…..

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We must have passed this last time we came over but neither of us can remember it!…..

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Road Tunnel under a large expanse of water……

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The road bridge near Faro…..

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As we came down the slope from the bridge and before we got to the next bridge we came off into the Rastplatz Faro (Service Station) were we stayed last time,

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Making our way through this gate to…..

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This location which has a rather nice view……

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But as we always like to see and try new places, having just got a 2017 Stellplatz Fuhrer book we had a look inside and found a new camping place in a Yacht Haven so decided to head for that instead, so it was back on the road......

As we came out of the Rastplats Faro we saw all these Solar Hot Water Panels lined up on the opposite side of the road, not sure what or who they supplied with the hot water……

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Old thatched house as we came off the Motorway, while the Garage next door was selling Diesel for less than France!……

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Interesting shaped church……

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Decorated Traffic Island…..

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Passing through a small village……

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Down towards the Sea and make a left turn towards the Yacht Haven, which is called Lynӕs Havn……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-25.jpg

As we then see it in front……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-26.jpg

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Found the owner who explained that due to the very bad weather they have had all the yachts have not been returned to the water, so the place was a bit short of ‘space’ but we got slotted in albeit diagonally and the price included: HOT Showers, Kitchen, Laundry & Tumble Dryer, Electric Hook Up and Internet Access and we made use of all of it!…...

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-29.jpg

As we then went to have a look around after a bit of lunch……

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The Beach just over the Yacht Haven wall……

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While at the end of the beach by the Yacht Haven Harbour Entrance is this building……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-37.jpg

As we looked inside it was the first time we have seen a Sauna ‘On the Beach’ with a set of steps around the back that you could stand on and jump into the nice cold Ocean, but not today for us!!!......

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WOW! We could not believe this very small car was actually towing this boat on the trailer as the owner brought it in to get it back in the water……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-41.jpg

And there it eventually goes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-42.jpg

As we walked around I then spotted the Mussels, so after getting a bag it was ‘hunting time’!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-43.jpg

Some nice sizes in the water, but not as tasty as I thought they might be when they were cooked, but I don’t think the sea is as salty up here……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-44.jpg

Then to round off the day a collection of classic cars came along……

Morris Minor 1000 (UK)

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-45.jpg

Volvo 160 GLE……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-46.jpg

Volvo 122 Estate……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-47.jpg

Chevrolet ‘Biscayne’ not sure how old……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S4-48.jpg

That’s it for today!

Time to get this uploaded, clean me teeth and get some shut eye as we are off to Sweden tomorrow……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Hundested (Denmark) to Rydaholm/Furen (Sweden)

08:00hrs this morning, and we set off from Lynӕs Havn to catch the ferry from Helsingør to Helsingborg, but first we had to manoeuvre around the chicanes in the Yacht Haven village and then drive the 35 miles to Helsingor……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-1.jpg

As we come down to the harbour in Helsingør we see the control building for the sea and port area……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-2.jpg

Then up to the check in point to get the OK to continue as there is now no boarding ticket issued, but you do have a security check and passport control after checking in and before you board the ferry……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-3.jpg

Next we once again get into the correct lane as the ferry unloads the vehicles after just arriving from Helsingborg……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-4.jpg

Then a few minutes later as the light turns green from red at the side of our lane off we go to get onboard.....

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As we then set off and leave Denmark behind……

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Kronborg Castle which we keep missing to go and have a visit and see what it’s like up close!......

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Another ferry line going back and forth across the stretch of water…..

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15 minutes later and the harbour entrance is in our sights, time to head back to the car deck!......

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As we disembark we follow the road around for a Security Check as we enter Sweden while the officer we spoke to was also interested in the UK Registration Plate on ‘Flamenco Red’ as she had never seen a UK Number Plate before!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-10.jpg

Past the City sign and this time we did not go through the city centre but around and onto the main Helsingborg – Stockholm E4 road.…..

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Then as we didn’t have any Swedish Currency as the exchange rate offered on the ferry from the ATM was terrible we took a short trip to a Swedish Bank and their ATM down these roads into the ‘Kommune’…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-13.jpg

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That’s me as I managed to use the ‘Plastic’ as the Crowbar kept bending as I stuck it in the slot! OMG!!!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-15.jpg

As we made our way back to the E4 we see this very LARGE American car with its own Gas Station!! Mind you with the size of the thing I guess it doesn’t get very far before it needs a refill?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-16.jpg

The ‘Grounded’ Ex Flying Restaurant! Does an excellent ‘Flying Bacon Sandwich’! Oink Oink.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-17.jpg

Strange ‘Road Sign’ as a Territory Marker!…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-18.jpg

Now this ‘Model’ is quite possibly the only one we will see on this trip. It’s a Moose (In wood)……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-19.jpg

Nice clear roads as there is not a lot of traffic up here......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-20.jpg

OMG!!! Then we saw that ‘white stuff’ lying along the side on the grass!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-21.jpg

As it got thicker……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-22.jpg

Just after all was back to ‘normal’ as we spotted this nice little house…...

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-23.jpg

As we came off the E4 and onto a side road that took us to a new place for us to spend the night……

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-25.jpg

Keep going we have around 11 miles of ‘Country Roads’ to navigate before we get there!......

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Nearly there now!......

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As we turn left into Stellplatz Skeda Strand that is by the side of a lake.
Facilities include Electric Hook Up (EHU), Water, Toilet and WiFi, BUT: No Showers or Chemical Toilet Dump, but they do have a place to drop your ‘grey’ water (Kitchen water)……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S5-30.jpg

While if you want you can go down to a couple of places near the side of the lake, but there is no EHU down there…..

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As we walked there a little later we could see we were being watched!......

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Hopefully a nice peaceful night before we head off tomorrow on the next stage……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Rydaholm/Furen to Askersund

Off we went from Skeda Strand for the 155mile trip to Askersund initially along the roads alongside the lake and through the forest……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-1.jpg

With some nice houses as we went and before we got back on the E4 main route……

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As we went along the E4 we saw these piles of tree logs and branches that have been taken out of the forest but not sure why they have the cover over the top unless it is to stop any snow from making the wood really wet as it collects and then melts……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-4.jpg

Not sure if these are special ‘mushrooms’.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-5.jpg

As we then come to the outskirts of Jönköping……

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We take the ring road around the city and pass this very large building on our left which is the Energy Centre……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-7.jpg

As we then came off the ring road to go into a branch of Lidl which is near that church in the next picture to get some groceries but the parking was rather full, with no space that we could pull into so we turned around and got back on the ring road!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-8.jpg

Passing this rather large wooden ‘person’ at the side of the E4!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-9.jpg

As the E4 goes north alongside a very large lake that stretches from Jönköping right up to Askersund……

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With this ruined castle on the lakeside.…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-11.jpg

As we made a short stop for a comfort break and a coffee we see what looks like a LARGE ‘Potato’ in the centre of the traffic island!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-12.jpg

Then passing through another small village as we came onto the road number 50 we see this object at the side of the road with a model of a person trying to push it along!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6-13.jpg

WOW! This looks nice……

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Then it’s a bit more nice open clear road……

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Then in the distance is the town of Askersund.....

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As we pull into Askersund City Camp we get the last pitch available as we did not realise that this weekend is a holiday in Sweden!…..

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After we got set up and went and got the groceries we saw around 20 other campers roll up to be disappointed as the site was full!

Facilities here include in the price: HOT Showers, EHU, Wi-Fi, Kitchen with full cooking facilities.
The showers have heated floors and piped Internet Country & Western Music which makes Line Dancing in the shower something new!.....

Tomorrow we are off to ‘explore the town’…….

[ssicarman]

I don't know if line dancing in the showers is the disturbing part or the country and western music making it something new is the disturbing part. :D

[XCovlov70]

I don't know if line dancing in the showers is the disturbing part or the country and western music making it something new is the disturbing part. :D

I wasn't 'disturbed' at all in fact I was enjoying the new experience!! [thumbup][thumbup]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day in Askersund

To go ‘exploring’ you really need a map and this was ours as the town is not that large ……

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While down at the water’s edge this was the view looking towards the town……

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Then looking down the lake from the City Centre Campsite……

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After turning around on the pontoon this was the view looking back into the campsite with the church that was built in 1600 up on the little hill behind the campsite……

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We then made our way into the church grounds and saw that the main roof and spire had wooden tiles on the roof, while the semi-circular rear section of the church had a copper clad roof.....

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The old Rikstelephone Kiosk by the water now has another use……

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It’s an extension of the Library with a few free books that you can swap or help yourself to something to read!......

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The main road over the water into the town centre!......

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As we go across the bridge and take in the view ‘upriver’……

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Then looking from the lake side of the river across to the campsite…...

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As we then turn right and head down the quayside on the opposite side to the campsite!......

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We come to this metal statue of a small boat trapped in a very rough section of water! The plaque that was attached to the base was only in Swedish and the Tourist Information Office could not provide any information on it which was a shame!……

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Quayside residences……

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Again we find this very large rock mounted on a concrete base which we can make out from the plaque on the base has come from a Mine that is around 20km away. Not being able to translate any further we ask again at the Tourist Information Office (TIO) and they cannot explain anything about it!
At this point we asked the ‘TIO’ to consider adding to their City Information booklet some details of these items and their history as they are clearly part of the history of the town……

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Nice house with a very nice view from the ‘Tower’ on its corner……

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A very old house in the town possibly the oldest with the grass roof.....

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Spring is coming albeit a bit late up here this year!…..

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Askersund Bus Station!.....

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The town used to have a railway running through it and was ‘connected’ by train to these other stations……

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This is the old railway station……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-21.jpg

That has now been converted into an 80’s style Café, and inside it looks superb!…….

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-22.jpg

Complete with a ‘Juke Box’!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-23.jpg

While on the ‘Menu’ is ‘Pitty Panna’ which in Sweden is like ‘Fish & Chips’ in the UK and this was delicious!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-24.jpg

Next was a visit to the brand new ‘Bibliotek’ that is also the new home of the ‘TIO’ where we spoke to the lady about the lack of information and asked her to submit it as a suggestion which she agreed to…….

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-25.jpg

While in front of the Bibliotek is this large block of stone with a hole in the middle and if you are in the right position the small statue of the ‘Swimmer’ fits in nicely!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-26.jpg

Then heading back towards the town centre……

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Past the water tower which was up on a small hill……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-28.jpg

Then past the school which had the year 1905 over the entrance door, while the Mobile Communications Masts were added to the roof a few years later!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-29.jpg

Another church but this one had clay tiles on the roof……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-30.jpg

One of the houses in the older part of the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-31.jpg

While outside the Kommune building is this rather interesting piece of metalwork……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-32.jpg

The one ‘Factory’ in the town that used to produce soft drinks but is now a Galvanising Plant……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-33.jpg

The town square……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-34.jpg

With its fountain up at the top, and the water was running!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-35.jpg

While not far away as the town is growing, then new houses are being built very close to the lakeside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S6A-36.jpg

Today started off quite cold but has warmed up although a cold wind has introduced a ‘chill factor’ while tomorrow is supposed to be better, and we have been advised of an ‘Event’ tomorrow evening that we will make our way over to have a look, but more of that tomorrow!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Askersund the ‘Gathering’

Today, specifically this evening saw a ‘gathering’ of some old and not so old cars along with some very old and not so old motorcycles……

As this ‘Modified’ car came down the street…….

