Reindeer just relaxing on the side of the road.
An hour later, we were in Finland.
After a visit to the tourist office (which was closed, but a passing travel agent helped us out), we decided to head north up the border to Rovaniemi. The road winds up the river that is the border between the two countries, and is fairly spectacular at this time of year while it is still partially frozen. It is definitely an area I am going to have a summer house when I am rich. A bit of land on the river, with an old wooden boat to work on in my free time would suit me just fine.
Aside from a fantastic museum on the northern region of Scandinavia, a chinese restaurant and a cool bar, we didn't find much in Rovaniemi. I think the fact that it was a public holiday the morning we left didn't help.
Rovaniemi- far from everywhere.
The next morning we set off to another of our travel agent's recommendations, the Ranua Zoo for arctic animals. We saw all sorts of arctic animals and birds that you have always heard of, but have never encountered. They even had eagles whose diet consists of reindeer, all sorts of owls and polar bears. That said, the highlight was the otters that wouldn't stop playing, and even had a pair of sunglasses that they were rolling around with.
A polar bear just relaxing in the sun
Dad with bluey.
Having exhausted ourselves at the zoo, we hit the road for home. By this stage it was 25 degrees, or the equivalent of about 100 degrees when you are inside the arctic circle! This is when the star of our trip, my car came into its own. With the sunroof open and the spoiler keeping us glued to the road, we chewed up the miles.
Back in Lulea in one piece, indicators taped on and all.
In the end, i think it is summed up by:
1987 Merc
780km
1 tank of petrol
7.8l/100km
No spare tyre
2 countries
6 border crossings