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-1.jpg

We then looked twice as it went passed and remembered ‘The Flintstones’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-2.jpg

While this ‘Biker’ likes to collect Moose, of the cuddly type!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-3.jpg

Then we spotted ‘Daddy’ even though we told him not to bother coming in his ‘Supercharged Roller’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-4.jpg

As the very colourful motorcycles started to arrive.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-5.jpg

Then this Bike and Sidecar arrived!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-6.jpg

It is Russian and came from the Ural Mountains, but clearly needs a bit more restoration work……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-7.jpg

While a little further along was another Russian, exactly the same as the other one in its original colours, but the owner told us that after each trip he has to carry out ‘maintenance’ otherwise it will not run next time!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-8.jpg

Interestingly on both the Russian machines that ‘lever’ in the centre of the next picture allows you to engage a gear that allows you to Reverse!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-9.jpg

‘Bandaged’ exhaust pipes to stop you burning your clothes and skin!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-10.jpg

One of the American ‘cruising’ cars.…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-11.jpg

6 YEARS old and looked like new!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-12.jpg

3 Years old and now costs 500,000SEK (£43,505)!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-13.jpg

They look nice all lined up!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-14.jpg

Then there was the other row……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-15.jpg

Another ‘street cruiser’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-16.jpg

A Triumph Rocket III motorcycle……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-17.jpg

This is where it was made!…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-18.jpg

The front view, a ‘Mean Machine’ but then I’m biased (Sorry!)……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-19.jpg

Now this ‘street cruiser’ was something else!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-20.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-21.jpg

So if you can’t keep your balance on 2 wheels you get 3, simple really!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-22.jpg

As the ‘Gathering’ grew, the spaces filled up……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-23.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-24.jpg

Then we spotted possibly the oldest motorcycle at the event! Made in 1938 in Belgium and called ‘Salolea’ it was bought by the present owners father and has been totally reliable in its 79 years of being on the road!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-25.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-26.jpg

With a couple of final pictures of ‘The Gathering’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-27.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/6B-28.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow heading further North while up there the cold weather is still hanging around……[nonono][nonono]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Askersund to Vikarby

Back on the road for the 180 mile trip to Vikarby and the ‘Batt Club Campsite’……

As we get back on the road number 50 we very soon run into the roadworks as they are widening the road due to the build up of Truck useage……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-1.jpg

Very handy to have the rocks alongside the road that is being widened so you can extract and crush them to make the ‘metalling’ for the new road base!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-2.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-3.jpg

We thought for a minute that the boat coming towards us had taken a wrong turn as all we could see was the upper deck as it came up the hill towards us!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-4.jpg

OK, so who shut the gate behind us?.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-5.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-8.jpg

Oops! Somebody lost control of their 4 wheels, presumably when the snow and ice were down, but as the vehicle has been ‘taped up’ then the Swedish Polis are aware that it is there......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-9.jpg

A slim water wheel!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-10.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-11.jpg

Can’t miss the sign for this railway museum!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-12.jpg

A monument (In Wood) to the Miners and Quarrymen as this area had a number of Iron Ore and Silver Mines in!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-13.jpg

Just coming into……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-14.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-15.jpg

With the Dalarna Horse on the central reservation as we pass through the town centre……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-16.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-17.jpg

We think this was an iron sculpture of a snake!…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-18.jpg

Quick stop for a coffee in a small café at the side of a Rastplats…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-19.jpg

While the inside of the café was adorned with very colourful prints all of which were for sale!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-20.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-21.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-23.jpg

Large shopping mall a bit further up the road……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-24.jpg

While a strange metal sculpture was in the centre of this traffic island……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-25.jpg

As we then carried on and came to the town of Falun, which has a very large Coppermine in the centre that we visited on our last trip up here……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-26.jpg

The Falun Gruva Ram……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-27.jpg

The mounds of earth are what has come out of the coppermine……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-28.jpg

As we head initially towards the town centre……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-29.jpg

But then head off onto a different road and make our way to……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-30.jpg

With the town on our right, the railway and lake on our left……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-31.jpg

While shortly after we arrived at Vikarby Batt Club Campsite……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-32.jpg

With some very nice scenery around……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-33.jpg

As a local ‘Hot Rod’ also came for a look around!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-34.jpg

Then on the site a bit lower down we see this concrete marker that shows the height of the water in the lake in certain years……

The top marker is 1860 while the lake has dropped in the depth and the last recording was 1985.
Clearly the lake is now much lower than the 1985 level and seems to be drying up!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-35.jpg

Little building at the end of the jetty, but as it was behind a locked gate we could not tell if it was another Sauna……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-36.jpg

But it looked more like a place to get changed into your swimsuit!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-37.jpg

In the evening or during the day you could sit inside this shelter with a nice fire lit in the concrete ‘grate’ in front and if you caught any you could grill your fish!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-38.jpg

The view from the window of the ‘TinTent’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-39.jpg

Then as the lake became very calm we got this rather nice reflection of the shoreline on the water……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7-40.jpg

Off for a look around Rättvik tomorrow and to get my glasses repaired!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day around Rättvik

Speaking with one of the people on the campsite here in Vikarby he told us of a place to visit which is a waterfall that via a trail in the forest you can walk around going to the top and then down to the bottom. So as it is not far from the town of Rättvik which is close to the campsite so as we wanted to have a trip there for some groceries we combined both as well as finding the opticians to get my glasses repaired!......

The opticians didn’t open till 10:00 in the town so we carried on to the parking area for the waterfall, complete with some left over snow and ice which is slowly melting!…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-1.jpg

The information plaque was next to have a read as there was a small section that was in English while the waterfall is called Styggforsen……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-2.jpg

Being this early in the season the Reception & Information building was not open but we did find on the way back that they had toilet facilities at the side of the building with everything you needed while the room was also HEATED! It was also able to accommodate physically challenged people!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-3.jpg

Then it was time to get on the trail to the waterfall!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-4.jpg

As we pass this small pond which was still partly frozen over but reflecting the trees in the unfrozen part!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-5.jpg

One of the ‘outlets’ for the pond with a large lump of ice under the water chute……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-6.jpg

The river that feeds the waterfall looking upstream through the forest……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-7.jpg

Then as we move along the safety fence we see the top of the waterfall……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-8.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-9.jpg

While on the other side of the waterfall are the steps going down to the bottom……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-10.jpg

So off we go down……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-11.jpg

But a bit of care was needed as there was still ice and snow on some of the steps!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-12.jpg

Following the trail, the river and the safety barrier we could see a rock face up ahead while a lot of trees had fallen down from the winter so the view was not that good……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-13.jpg

While looking back at what we hoped were good viewing spots to the waterfall, they were rather obscured……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-14.jpg

Then finishing the ‘steps’ with the ice in front it was both hands on the safety barrier and propel yourself along on the ice!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-15.jpg

Get past that then with both feet firmly on the ground we could take a look back upstream……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-16.jpg

Bit further along and we find a small map showing the terrain & rock formations in the area, while the Red DOT is ‘where you are now’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-17.jpg

I managed to work out 2 of the types of rock: Granite and Sandstone!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-18.jpg

While the next picture is of that rock face we saw as we came down the river and is related to the number 3 on the previous picture!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-19.jpg

As we then start to make our way back up towards the car park we spot this small hut in the forest!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-20.jpg

A bit closer and we see the word SKVALTKVARN over the door which was held closed with a hook……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-21.jpg

Open the door to have a look inside as we thought it was a hut for sheltering in, and found a pair of grinding wheels with a feed hopper on top!……..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-22.jpg

While you can just see a couple of the ‘vanes’ on the drive shaft that turns those grinding wheels up above as it is a small milling house……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-23.jpg

As we came out and moved to the right, we could then see the water chute that provided the power to turn the vanes and run the mill! The water was provided from the small pond but the sluice gate allowing the water to flow down was closed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-24.jpg

Back past the small pond with the nice mirror reflection……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-25.jpg

As we then see a few possible ‘Christmas Trees’ for this December!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-26.jpg

Time to head back into Rättvik, where the first stop was the optician who very kindly repaired my glasses so I can see even better when writing this travel blog, however the next place came unstuck as it didn’t open till 12:00 and that was the Tourist Office, which is this building by the railway station!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-27.jpg

While on the opposite side of the road is the Town Hall with a Dalarna Horse (in Grey) outside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-28.jpg

So off we went for a walk around the town with the following pictures……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-29.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-30.jpg

3 Fiddle Players and 3 Lady Dancers, but interestingly they do not look Swedish!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-31.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-32.jpg

Town Centre Main Street……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-33.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-34.jpg

Then we see this ‘Longboat'……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-35.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-36.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-37.jpg

I hope you can read the text in the next picture as the story is quite interesting……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S7A-38.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow to a place called Harkmon, just hope this nice weather continues……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Vikarby to Lits

Well before we can get off the campsite at Vikarby Batt Club we have to cross the railway line which runs behind the campsite!……

So it was a short wait while the ‘Log Train’ albeit empty, went through and we were back on the road to Lits……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-2.jpg

New road surface on the right hand side, so we had to stay left which was back on the right side for us, but it didn’t last!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-3.jpg

As we got to the front of the line we found that this was the vehicle that had escorted the line of traffic through the roadworks!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-4.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-5.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-6.jpg

A ‘Log Lorry’ as opposed to the Train……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-7.jpg

Then as we climb higher we see fields of……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-8.jpg

And lakes that are still FROZEN over!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-9.jpg

While the road is nice and clear again!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-10.jpg

Rest area but all closed up, so no chance of a coffee and a break!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-11.jpg

Some of these logs were possibly used to fill that lorry!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-12.jpg

While we see another frozen lake, and on this one we can see the Ski Doo lines!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-13.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-16.jpg

Strange sculpture for a town marker……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-17.jpg

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More open road, which is so much nicer than the congestion of the UK!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-21.jpg

Well we had to find one as we rolled along…..A ‘Half Frozen Lake’!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-22.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-23.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-27.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-28.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-30.jpg

Well the highest ‘Mountains’ in Sweden still have quite a lot of Snow on them!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-31.jpg

A ‘Teardrop’ ‘TinTent’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-32.jpg

As we then roll into……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-33.jpg

Not sure what they call these as we roll into the town and search for a Garage after running very low on fuel as garages are few and far between unless you are in a town!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-34.jpg

Out of Östersund and the last few miles to Lits Camping & Stugby!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-35.jpg

As we get onto the campsite and get set up, as we are the only ones here, except for the staff at the campsite!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-36.jpg

Anyone fancy a TiPi with a night time temperature of around -5C? Blankets and Thermal 'Undies' are optional!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8-37.jpg

Shopping, Laundry and maybe a Forest Walk tomorrow!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A Forest Trail Walk at Lit Camping & Stugby

A quick trip into Östersund for some groceries from Lidl then it was back to the campsite to finish off the 5 loads of washing before lunchtime which the campsite was allowing us to do for free as it was in their eyes ‘Low Season’!
While the guy at the next campsite we were going to but have now changed our minds wanted 60SEK a load that would have cost £26.30, for the 5 loads, as well as £20.60/Night for the camping pitch!......

Then after lunch we set off on a 19Km (12 Miles) Forest Walk along a pre-defined trail as we followed the Orange/Brown line on the map below which was matched by wooden signs and trees that had been painted with an Orange/Brown Spot……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-2.jpg

Passing the old wooden railway bridge!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-3.jpg

Nice new house with a view directly over the river!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-4.jpg

Farmstead, while the Barn nearest the road had a date of 1805 engraved in the wood!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-5.jpg

One of the ‘markers’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-6.jpg

So far so good!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-7.jpg

This is also a winter ski-doo trail so some snow/ice is still around after being compressed by the ski-doos!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-8.jpg

In the centre of the picture is a quite small blue butterfly while the sunshine lightened it up a bit!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-9.jpg

A very LARGE Ant Hill and there were a few of these as we went along the track, so you didn’t hang around too long otherwise your feet were covered in ants!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-10.jpg

The top of the hill was literally covered in ants!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-11.jpg

Looked like the Fir Trees are growing Beards!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-12.jpg

After about 45minutes hour we came to the first ‘Rastplatz’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-13.jpg

Spring has arrived!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-14.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-15.jpg

Mother Nature’s way of reclaiming a tree stump!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-16.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-19.jpg

Up and down alongside the river in places we continue to go!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-20.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-21.jpg

Some more of Mother Nature’s reclaiming which looked like little Trolls with green hats on!……..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-22.jpg

CRACK! Then it fell down……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-23.jpg

Another water channel meandering through the forest on its way to the river……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-24.jpg

Some of them with lumps of ice still there……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-25.jpg

This was a bit tricky and we nearly slid down on our backsides!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-26.jpg

As we got to the wooden bridge and looked up the stream……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-27.jpg

While we looked back up where we had just come down. Thankfully we did not go back this way!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-28.jpg

The next ‘Rastplatz’ with a refreshment café but it was as we expected closed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-29.jpg

It might have been cut down or fallen over but the Fungus was still growing from the trunk……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-30.jpg

Then as we got closer to the side of the river we could see the section called ‘The Gorge’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-31.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-32.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-33.jpg

Then a bit further along and we see the Hydro Power Station which if you listened carefully you could hear humming away as the water passing under the building drove the electricity generating equipment……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-34.jpg

Colours looked nice but I doubt if it was edible……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-35.jpg

Then we made our way over to the road for the long walk back to the campsite and were worn out by the time we got back!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-36.jpg

While finally we got to see a Dog Training Class that took place on the ground at the rear of the ‘TinTent’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S8A-37.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow while the forecast is for some very COLD nights to look forward to!……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Lits to Blattnicksele

As we left Lits for the 200 mile run to Blattnicksele and Sandsjögǻrden Holiday Resort & Camping we got the distinct impression that we were going to see a lot more Snow and Frozen Lakes the further North we went, but at least the roads were clear……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-1.jpg

This is where some of those logs end up……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-2.jpg

Garage Sale?........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-3.jpg

Anyone fancy a bit of Ice Fishing?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-4.jpg

Think this farm could do with a Garage Sale?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-5.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-6.jpg

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Over the bridge and into Vilhelmina!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-9.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-11.jpg

The town Moose still looks good!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-12.jpg

Open clear road again outside the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-13.jpg

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Nice large pieces of ice clinging to the rocks!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-17.jpg

As we come into……
Which is just inside Southern Lappland……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-18.jpg

Black Bear looking for a snack?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-19.jpg

As we pulled into a small parking area for a drink and a snack, we could look back towards the town centre of Dorotea……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-20.jpg

While at the edge of the parking place there was this signpost for Ski-Doo riders and the places to go to with the distances......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-21.jpg

While each of the places on that signpost were on trails across this frozen lake!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-22.jpg

Back on the road and we then pass the Solifer (Polar) Caravan factory, which are still the only manufacturer who ‘pressure spray’ each caravan as it comes off the production line to ensure there is no water ingress!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-23.jpg

We thought for a minute that we were going to get stuck behind this machine, but it turned out it was sweeping all the winter grit away from the junction……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-25.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-28.jpg

Next town along the route was……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-29.jpg

As we see another car that had left the road during winter and ‘kissed’ the trees!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-30.jpg

After filling the tank in ‘Flamenco Red’ with Diesel that was actually cheaper than the price we are paying in the UK, it was a short drive then to the campsite turning off the E45 into this ‘snowy lane’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-31.jpg

The on the right is the entrance which as soon as we got there we recognised that we had stayed here 2 years ago!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-32.jpg

As the campground was not useable we pitched between a couple of cabins……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-33.jpg

We then found out that the Huskies were still here, and one female who is 16 years old (116 Human Years of age) spent the Winter with a few of the others hauling sledges around and seemed to enjoy every minute of it, so we had to go and say ‘Hello’, and here she is!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-34.jpg

Then she hops back on her platform to soak up a bit more of this nice sunshine!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-35.jpg

As we then went off to meet the rest of the gang!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-36.jpg

The ice on the lake and the floating ‘Picnic Table’!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-37.jpg

The lake which up to 2 days ago you could still walk out onto it, but now the ice is no longer joined to the shoreline, so might be fragile!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-38.jpg

While here is the weather forecast for a place called Kiruna which we will be heading to tomorrow!……
I think we could be muffling up in the Salopettes we brought along to sleep in, as well as the Thermals!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S9-39.jpg

N.B. As well as the ‘nice weather’ we have on our front door, because of our night time locations I doubt if we will have any Internet connection for the next 7 DAYS, so there will be no updates for the Travel Blog, but then you should have quite a bit of catching up to do, if we have not become ‘frozen stiff’ and cannot operate the keyboard!!!...... [nonono]

[XCovlov70]

Just got to our next halt which was supposed to be an ' Free stay Aires' on a dockside, but it turns out that the Boat Club have grabbed it and are now charging NOK180/night (€21 or £16)! But at least they have an Internet connection so I can git goin with the updates again [thumbup]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Blattnicksele to Lappenasuando

During a short conversation with the young man in the TENT in the picture below I found out that he had flown from Switzerland to Iceland, cycled around Iceland and then caught the ferry from Iceland to Denmark and is now making his way through Sweden into Norway to go to the very top!
While yes it was very COLD last night!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-1.jpg

While at 09:00 we were back on the E45 road North after it had rained for around 30 minutes!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-2.jpg

Then a short while later we spot our first Reindeer!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-3.jpg

Next town......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-4.jpg

This lot is going to take a long time to melt!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-5.jpg

While just outside the town is another group……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-6.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-7.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-10.jpg

All the boats are out of the water and there are no signs of them going back in yet!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-11.jpg

As we then come into Arvidsjaur!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-12.jpg

Main street……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-13.jpg

Mounds of snow seem to be BIGGER here or it might be the way the snow has been pushed into mounds……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-14.jpg

Trinket shop……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-15.jpg

Then we find a very interesting place called……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-16.jpg

The description of the place, which is still in use by the Sami People……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-17.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-18.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-19.jpg

Some of the wooden buildings……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-20.jpg

The plans of the buildings......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-21.jpg

The description of the buildings......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-22.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-23.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-25.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-26.jpg

A set of steps made from a tree trunk, and just swung into place when needed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-27.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-28.jpg

The ‘Birch Bark’ which acts like ‘Roofing Felt’ between the first and second layers of wood that form the roof……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-29.jpg

The town church!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-30.jpg

The view from the church back into the town!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-31.jpg

While the black Audi was the ‘Tug’ for the twin axle Polar Caravan, the Caravan was plugged into the Electric supply for the Audi, that stops the engine oil from freezing up in the winter!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-32.jpg

Meet the Moose Family!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-33.jpg

While this is the man who carved them!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-34.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-35.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-36.jpg

Back on the road and we see these models dressed in Reindeer skins!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-37.jpg

The old bridge at one of the Rastplats we called into!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-38.jpg

The Rastplats itself with a very clean and again heated WC also set up for the physically challenge!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-39.jpg

While a bit further up the road we see a couple of Male Reindeer still sporting their antlers……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-40.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-41.jpg

Next stop was on the Polar Circle itself (Seems like a few people also made it judging by all the sticky labels on the sign!)……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-42.jpg

As usual the Café was closed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-43.jpg

Not sure if this ‘building’ can be rented as a Cabin to spend the night in!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-44.jpg

This is the spot where the Arctic Circle line is supposed to pass through? While I was under the impression that it keeps moving!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-45.jpg

The description of the Arctic Circle……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-46.jpg

Now heading into Jokkmokk……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-47.jpg

As we pass this Hydro Electric Power Station & Dam with some interesting Sami paintings……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-48.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-49.jpg

Next town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-50.jpg

As we enter the town all the initial houses lining the road are exactly the same shape and size……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-51.jpg

Just to give you an idea of how deep the snow was on the road look at the verge……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-52.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-53.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-55.jpg

Oops! Didn’t bring mine……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-56.jpg

As after 260 miles we get to our next stopping place which is the Rastplats at Lappenasuando, complete again with heated WC……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S10-57.jpg

That’s it for today……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Lappenasuando to Bjorklidden

Just after we woke up this morning we found ourselves in a ‘Mini-Snowball’ storm. Difficult to take a picture outside as they would not show up but I got these on the lid of the waste bin as I closed the door of the ‘TinTent’ (They were not Hailstones.)......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-1.jpg

As the storm passed this trailer pulled into the Rastlats at Lappenasuando from Poland with a delivery of little ‘TinTents’ destined for Norway, but try as we might we could not find out who the manufacturer was!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-2.jpg

Oops another ‘Winter mishap’ except this one ended up upside down!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-3.jpg

Clear road for now, but it didn’t last......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-4.jpg

As we get into the area of the LKAB Mining Company with their Ore Trains going to Narvik in Norway!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-5.jpg

As we then get into Kiruna. The original town is still ‘sinking’ due to LKAB’ Iron Ore mining activities that excavated ore from under the town so they are having to build a new one, this is going to be the new City Hall which is due for completion in 2018……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-6.jpg

After stopping off for a final Grocery Shopping run and Fuel fill up as both are considerably more expensive in Norway……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-7.jpg

We head off to see if we can park near the ‘Centrum’ of Kiruna……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-8.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-9.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-12.jpg

Passing one of the Pit Head Shafts of the mine and there are a few around the town!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-13.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-14.jpg

Not sure what this was erected for?……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-15.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-16.jpg

We get to the centre of the ‘Centrum’ with this iron sculpture, but there is no room to park!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-17.jpg

So we head off back to the E10 to continue the journey to our next night halt passing this old railway wagon which had something to with the mine at some point……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-18.jpg

Now very far up the road we reach our next halt, and having parked up, we take a walk back to see the water and ice in the river……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-19.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-20.jpg

As we just finish a mid afternoon cup of coffee the snow starts, and it gets into a progressively heavier downfall and starts to build up in the parking area, while the road remains quite clear......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-21.jpg

So we decide to pack up and pull out hoping to get through and ahead of the falling snow!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-22.jpg

BUT.......for the next 30 Miles the snow kept falling very heavily!!……..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-23.jpg

At one point I did feel the traction slip on ‘Flamenco Red’ as we went over a section of ice on the road that was around 200 meters long!
While we did get to some clear road, the snow continued to fall but not as heavy……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-25.jpg

Then we found an area that we could pull into and see what sort of condition the outfit was in!
OMG! ‘Ice Bound’ I think sums it up as there was ‘Ice’ everywhere!
The chassis of the ‘TinTent’ was coated from front to back in ice that was around 1 inch thick, while the front had another ‘Black coating’ on it as it came up off the road and stuck!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-26.jpg

‘Flamenco Red’ was also coated, not only on the roof and rear but the door panels had small icicles hanging off them and the door handles were covered, while I have never seen so many icicles hanging from the underneath!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-27.jpg

As there was nothing we could do we continued as we had passed through what we learned later was a very bad snow storm that also went through Kiruna……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-28.jpg

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We then found a winter campsite that was also in a ski area and the ski lift was running, but the campsite had no places, so we turned around and continued further towards Norway!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-32.jpg

The Helicopter Base at the winter campsite just in case of accidents or emergencies!……

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As we then pulled into a Rastplats in a place called Bjorklidden we could then take a longer look at just how much ice we had collected as there was no chance of it thawing out with an outside temperature of around -4C and a very cold wind!
When I ‘tapped’ the front locker of the ‘TinTent’ the ice fell off like an avalanche, but the two outer sections remained in place! The grab handles were not accessible and the outer lower running lights had disappeared from view, totally covered in snow and ice kicked up from the road as we travelled along!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-36.jpg

As we settled down with the gas fire turned on as we warmed up, we saw this Swedish Couple and their Dog enjoying the sunshine that appeared in the evening but they were suitably dressed to be sat outside, while they also had a log fire burning in a special holder that was hanging in a tripod!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S11-37.jpg

Having spoken to the couple, I asked what sort of temperature we could expect that night as was advised that it would more than likely be around -10C!

When I looked at the Thermometer the following morning as we got up it was showing -2C INSIDE the TinTent!
While I have to admit that we did NOT run the gas fire all night.

Next stop tomorrow will hopefully be in Norway with some better weather……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Bjorklidden to Norway & Evenes

As we could not believe the temperature in the ‘TinTent’ this morning when we woke up and crawled out of a very nice warm bed!
It didn’t take long to get dressed and make breakfast which being HOT also helped the warming up process even though the gas fire was now putting out heat!.....

Half an hour later and we were back on the road wondering if the snow was really that deep as we passed this house, while we could not see the entrance road to get into the place!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-1.jpg

Then we saw this long black shape off to our left and realised it was a train tunnel for LKAB Mining!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-2.jpg

As we then passed the entry or exit depending on which way the train was travelling!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-3.jpg

Yes the snow was really that high on the roadside as we made our way to the Border Crossing point......

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The start of a Winter Sports & Ski Village!......

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The Border Crossing as the weather turns bad again!……

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Welcome to Norway in the Snow!......

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As we then start to travel along the Bjørnfjell Pass towards Narvik!……

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The Traffic & Road Management Garages as the snow clearing trucks are getting ready to presumably go out……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-19.jpg

As we then get down to the coast in one piece and get to this tunnel we find that there is now a ‘Toll’ for using this section of NOK 34 as we are under 3.5 Tonne, but as a ‘Visitor’ we have to wait until the invoice arrives in the post back home……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-20.jpg

The second tunnel......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-21.jpg

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As we then see Evenes Church just past which we make a left turn……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-25.jpg

As a plane that was landing at Evenes Airport goes overhead!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-26.jpg

We then get to what is listed as an Aires with water and toilet, when in fact it is a small campsite with water, toilet, HOT shower, Electric Hook Up (EHU) and kitchen & chemical toilet waste dump facilities but no Internet!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-27.jpg

So we decide to stay and get set up as around 50lbs of ICE starts to drop off the ‘TinTent’ and ‘Flamenco Red’ as the temperature has risen to 5C!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-28.jpg

While the view was rather nice as the snow clouds rolled by on the other side of the water!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-29.jpg

After a bit of lunch, we then went off to have a look at a small ‘Stone Church’ that was on a promontory from the campsite and this is what we also found……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-30.jpg

The plan of the site……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-31.jpg

One of the old fortifications!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-32.jpg

The door led to the inside of the fortification but had been welded up to stop anyone going in!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-33.jpg

One of the gun emplacements……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-34.jpg

As Mother Nature is slowly claiming the place again……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-35.jpg

Another gun emplacement!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-36.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-37.jpg

As a trench led from that one to this smaller one, but the door was again welded shut, as we then went on to the Stone Church……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-38.jpg

Which is quite large……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-39.jpg

While inside are……

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-41.jpg

The picnic table with a view, but not today as the wind is rather cold!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-42.jpg

Looking back……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-43.jpg

As we then see the observation building in the cliff face……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-44.jpg

The view across the bay to the campsite……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-45.jpg

We then went further along the road and found this place, which we think was the munitions store for the guns that we had just seen, as the sign outside said ‘No naked flames allowed inside’ while it seems that the Norwegians are now using it for something else……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-46.jpg

So we then go back to the village of Evenes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-47.jpg

While looking at the church……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-48.jpg

We see this sign, which is the first we have seen in Norway and can be attributed to the Battle of Narvik in 1940……..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-49.jpg

As we then found 1 Commonwealth War Grave in not very good condition. The soldier who gave the ultimate sacrifice of his life was W P Martin of the Royal Artillery who died at the age of 27.

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-50.jpg

Next to his headstone was this memorial to some of the Polish POW’s who were used as forced labour to make the fortifications……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-51.jpg

While on the other side of the church also in the graveyard is this memorial stone to the Norwegian Resistance Fighters……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S12-52.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow while we have been advised that we can expect to see an improvement in the weather, still the next place is not far!……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Evenes to Lødingen

Well there cannot be many places where when you open the curtains or roll up the blinds you get this stunning view to look at!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-1.jpg

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Then we got back on the road towards our next halt with more nice scenery as we travelled along!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-4.jpg

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The next left turn takes us over that bridge up ahead……

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As we are now firmly on the road to Lofoten……

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Fish Farm in the ocean……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-14.jpg

As we then come to our next town and night stop……

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The so called ‘Aires’ once again turns out to be a Boat Club ‘Campsite’ with all the usual facilities but the Zero Price advised turns out to be NOK 180/Night (€21…£16), but with the views and clean facilities we decide to stop and get set up as we look across the harbour from our pitch……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-18.jpg

Quick cup of coffee and we are off to have a look at the lighthouse (‘Fyr’) and the view from ‘Up there’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-19.jpg

The lighthouse station……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-20.jpg

The views from around the lighthouse......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-21.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-25.jpg

While back down below and across the other side of the ‘camping area’ we see this old sailor......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-26.jpg

There seems to be a few of these ‘painted’ bikes around the area!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-27.jpg

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We saw this ‘GIANT’ bike as we came through the town while it looked more interesting as the Ferry boat came in and passed behind it!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-33.jpg

A few old adverts on the side of a shop……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-34.jpg

One of the other ferry boats tied up and out of service, as there are several that come and go to the town……

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Time to head back……

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There goes another of the ferry boats on its way out from the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-38.jpg

While this Navy ship shortly came passed us here in Norway, so I looked up the details as we have Internet!……

KYSTVAKT W322, named ‘Andenes’ is one of the Norwegian Coastguard vessels, it weighs in at 3,320 Tons is capable of 21 Knots and carries a crew of 60+ while also seeing service in the Gulf War and the Antarctic…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S13-39.jpg

Time for dinner and we are all caught up!……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Lødingen eventually to Bleik

As we said Goodnight to this sunset, 4 hours later it was light again and a few hours after that we were back on the road, initially to a place that I got from a French Camper forum that along with the next 2 proved to be incorrect as they did not exist!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-1.jpg

So we carried on to a place I knew was OK as I had been in email contact with the owner who assured me that he was ‘Open 365 Days/year, so we then sat back and just enjoyed the scenery as we made our way to Bleik and Midnattsol Camping!.....

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Along the road of ‘Sea Mirror’ Reflections!........

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Passing through another small commune……

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The road bridge over to the town of Sortland……

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As we manage to find a layby to stop and admire the view……

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The view across to Sortland……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-14.jpg

As we then get closer to the bridge but continue past on the Andenes road……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-15.jpg

While a bit further along the road we come to another smaller bridge……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-16.jpg

That we follow the road around and go over……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-17.jpg

The we come to more roadworks as the authorities make the road wider and better to accommodate the number of Fish Transport Trucks that come from Andenes and also to make a pedestrian footpath……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-18.jpg

Fish Farm……

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Snow clearing equipment for use on the roads……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-22.jpg

Then we saw not one but 2 Elk/Moose who scrambled over the road in front as the first went into the woods but the second just got caught by the camera……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-23.jpg

While a bit further up the road we see these 3 Reindeer in the field at the side of the road……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-24.jpg

Next bridge and this one was rather high and we are going over it!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-25.jpg

Looks a bit like a ‘Ski Jump’ for cars!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-26.jpg

Quick look at the scenery before we go over!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-27.jpg

As we then come down the other side……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-28.jpg

I did think that if this next picture had a sprig of Holly and a couple of Red Berries on the top it would resemble a Christmas Pudding!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-29.jpg

Entering a nice little village we have an Ice Cream Seller in front who is playing music loudly as he travels along, but no customers appear to rush out to buy any ice cream……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-30.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-31.jpg

The we spot this small church and as there was room to park we went in to have a look around……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-32.jpg

A bit of the history!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-33.jpg

Sadly the door was locked and the windows too high to see inside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-34.jpg

View back across to the village……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-35.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-36.jpg

Communications masts as we now approach Andenes as there is an airport which is also used by the Norwegian Air Force and the UN……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-37.jpg

As we then enter the town of Andenes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-38.jpg

Looking back to the town from the quayside…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-39.jpg

As the overnight halt place was no longer there, we made our way out of the town passing this strange ‘garden’ that had large red plastic balls all over it……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-40.jpg

An old house that has now been turned into a restaurant……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-41.jpg

Now on the road to Bleik……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-42.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-44.jpg

As we come into Bleik……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-45.jpg

Then get to the campsite as the sun comes out!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14-46.jpg

Lots of exploring to do tomorrow!……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Exploring in Andenes and Bleik

Yesterday evening yet another Snow Storm came through with those very small ‘Snowballs’ coming out of the sky!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-2.jpg

While this was our 23:05hrs Sunset, but it did become light enough to read a book by 01:30hrs the next morning!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-3.jpg

Then at around 09:00 we have this beautiful but cold day!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-4.jpg

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The first ‘Hut’ accommodation on the campsite, brought in initially because of all the very strict building regulations in Norway. It’s actually a caravan called a Hobby ‘Landhause’!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-7.jpg

Then after breakfast we went off to Andenes and our first stop was by this door and the date of 1856……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-8.jpg

Which was when the Andenes ‘Fyr’ (Lighthouse) was built, and here it is, still standing and made of Iron sections……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-9.jpg

Around the light at the top is a ‘curtain’ which only allows the light to shine out to sea, so making sure that the residents in the town are not effected when it operates……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-10.jpg

In this picture the ‘curtain’ can be seen……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-11.jpg

The view from the harbour wall……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-12.jpg

The small globe and the points of the compass by the base of the lighthouse……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-13.jpg

Along the harbour outer wall……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-14.jpg

Looking from the harbour wall back into the town with the sun directly in front……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-15.jpg

Lovely clear sea water……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-16.jpg

As I then heard a strange sound and followed it around to locate it, I found it was a pair of Sea Eagles whom I think were nesting on this small island inside the harbour……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-17.jpg

Nice view……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-18.jpg

Then as I swung back the Eagles took off!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-19.jpg

Across the harbour……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-20.jpg

An old historical picture of the dockside in Andenes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-21.jpg

Sea life in a Mural as the town has a good reputation for Whale watching……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-22.jpg

While here are the lower jaw bones of a whale, not sure if it was a Sperm or Minky Whale……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-23.jpg

Andenes main street……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-24.jpg

Nice little garden with a grass roofed house!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-25.jpg

The Bakery and Cake Shop, the chimney was made of concrete slabs, not as you would expect bricks!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-26.jpg

2 x Café Latte = NOK 70, I’ll leave you to do the maths for the exchange rate of NOK 11.2 = £1……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-27.jpg

Side Street in the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-28.jpg

The town church!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-29.jpg

Back down another side street……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-30.jpg

The ‘Toddler Buggy Ride’ and there were 8 of them in this……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-31.jpg

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Inside one of the four supermarket stores in Andenes a quick picture of the fruit and the prices per kilo, except the Kiwi Fruit which are priced per fruit!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-33.jpg

Nice house for sale but did not find out the asking price, but it is on the main road into and out of the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-34.jpg

While the Tourist Information Office was closed, the wallpaper was ‘interesting’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-35.jpg

Now that is what I call an ‘All Weather Buggy’ for a Physically Challenged person!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-36.jpg

Then we hear this ‘ROAR’ and look up!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-37.jpg

It was the Norwegian Airforce plane doing what we call ‘Circuits and Bumps’ as part of Pilot Training……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-38.jpg

As we then found this sign, we thought that with all this cold weather made even colder by the North Easterly wind that is dropping the temperature by around another 4 or 5C, then maybe a short time in this place might help?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14A-39.jpg

We are off on a Special Evening with the local community tonight which is an annual ‘Beach Clean Up’ so will let you know what happens later.

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A 2nd Day in Bleik

While our assistance in the community beach cleaning exercise last night helped with finding and removing old rope, plastic bottles, some other plastic bits and containers we also found 2 dead sea birds which was sad, while there were a couple of old fishing boat nets that were buried very deeply in the sand and could not be extracted!......
The ‘reward’ of going to the community hall following for Waffles and Coffee was a really nice time as we got to spend some time with the local residents to hear about life up here in Bleik which goes from being very nice to sometimes bleak due to the weather.
At the end of the evening came a really nice surprise as we were given a large plastic tub with a Chocolate Cake in and another plastic box with Norwegian Biscuits in, which was the community’s way of saying ‘Thanks for your help’!

Much better Sunset last night, but the Midnight Sun does not arrive for a few more days yet by which time we will be away from here……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-1.jpg

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After sorting out a few things this morning we set off on a walk through the village……

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Seeing this fish ‘drying out’ on the side of a house!........

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-4.jpg

With a few more ‘drying out’ slightly differently on another house……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-5.jpg

As this Cormorant ‘drys’ out its wings in the sunshine on a rock near the harbour……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-6.jpg

Then we found this house in which their lives an firm Liverpool Football Club Supporter as the two sun bleached small signs in the centre of his garage are the emblems of the football club!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-7.jpg

While his garden has a ‘nice touch’ for which he uses a ‘special lawnmower’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-8.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-9.jpg

The sign for the pathway……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-10.jpg

Off we go……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-11.jpg

As all the melt water from the snow makes different waterfalls coming down the hillside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-12.jpg

With ‘bubbling’ streams all joining up……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-13.jpg

As a few of them reach the sea at this point.……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-14.jpg

A coastal mini lighthouse……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-15.jpg

While the light inside was split between Red & Green lenses and only shone out to sea……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-16.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-17.jpg

As the path took us up away from the beach we come to a small still frozen lake……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-18.jpg

While away in the distance behind the lake on top of the mountain is a surveillance ‘Golf Ball’!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-19.jpg

The view from up on the hill……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-20.jpg

Making our way back down the hill we see this slab of concrete with what looked like iron rods in each corner that had threads on to presumably hold something down, but now the installation was derelict……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-21.jpg

Looks like a big Whales tooth but is actually a bird sanctuary mainly inhabited by Puffins……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-22.jpg

Home comes the lone Fishing Boat while the ‘white dots’ around it are the Seagulls hoping to get to feed on the fish heads as the crew clean gut and clean the fish and drop the heads back into the sea as they make their way back to the harbour……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-23.jpg

Still going but the number of Seagulls following has reduced……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-24.jpg

Continuing along the track we see this piece of ‘flotsam’ that is from Nova Scotia Canada..... but there was no ‘Note’ attached!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-25.jpg

As we saw the Fishing Boat coming back we made our way to the harbour to see if there was any fresh fish for sale?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-26.jpg

After asking the Fishing Boat Skipper he picked out a nice 2Kg totally fresh Cod, and filleted it for us.
The cost was NOK 19/Kg (£3.50) WOW!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-27.jpg

So tonight the first 2 pieces, of the 4 we got, with a knob of Butter and some salt and pepper will find their way to the BBQ, even if it is -20C outside and blowing a force 9 Gale!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S14B-28.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow but now heading South!......

[ssicarman]

Nice pictures. Hope the trip south gets you warmer weather.

[XCovlov70]

Nice pictures. Hope the trip south gets you warmer weather.

Hi ssicarman!
We think it has, as all the Snow seems to be melting away! The Barometer has gone UP, while the wind when it rises can be a bit chilling, but over all it is getting warmer! Yippeee! [thumbup][thumbup]

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Bleik to the middle of nowhere!

Time once again to move on, so off we go onto a non-major road to go back down the other side of this land spit from Bleik to a place I found on Google Earth which looked rather nice and peaceful!......

No it wasn’t this nice little island in the middle of a frozen lake!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-2.jpg

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The view across to where we were……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-6.jpg

As we come into the village of Nordmela we see this large fish processing plant out by the harbour……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-7.jpg

With these large wooden racks on the opposite side that looked like they were for drying Cod Fish to be sent to Portugal as Bacalhau……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-8.jpg

Having found somewhere to park, which was on the forecourt of the garage in Nordmela we set off for a visit to the Fish Processing plant……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-9.jpg

The view back to the village……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-10.jpg

The wooden racks were huge……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-11.jpg

While it wasn’t the Cod Fish hanging up drying out……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-12.jpg

But the Cod Fish Heads which are destined for Africa and Fish Soup……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-13.jpg

While the dried out heads are then moved to a shed for packing……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-14.jpg

The harbour with the small fishing fleet some of whom were still out fishing……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-15.jpg

Making our way back to the garage we decided on having a coffee, went inside and asked for the coffees and went to pay to be told that ‘Today is a celebration for us here as we won a Norwegian Prize for the best kept village, so today the coffee and cake is free’ WOW!……
(Sorry, I took a bite of my piece of cake before taking the picture and it was delicious)

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-16.jpg

After remembering our manners and saying ‘Thank you’ to the ladies in the café we got back on the road ……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-17.jpg

Then not much further on and we came to the place I found on Google Earth……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-18.jpg

Except for the odd vehicle going past it really was a case of:

‘Come and listen to the Thunder of the Silence’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-19.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S15-20.jpg

But no sunset as the Sun disappeared behind a mountain at around 21:30hrs while the ‘daylight’ was still there at 01:30hrs this morning!

Moving on again tomorrow!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

The ‘Middle of Nowhere’ to Forrfjord!

WOW! Well after a very peaceful night it was time to be off again to our next place which was going to be Forrfjord!......
As we came into the first little village on the road……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-2.jpg

Then back over that high bridge we came over on the way up!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-3.jpg

And down the other side……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-4.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-6.jpg

We are sure these Reindeer are still in the same field as we passed by……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-7.jpg

Then a short time later we get to our next place at Forrfjord……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-8.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-9.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-10.jpg

The river at the side of the parking place with all the snow melt going into the sea……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-11.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S16-12.jpg

Now for hopefully another nice quiet evening & night!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Forrfjord to Maurnes Bathavn

WOW! Well after a very peaceful night and a last look across to the mountains, it was time to be off again to our next place which was going to be Forrfjord!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-1.jpg

I wonder if this ‘vehicle’ is hired out when the going gets a bit ‘tough’ in the snow?

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-2.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-3.jpg

Then after a very short trip we arrive at Maurnes Bathavn and get set up!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-4.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-6.jpg

Quick cup of coffee and we set off to go and have a look around the town of Sortland.
So it was back through the roadworks……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-7.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-8.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-9.jpg

Then with Sortland on the other side of the fjord we turn right as we get to the bridge and make our way to the centre of the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-10.jpg

The church on the hill……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-11.jpg

While on the other side of the hill is this small flock of baby lambs outside a house inside a penned area……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-12.jpg

Having found a parking place we went off into one of the supermarkets for a couple of items including some Carrots that when we picked up the bag found that they had been grown and exported from the UK, but they were at least three times the price of what we would pay back in the UK!

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-13.jpg

Children’s National Costume Dresses as the 17th May is National Day in Norway with celebrations being held in the town that we hope to get back to watch……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-14.jpg

WOW! This looked like a professional ‘grafting’ of a Caravan onto a Mercedes Flat Bed Truck……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-15.jpg

The entrance gate to a small cemetery……

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Not sure what the purpose of the metal structure was that this chap was lying under, but he seemed to be waiting for something to come out of the spout!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-17.jpg

Interesting but they did not move……

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Old grass roofed building on the dockside……

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One of the views across the fjord……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-20.jpg

The bridge from the Sortland side of the water……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-21.jpg

All the ‘black dots’ in the field is a gaggle of Canada Geese that we passed on our way back to the Bathavn……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-22.jpg

After a spot of a rather late lunch, I then went off to the end of the harbour and tried a little fishing, but nothing was biting……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-23.jpg

Sunset at 23:00hrs last night…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-24.jpg

As the Sun slipped further down, the Mountains took on an eerie ethereal purple glow which was very nice……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17-25.jpg

Tomorrow is going to be a nice lazy day!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A lazy day at Maurnes Bathavn

After a quick trip into Sortland, as the town starts to get ‘dressed overall’ for the National Day Celebrations on 17th May!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-1.jpg

The Hurtigruten Cruise Ship arrives to also take part……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-2.jpg

The small ‘green’ boat is a Catamaran Tug!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-3.jpg

Then as we got back to the Bathavn we spot this little fellow in the bay!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-4.jpg

And then there were a pair……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-5.jpg

As the man who was painting on his boat yesterday up till 23:30hrs last night, launches it today and went home with 480Hp pushing him along at 21 knots!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-6.jpg

The we did nothing till Sunset arrived, and it lasts for a very long time up here as the Sun seems to ‘sink’ a lot slower…….

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As I was going through the previous pictures and getting ready to start the uploading I happened to glance through the window of the ‘TinTent’ and my mouth dropped open at the sight I was looking at with the colours coming through the bank of trees!
So it was a dash back to the waters edge with the camera ready, and the following results came in nicely!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-20.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17A-27.jpg

Tomorrow is hopefully going to be interesting at the National Day, so I’m off to bed!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

17-05-2017, National Day Celebrations in Sortland

I believe the literal translation of the words in the next picture are ‘Congratulations Happy Birthday’ as the National Day Celebrations started here in Sortland with a Flag raising and a 21 Gun Salute at 08:00 this morning on the dockside!......

We heard the Gun, but missed the Flag raising….

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The ceremonial stand and II World War Memorial……

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A close up of the memorial to the fallen of WWII……

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The parade band and flag bearers……

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Ladies in Regional Costumes of Norway……

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Children making their ‘speeches’……

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As the 1st Parade moves off, with the flags of the twinned Russian Town ‘Monchegorsk’ and its representatives in the parade……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-13.jpg

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Mother and Daughter in Sami Costumes, that depict their Sami Tribe……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-16.jpg

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Sailors representing the inshore fisheries protection service, and it was raining quite heavily at the time and they never moved!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-19.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-20.jpg

The arrival of the Hurtigruten Ship ‘MS Nordkapp’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-21.jpg

As the Passenger and Cargo Doors/Ramps opened fully automatically……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-22.jpg

Even the ‘Safety Rails’ on the Passenger Gangway went vertical automatically!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-23.jpg

Which allowed some of the Captain & Crew to come ashore and take part in the celebrations……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-25.jpg

Welcome ‘speech’ and some information about the annual event surprisingly both Russian & English, but not Norwegian……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-26.jpg

Another lady in the Sami clothes of her Sami Tribe……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-27.jpg

There is ‘Mr Top Hat’ again and a few friends……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-28.jpg

As we then ‘Get Onboard’ the Hurtigruten for a look around as ‘Port Guests’ and it did look very sumptuous inside!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-29.jpg

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A last picture as this day is really for the children in Norway……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S17B-35.jpg

Back on the road tomorrow for our last couple of days in Norway, BUT I will not be able to upload any updates for a few days!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Maurnes Bathavn to Bjørnfjell (Mountain Pass)

We could hear the sound of children’s voices from somewhere this morning and opening the door of the ‘TinTent’ then saw what looked like a group of schoolchildren out on an external lesson, while in fact they were going through a ‘beach cleaning exercise’ under the supervision of the Teachers.......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-1.jpg

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Time to get back on the road as we pass Sortland and Siegerfjord……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-3.jpg

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It did beg the question as to how this boat ended up here, but there was no one around to ask as we went past!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-7.jpg

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Looks like a couple of ‘Trolls’ waiting for customers……

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-11.jpg

As we then see the bridge that takes you from the mainland into the Lofoten Islands, which we have to go back over to leave……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-12.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-13.jpg

Then going around a switchback of the road we get a close up……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-14.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-15.jpg

Once over the other side we find that the next bridge that connected Narvik has been partially demolished and the only way now open is via a NEW TOLL ROAD, which also confronts us as we head back to Sweden on the E10!……
I will expand on the difficulties associated with this at the end of this update……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-16.jpg

Next place was the ‘Snow Barriers’ at the start of the Bjørnfjell Mountain Pass!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-17.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-18.jpg

What a change of conditions! 10 Days ago as we came the other way, we had just gone through a heavy snow storm and had around 25 to 35Kgs of Ice hanging off the outfit, while today the temperature outside was approaching 20C!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-19.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-20.jpg

As we pulled into the Rastplats we could see this ridge of snow that was nearly ready to create a mini avalanche!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S18-21.jpg
It was a very peaceful place until the Truck pulled in at around 05:00hrs and kept his engine running for around 20 minutes before it pulled back out and away!......

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Right: Norway and its Toll Roads!
On a previous trip over here we travelled along 3 Toll Roads and on each one pictures were taken by overhead cameras that were then sent to a company called Euro Parking Charge (EPC) who sent the invoices to our home address.
While in Norway we were advised that we could pay the charges at any Shell Garage, but after 7 Garages and 7 refusals from the Shell Garages we had no choice but to give up and wait till we got back home.
Upon arriving home we found the invoices in the post and because we had gone over the time limit for payment there was a significant fine imposed and a threat of Court Action if we failed to pay!
While I duly paid the value of the Toll Charges I refused to pay the additional fine charges, but contacting EPC was in a word a Nightmare!
Eventually after a very long, traumatic and stressful time the additional fine charge was dropped.

For this visit we have ‘attracted’ 2 Toll Road Charges that in total add up to 86NOK however if once again the invoices are not paid within a certain time after being received we automatically incur a fine of a further 300NOK!!!

Trying to pay the Toll Charge while in Norway is impossible.

Being under 3.5Tonne we do not need an AutoPass ‘GO’ Box that initially costs 500NOK while any Toll Fees are deducted as you go along, but after you depart from the country again it is impossible to get the refund of the difference as well as handing in the ‘GO Box’

My advice to anyone currently contemplating a trip to this country is that if you are under 3.5Tonnes and you do not need the ‘GO’ Box, as it is compulsory if you are over, then plan you trip to miss the Toll Roads as once on them you will be hounded for payment.

Sadly while the Toll Roads are being expanded all over the country, tourists are not coming due to all the associated Toll Road ‘problems’.

P.s To get to the Lofoten Islands and miss that small section on the E10 would have meant a 245 Mile diversion, BUT I am not looking forward eventually to the hassle and stress of sorting out the payment.

Next stop tomorrow is thankfully back in Sweden!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Bjørnfjell (Mountain Pass) to Lappenasuando

No Midnight Sun up here in the mountains but still getting daylight at the bewitching hour!......

The workshops for the Road Maintenance Vehicles……

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Four ‘Bikers’ who went past on a much clearer road than we had when we were going the other way 10 days ago!......

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Looks like a slab of dark chocolate cake with some icing on top……

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Overcast sky and quite cold but at least there was no snow or ice on the road!......

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But the snow that was left at the side was still quite high in places……

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This ‘Digger’ was sat on top of the packed snow……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-6.jpg

Unless you had long legs and waterproof boots and trousers, there was no chance of getting to these cabins…...

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Finally get to the Norwegian Border Crossing point, with not a soul in sight……

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Then the Swedish Border Crossing point with 2 people walking along the pavement who were not in any kind of uniform……

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Helicopter sat on a snow mound as it was a Helipad Station……

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Now going back into Lappland……

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With the Winter Holiday Village down below near the still frozen lake!......

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Not forgetting the Caravan Park that was also there……

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This was the ‘Rastplats’ that we stopped at on the way over and looked at all the snow and ice that we had collected as we passed through the snow storm coming from Kiruna, and the snow on the ground has certainly receded……

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This place seemed to be for both winter and summer holidays but no caravan park and only the large ‘Hotel’ type buildings!......

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You can still see the Ski-Doo tracks across this frozen lake quite clearly……

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While it was still very thick as we saw these 2 men ‘Ice Fishing’ by boring a hole through the ice and dropping their fishing line down the hole……

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The Double Electric Engine ‘Iron Ore Train’ from Kiruna on its way to Narvik where the iron ore is transferred to ships……

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While there must have been over 50 ‘Wagons’ attached to the Electric Engines, there are 8 or 9 of these trains every day of every week. It is not surprising that the town of Kiruna is sinking due to the mining operation……

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As we get into Kiruna and see the Mine. Each side of that column of steam is what has been extracted from the Mine and it’s still coming out as the Mine expands……

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A monument to a mining town that might just sink into the ground along with the town!......

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Out of Kiruna and back on the open road……

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As we make a detour to this place……

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At the end of the village is the Sami Church, which we have visited before and hasn’t changed a bit……

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-32.jpg

Then making our way from the church to the Sami Camp which is next door, sadly we find it closed as last time we were able to have a Sami meal, but not this time as they are away and the Reindeer have gone with them……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-33.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-34.jpg

Then just a bit further down the road is this Bear having a nice relaxing time at the entrance to the ‘ICE HOTEL’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-35.jpg

Which once again has started melting, but there is more of it now than there was during our previous visit……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-36.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-37.jpg

Wellingtons and Mackintosh now required for just visiting, while interestingly it seems the place has a new addition in the form of an Ice Making Plant on the far side that produces the large Ice Blocks that are part of the construction for the Winter Season!…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-38.jpg

Or you can stay in a normal Cabin Room if you would prefer……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-39.jpg

As we then finally arrive at the Rastplats at Lappenasuando we cannot believe how much snow has melted from our previous visit 11 days ago, especially as we know that it has also snowed since, so Summer seems to be arriving albeit rather later than last year when you talk to the local residents……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-40.jpg

Even the river close by is now flowing……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-41.jpg

As the Ski-Doo tracks melt away and disappear into the water……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S19-42.jpg

Back on the road again tomorrow still heading South!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Lappenasuando to Lansjärv Aire

The solitary Reindeer up on the embankment grazing!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-1.jpg

Nice little model of a house or houses at the side of the road as we went into the town of Gällivare looking for a caravan dealers, but asking a Taxi Driver there isn’t one, which was a surprise considering the size of the town!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-2.jpg

So it was back on the road and we see another Reindeer munching on a small patch of grass and not taking any interest in the traffic going past, while his Antlers have still got their winter coat on…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-3.jpg

‘Safety Barrier’ for the workforce on a bridge repair!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-4.jpg

One of the 25meter (75feet) long Trucks that can only operate in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, while this Transport Company have been operating since 1948! Well that’s what it says on the side of this outfit, but I think the Truck and Trailer are much less than 69 years old!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-5.jpg

The Rastplats at Lansjärve……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-6.jpg

While after asking if we can, we are allowed to stay more or less alongside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-7.jpg

Dinner of Mashed Potato, Reindeer & Moose Meat in a Sauce and a portion of Lingonberry jam, which all together was very tasty……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-8.jpg

While a walk into the village showed us the following nice house……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-9.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-10.jpg

The Cabin at the side of the lake where you ‘warmed up’ after jumping into the lake before the ice came and froze it over!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-11.jpg

As the Ski-Doo tracks seem to go all over the place on this lake……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S20-12.jpg

Tomorrow sees us on our last part of Sweden and our last night in this country…..

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Lansjärv Aire to ??

Well our trip today didn’t quite work out as planned.
We were going to a Rastplats called Kerasjoki which is in Sweden and just before the border with Finland, except when we got there as it was Sunday, the place was full of East European Trucks parked in all the bays and who were there till Monday due to EU Driving Regulations, so we continued to our next stop in Finland which is Iin Sillat Camping…...

But firstly we had to come back across the Arctic Circle Line, which was here……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-1.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-2.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-3.jpg

The vertical stones were spotted a bit further South but not sure if they were anything to do with a Sami Tribe or not......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-4.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-5.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-7.jpg

As we then made a diversion to this place as it appeared on a number of the South Bound Long Distance Buses in Scandinavia……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-8.jpg

The having found a suitable place to park, we went off for a walk around the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-9.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-11.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-12.jpg

No comment!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-13.jpg

The Church in the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-14.jpg

Nice little cottage in the centre of the town……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-15.jpg

The main road through the town with the Coop Supermarket on the left with all the green flags outside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-16.jpg

The Fire Engine Station!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-17.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-18.jpg

Looks like someone left part of the Wedding Photo set behind?……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-19.jpg

As we watch all the small ‘Ice Floes’ come down the river……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-20.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-21.jpg

Interestingly both the buildings in the next picture were closed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-22.jpg

As we set off from the town, a few miles down the road and we see this line of what look like old tractors……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-23.jpg

Indeed it was a large area with all sorts of second hand tractors and other farm machinery presumably for sale…..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-25.jpg

A museum, but as it was Sunday it was also closed……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-26.jpg

The Border between Sweden & Finland, with no checks being made on anyone going either way……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-27.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-28.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-29.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-30.jpg

As we then get to Iin Sillat we pass what looks like a ‘climbing frame’ for children, but is in fact a piece of Finnish artwork!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-31.jpg

The Iin Silaat Motel & Campsite……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-32.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-33.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21-35.jpg

Tomorrow is going to be spent ‘exploring’ around the village!..

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day around the area outside Iin Sillat Motel & Camping

Interesting that this tree on the campsite is dead, however the fungus appears to be thriving!.......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-1.jpg

Setting off on what we thought was going to be a short walk, we saw this board and notice about 200 yards from the campsite that described a village called Haminan, so come with us as we wander around it as we thought it was fascinating!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-2.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-3.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-12.jpg

What’s inside the strange shaped little wooden box?......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-13.jpg

It’s an old Water Well that used to have a winch and bucket, but this one has been converted to electricity……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-14.jpg

The ‘Booze’ story!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-15.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-16.jpg

This is possibly the oldest house in the village!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-17.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-18.jpg

The Fire Department, which you need in a village where all the houses are made of wood!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-19.jpg

The Outdoor Auditorium……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-20.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-21.jpg

The modern church which was locked so did not get to see inside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-22.jpg

We then found a small Museum, but that also was not open……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-23.jpg

As we then spotted a Café which had just opened for the season, so we went in for a coffee and slice of homemade cake …..

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-24.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-25.jpg

The Café Owner then told us that we were welcome to have a look around upstairs as that was also a bit of a Museum, so off we went and found the Child’s School Desk as we got to the top of the stairs……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-26.jpg

While the two rooms were laid out as though the family still were in the house……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-27.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-28.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-29.jpg

Yes this place also had a Singer Sewing Machine……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-30.jpg

Back outside and we spot 3 boats used in Logging Operations on the river, as this one had a centre winch for holding the logs together as the boat went down the river......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-31.jpg

Riverside Monument……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-32.jpg

Children’s play area……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-33.jpg

The local middle school with all the students bikes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-34.jpg

As this ‘Mini Quad’ and small Motorbike came roaring up the road……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-35.jpg

Do NOT adjust your glasses, this girl really did have a head of long Blue Hair, it was not a wig!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-36.jpg

As we then find ourselves in another part of the Haminan, with a really nice story on this board……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-37.jpg

The Parsonage, still in place……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-38.jpg

And the story, which I hope you can read……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-39.jpg

The new Parsonage behind another of those water wells, which could not be opened……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-40.jpg

The older Parsonage……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-41.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-42.jpg

We then went down to a short walk along part of the river and saw this piece of Finnish ‘Art’ but no description could be found for it……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-43.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-44.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-47.jpg

The river in the upper part of the next picture still has ice and snow on the surface……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-48.jpg

While the water coming away from that part had quite a current in it as it came from near the border with Russia……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-49.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21A-50.jpg

Back on the road again tomorrow!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

After leaving Iin Sillat Motel & Camping we get a couple of hours in Oulo as we make our way South

Interesting for me to make a return to Oulu as it was the first city outside Helsinki that I went to a long time ago and it hasn’t changed much!.......
The first building that I remembered was this one down on the water front as it is the Theatre and the shape is rather strange, which was the trigger!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-1.jpg

In this channel there used to be a couple of twin mast sailing boats that had been converted to restaurants but they have gone, still they were expensive or at least the food was!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-2.jpg

Looking across the water towards the Waterfront Market……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-3.jpg

Then the other way to the large Hotel……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-4.jpg

The ‘City Street Cleaners’ get Bikes with Trailers & Baskets on the back for the garbage that is collected……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-5.jpg

OK! Be nice!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-6.jpg

Some of the old waterfront buildings which have now been converted into café’s or restaurants……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-7.jpg

The front entrance to the Waterfront Market, with the ‘Fat Jolly Policeman’ outside……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-8.jpg

Inside the Market……

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The ‘Fat Jolly Policeman’ who existed in real life and kept a check on the vehicles on Market Days……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-12.jpg

Strolling up into the town centre……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-13.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-20.jpg

While this ‘structure’ seems to ring a bell as the starting point for a Car Rally as each car shot off a ramp that was connected as it started the race!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-21.jpg

Just to the right of the stone ball that rides on a cushion of water is a Café that serves a cake that is reputed to be the oldest recipe in Finland. The cake is made up of Apple, Sponge, Cream and a Meringue top coat and served with a Vanilla sauce……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-22.jpg

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Original old wooden buildings down along the waterfront……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-26.jpg

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http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S21B-28.jpg

Then it was back on the road to our next overnight halt!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Oulu to Viitasaari

After our short stop in Oulu for a quick look around we were back on the road to a place called Viitasaari and an overnight stop at an ABC Rastplats which is supported by the Finnish Caravan Club……

Never seen a traffic island with a Propeller in the middle…..but we have now!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-1.jpg

Rolling down the road we actually passed this sign, turned around and went back out of curiosity!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-2.jpg

Parked the outfit and started to climb the wooden stairs to see what was over the top……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-3.jpg

It is a very large Reservoir……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-4.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-5.jpg

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-6.jpg

While the bannister is too wide to slide back down to the bottom!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-7.jpg

Then we see the information board……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S22-8.jpg

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Passing the ‘Infants School’!......

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As we get to the ABC Rastplats we see this interesting sign for a ‘Ravintola’ (Restaurant) on the other side of the road……

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Heading over after parking up, the first thing we see is this ‘Bell Telephone Rain/Snow Cover’…….

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Then we start to notice more Bells around the place……

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Although this sign mentions Church bells from Germany, there were bells from all over the world at this restaurant, as the restaurant itself had literally hundreds of smaller bells inside!......

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The holder of the liquid metal when casting a bell……

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A church clock mechanism that was inside the restaurant……

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Then as you went in to the restaurant itself you saw the collection!......

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With 2 quite large bells on the floor that we think came from Russia……

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As we then made our way back to the Rastplats we saw these large rocks by the entrance which were glittering with what looked like ‘Fools Gold’!......

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The downside of staying there was that even though we were behind the main ABC building in the rear parking area which is set up for campers and caravans, at 02:30 the ‘Bell Restaurant’ let out a rather LOUD peal that certainly woke me up!......

Next stage sees us meeting up and spending a few days with friends we met in Morocco but whose parents have a Summer House in Finland!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Viitasaari to Sorsakoski

Time to get back on the road for our ‘Days in the forest’ with our friends Henri & Julia as we start off with a nice clear road in front…… ……

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As we pass this monument to the Military!.....

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After a couple of hours on the road it was time for a break and a coffee, so we turned off the main road into a village called Lapinlahden to look for a Café……

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Then spotted this nice church, but once again could not go inside……

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Traffic island in the centre of the village, but no café. So we came out and found a café on the other side of the main road in a Teboil Garage……

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Nice wide tractor coming towards us!

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As we follow the GPS we then spot the Red Balloons that Julia had put at the entrance to the forest road to their place......

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Then for about 2km we are on the Forest road……

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Then we see this sign with Henri (The Rudolph came from him being Finnish)……

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Having then got the ‘TinTent’ sorted out and after a bit of lunch Henri & Julia asked if we would like to make a trip to a Gorge named Orinoro which has a nice forest walk to get to it, ‘Yes’ was the reply, so off we went!......

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As we make our way along the trail we pass this sign which is alongside a fresh water well, and before the city laid the pipes to supply fresh drinking water the well was used as the supply using the long lever and bucket in the bottom left of the picture to get it out of the well, which is on top of a hill!……

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This is the well but now no lever while the bucket was just for show…….

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Passing a house on the pathway we see this ‘compost maker’ with a built in temperature gauge to show how the compost is doing……

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With the lack of rain over the last few days in the area, this pool of Frogspawn was drying out, and nothing could be done to save it……

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The pathway then passed a moss covered low wall which seemed a bit strange in the forest, but then we learn that the wall was built to stop small Military Tanks from moving forward and it worked…..

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As we continue we come to the Orinoro Gorge, which is quite deep and still has a lot of snow and ice at the bottom……

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As we find a path down to the bottom we then see a wooden walkway that has been built some time ago as the ground each side is very soft and quite muddy in places……

Then going back into the Gorge we see that unless you had boots with spikes in the soles it would be very difficult to walk over the snow and ice!......

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So we about turn and find a bit further on that the wooden walkway is being replaced as a number of the planks are quite rotten……

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As we then come to one of many lakes on the trail we see this place which you can come to and make a campfire in the centre of a pile of very large stones. The chopped wood is provided by the people who manage the forest……

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You can fish in the lake for free and swim if you want, while this new small wooden house can be used for cooking any fish you have caught……

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Back on ‘Walking the planks’ as we make our way back to the start of the trail……

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Spotted these on the trunk of a dead tree and weren’t sure if they were old Wasps Nests, but could not see an entrance hole, while the base seemed to be made of something different to the side!......

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Then on another small lake we see this pair of Swans……

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Who a few minutes later took off and flew overhead as their wings made the sound that only Swans can when flying……

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While back near the start of the trail we come across this larger cabin with a central fireplace for groups to meet!......

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As we then go back to the summer house and the temperature was climbing, we stop off in a town called Leppävirta to enjoy an ice cream and see this statue of a horse……

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Then it was back to the house for dinner......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day out with our friends

Henri & Julia wanted to take us to one of the large Canals in Finland which is still used for transporting logs to the paper mills, so off we went to have a look, and it wasn’t long before we got there……

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As we got there, we spotted a small powerboat waiting to go through the lock gates, so we were able to see the complete operation as there was a difference of around 4meters between one side of the lock and the other!.....

As the ‘gates’ in the side walls are opened to lower the water, the gates are also opened slightly which we have never seen before while the torrent of water comes through with a lot of force!......

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Finally as the water nearly levels out in the lock, the gates are opened up fully……

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Allowing the small power boat to proceed, while the ‘Dark Wall’ of the lock was the height of the water before it was drained to bring it to the level of the lower lake!......

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At the end of the Lock Gates is this Swing Bridge that can open for tall vessels on the canal while the bridge has railway lines on top......

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Once out of the lock gates on the far side are two distinct piles of Logs, this one was Pine Tree Logs……

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While this one was Birch Tree Logs which makes up a significant part of the forests in Finland ……

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Then just around the front on our side of the canal we come to the ‘Old Canal’......

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But sadly it does not go very far before it stops…….

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At the top of the next picture the old canal went for another 500yards and came to a stop as the road that was built meant that as there was no bridge then high vessels could not pass, so it was easier and less costly to build a new section of canal with a bridge……

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While on the other side of the road, this is the place where the old canal went out from the lake……

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Getting over to the higher lake, we then see the different boats some of which are still used for moving the logs through the lakes and canals to the paper mills…..

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Back in the car and it wasn’t long as we pass one of the paper mills, with its large mounds of Wood Chips that will be converted to paper!......

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As we also see the name on the building of the paper company……

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Our next stop was unique as they only seem to have them in Finland, which are Water Towers with either Café’s or Restaurants on top!
The ‘Brown’ walls are the water tower……

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On top you can enjoy a snack, coffee, meal and sit in these ‘Ice Cream Cone Chairs’ while taking in the view!……

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Time to go back to the Summer House for dinner........

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Sorsakoski to Helsinki

I think ‘Tempus Fugit’ came to mind this morning as we said good bye to our friends after a short but very enjoyable time with them, and headed for Helsinki using the main trunk road with a lunch stop on the way.

It wasn’t long before we were outside Rastila Camping which is the only campsite in or near Helsinki and so has a very nice monopoly as it is also a Council owned site……

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After checking in and also paying for our stay as you are not allowed to pay just before you leave, a visit to the ‘facilities’ provides this ‘notice’ which makes you stop and think as the campsite is supposed to be 5 Star rated, so you would expect a high level of security!.....

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While a walk around part of the grounds took us past what is a ‘Troika Sleigh’……

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With this old house just behind……

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The campsite is listed as having a Restaurant onsite which as their ‘High Season’ started on 01/May/2017 you would expect to be open?
All we could find was a very run down old large building which tied in with the position on the campsite map of the restaurant but this was definitely closed……

While the campsite ‘slots’ for Campers and Caravans reminded you when you saw them of parking spaces in Motorway Services except you had a row of low level bushes between each ‘slot’!

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One of the Cabins you can rent as well as an area for Tents!

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Some more cabins......

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Looking back up the row to the block of flats that overlook the campsite…

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‘Slots’ come in two sizes ‘Narrow’ and ‘Wide’, this is a ‘Wide’ one that costs €6 more/night in High Season.

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This by far has been the most expensive campsite we have stayed on during this trip!......

The cost per night here comes to €35 that includes a whopping €6/Person Helsinki ‘Tourist Tax’ and another €6/Night Electric Hook Up charge. [cussing]

While the facilities seem to have been in place since the campsite was first opened they are really in need of refurbishing.
Internet speed is very fast, BUT you have to be stood in front of the Router to get it! If you move away to your ‘slot’ and its over 25 feet away then you cannot connect, and as the connection is completely open with NO security you cannot send or receive your email if using a different program to online only like Google or Yahoo mail!

Conversely the 'Camping Crew' have been really helpful with all our questions about getting around and also help in the area.

Updating the travel blog has been fraught with ‘problems’ so I am running a bit late!

Off for a look around Helsinki tomorrow. I bet a lot has changed since the first time I came here……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

A day in Helsinki

As we had a day before our 3 night Visa Free Cruise commenced to St Petersburg we went into Helsinki for a look around and also to sort out a small ‘problem’ with the hotel voucher for St Petersburg.
For me it was also a chance to see how much this city has changed.

Firstly we made our way to the cruise terminal to sort out the voucher ‘problem’ and as we got off the Tram we see this ‘new addition’ to the city!……

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‘Problem’ sorted but it led to something else which I will come onto at the end of this stage.
We then made our way around the port area towards the two Cathedrals that are in the city!.....

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‘55’ was a Naval Vessel but has now been turned into a place to go for a Sauna and a Beer when you have had a hard day at the office!......

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Or you could try this alternative that was close by!!......

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WOW! Didn’t expect to see the Google Map Car around here, but I hope it keeps coming back regularly as there are a heck of a lot of roadworks ‘in progress’!......

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The old waterfront market building…

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Now turned into a number of small snack bars inside…...

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Old part of the city architecture……

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Now back down on the waterfront looking across to one of the small inhabited islands……

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As we then stroll through one of the many parks in Helsinki……

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Then over the hill and we see the first Cathedral……

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Then more to the right is the second one……

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Quayside stalls……

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The Presidential Palace with the Guards safely tucked behind the railings!......

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The view as we climb the steps…..

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To see the other Cathedral close up……

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But we then went back to the other one also for a close up view!......

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Moving into the City Centre to find somewhere for lunch……

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Helsinki Main Railway Station, which is very plain inside……

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Sauna ‘selling’ in the City Centre……

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Different ‘models’……

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The ‘Show Model’ was operational with a fire and a bucket of water inside……

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Possibly a ‘Barbie Tram’……

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A rather strange sculpture in recognition of the founder of the restaurant ‘Fazer’ on the right hand side of the next picture……

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Then we pass by what was the most expensive hotel in Helsinki, and as I don’t want to faint, I have stayed away from seeing if it still is!......

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The hotel now looks like it has been extended from the original corner plot to the dark section down the side with all the Scandinavian Flags hanging over the second entrance doorway…..

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Another garden leading down to the waterfront……

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One of the very old restaurants in the garden……

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While back down on the quayside the Navy had arrived……

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Replacement crew going aboard, while the Officer (The last one in the line!) was ‘piped’ aboard……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S24A-40.jpg

There was something going on near the Navy boat as the place was also surrounded by Military Personnel and Police while this boat dressed ‘Overall’ with the flags was flying the Danish Flag both fore and aft, but no one could or would divulge who or what was happening!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S24A-41.jpg

As we started to make our way back to the campsite we saw the downside of living in a high rise flat near the waterfront as you had to settle for a ‘Blow Up Dog’ to look after your property!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S24A-42.jpg

Now for that other ‘Problem’!……

We were given a cruise brochure by the St Peter Line Cruise Company as it showed us the type of cabin that we would have that was not made clear by the company called ‘Scandi Classics’ that we made the reservation with, as we then learned that the cabin came with a Shower & Toilet.

While it also gave the prices for the trip when booking direct with the cruise company, when worked out for 2 people came to €309. This in no way came anywhere near the price paid to ‘Scandi Classics’ which was a WHOPPING €678!

After finding out the full address of ‘Scandi Classics’ with the help of the campsite staff which is in Helsinki as it was not provided on their documentation, we decided to pay them a visit the next day to ask how they justified a difference of an extra €369 for the same thing……
Results will be made known in the next update……..

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

Helsinki to St Petersburg! All Aboard!!

On the morning of the cruise across to St Peterburg we decided to pay a visit to the supposed ‘HQ’ of the company called Scandi Classics which turned out to be an office in Helsinki that was a ‘front’ for several companies and when we asked about Scandi Classics we were told that they were very rarely seen at the address! However the lady in reception called their contact number and I spoke with a man called Alexi.

After explaining my concerns about the cost difference I asked for a justification and was told to email my concerns which I advised was impossible for me in Helsinki so I was told they would get back to me within the hour by email with an answer.

Then after leaving the office, 30 minutes later and my mobile rings with the call being identified as coming from Russia!
Reluctantly as I had no idea who the call was from I accepted it and found it was Scandi Classics while the voice on the other end started to give me the ‘9th Degree’!
However as soon as I advised the person that I had been advised to contact Helsinki Police the attitude changed completely to offering me a full refund as they 'did not like unhappy customers’!

Quick decision…..We took the full refund which within 45 minutes was back in my credit card account, however that meant that our trip was cancelled……..or was it?

A quick call to the Cruise Line and we had our Cruise at €309 instead of €678………
So…..’All Aboard’ for what was a very smooth crossing……

The Princess Anastasia, which was formerly a P&O Car & Passenger Ferry on the Portsmouth – Bilbao run……

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After getting on board and a wander around we found ourselves just by the information and reception desk.....

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While this is a bit of a write up about Princess Anastasia, which I apologise for as it did not turn out as clear as I would have liked to be able to read……

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The Princess herself……

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Up on the top deck as we left Helsinki……

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Then after a very peaceful crossing we enter the outskirts of St Petersburg passing a fuel terminal……

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Then the outer port area, which looked a bit run down......

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Passing a Floating Crane and a Traffic Bridge that had two levels allowing vehicles on the upper level to travel one way while the lower level went the other way……

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Having then had breakfast and disembarked to be transferred by Shuttle Bus into St Petersburg we were dropped off in St Isaac’s Square, with this very large Cathedral on our left……

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As our first objective for the visit was The State Heritage Museum we started walking across the city towards it, passing one of the entrances to the Admiralty Building…….

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Then there was a small diversion to go to a place called ‘The Strelka’ which is a good viewing point for the city at sea level!......
‘The Strelka’ is a spit of land that sticks out and is between two pillars, one on each side, this is the first……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-11.jpg

The centre of the ‘Strelka’ semicircle is this ‘anchor’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-12.jpg

While this is the other pillar on the opposite side……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-13.jpg

Then as you get to the point of ‘The Strelka’ down at Sea level the centre is the filled in arch of rock blocks……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-14.jpg

As you then turn through 180 degrees you get to see the Peter & Paul Fortress on the other side of the river……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-15.jpg

While over to the left is this rather grand 3 masted ship which is now a restaurant!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-16.jpg

Then turning back and going a bit further around you get a very good view of the rear of the State Hermitage Museum……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-17.jpg

But before we headed back over there we had to have a closer look at one of the Souvenir carts on ‘The Strelka’ as they still have lots of ‘Gorby Dolls’ but have now added President Putin to the collection!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-18.jpg

The on our way over to the State Heritage Museum we pass this building which we think is called ‘Kunstkammer’ but not sure what it’s purpose was……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-19.jpg

Another of the Admiralty building entrances, while this one was on the end of the building……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-20.jpg

As we continue we see these 3 ladies in old style uniforms. When I motioned for the to stand together I was advised by the blond girl on the right that to take a picture would cost me 200Rub!

I declined with a sharp ‘Niet’ (No!) and continued to the Museum……

(It seemed that all the people who were dressed in period clothes were asking for around 200 Russian Roubles to have your picture taken with them)

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-21.jpg

Which we will get into in the next update as having seen the inside it was easy to see how the opulence of the place led to a very unhappy city……

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

The visit to The State Hermitage Museum

When you get to the front of the Museum I think unless your camera has a wide angle lens then it’s impossible to fit the whole of the front into one picture!
So you can join these three together and go from there because the place is HUGE!!!……

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Then we joined the queue of visitors which as we got to the front and looked back it was stretching out past the main entrance into the middle of the square in front, but it was the first day of the month when entry is free!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-25.jpg

Finally got the tickets and found out I could use the camera but NOT on exhibits in Temporary Exhibitions which was OK, so off we go and there are a lot of pictures and not many words!!!……

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Up the main staircase……

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Throughout the museum I found the floors were amazing as they are all marquetry and considering the number of visitors they are in very good condition, and this picture is one of a number all with different designs on!......

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This clock was taller than a human being!……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-33.jpg

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A collection of some of the restoration work in pictures that has been carried out!......

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One of the Canals that run through the city, that we spotted through a window……

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A very ornate writing desk……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-69.jpg

Another one……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-70.jpg

The ‘Gold Room’ and it really was!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-71.jpg

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This Gold encrusted cabinet was rather nice!.....

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-73.jpg

While there were a lot more pictures that I took, I think the best ones are what have been uploaded and really show the opulence of the life style of the family that lived there……
While back outside this was a BIGGER Canal……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-74.jpg

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The Kazan Cathedral……

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A ‘Princess Coach’……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-77.jpg

As we started to make our way back to the boat we pass a nice reminder of the UK!......

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S25-78.jpg

More on the next update as we set off for another interesting place in St Petersburg!......

[XCovlov70]

Overland to Scandinavia and more!
Spring 2017

The Metro and The Church of the Spilled Blood

There is a bit of a mixture of ‘Dry & Wet’ pictures in this next part as we went from the State Hermitage Museum for a bite to eat and then to find the Church of the Spilled Blood, also called the Resurrection of Christ, as the weather was dry but very cold due to an wind from the North East.
When we got to the Church it was closed for ‘Day time’ visiting but opened at 18:00hrs for evening visiting, which we though was a bit tight to get back for the Shuttle Bus so we decided to come back the following day, however…….

Not a very nice start to today as we made our way with the Shuttle Bus into St Petersburg the rain was almost hammering down!
So we decided to ‘stay dry’ and headed for a trip on the Metro (Underground Railway) as we understood that there are some interesting stations that are highly decorated……

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As it looked like the rain had stopped as the Metro Passengers were looking decidedly ‘drier’ while the stations were not proving to be that good, and it was moving past lunch time we decided to go back ‘up top’ get some lunch and then head over to the Church, while this was the view as we came around the corner and saw the Church……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S26-24.jpg

A stroll around the outside to the back of the Church was first thing……

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This was the rear view of the Church……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S26-27.jpg

The souvenir stalls leading away from the Church……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S26-28.jpg

Then we go back to the front to buy our entrance tickets and go inside……

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As you go through the small entrance door, this is your first view inside……

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Then as you move inside the pictures in coloured Mosaics are quite stunning……

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The view looking up into one of the domes……

http://i1240.photobucket.com/albums/gg497/eurorider2/Scandinavia%202017/S26-39.jpg

The view in another dome……

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The wall and doors at the head of the central nave……

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The doors close up……

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One of the panels in the doors……

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The upper section of the centre of the doors……

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The roof arches……

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While in another dome up at around 75ft+ was this face looking directly down……

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A bit of the history about the rebuilding of the church……

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With a final look at one panel……

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It was time to head back to the cruise boat and hope that the Shuttle Bus was there at the drop off point to pick us up!....

Back to Helsinki tonight, then get sorted out and 24 hours later hit the road for the ferry from Helsinki to Tallinn!......