The Arctic

The latest part of our magical mystery tour across the universe was the long, long, long drive from Norway to Finland. Luckily we are driving in summer so we don’t need snow chains.

The drive would take us from Valldal, the strawberry capital of Norway, to Jokkmokk in the Arctic Circle, and then on to Kuopio in Finland, a total of 1,854km.

Early in the journey, we took the Troll’s Road. This long and winding road has an incline of 9% which is something of an attraction for many day trippers. 

Along the way was the tunnel to Hell (There's a place in Norway called Hell). It was nice to get back to earth after that. We also drove through the world’s longest road tunnel, 24km, but forgot to take a photo – it’s hard to photograph every little thing.

With a little misery, it was time to say goodbye to the Norwegian wood and strawberry fields forever. At least we still have some money left.

At one point we had to slow down and wait because some reindeer were crossing the road in the rain. We saw some boys, and a girl help another girl reindeer.

Then Josh ate one of them. Yaz preferred to let it be.

We reached the Arctic Circle in the middle of our drive at the Sami town of Jokkmokk (The word Jokkmokk means “River’s Curve”). In February, around 50,000 Sami come together for a market festival in -40°C.

In Jokkmokk, the two of us went to the Sami museum to learn about a day in the life of the Arctic nomads. One exhibit showed the difference between the droppings of the native animals. It won’t be long before we are experts. By the way, don’t call a Sami a Lap (or a nowhere man for that matter).

Once in the Arctic we made a point to stay up late. It looked like it would be cloudy, but then Yaz said “Here comes the sun” and it became a good night for a white midnight (and a bad one for Mr. Moonlight). Yes it is very strange, it really could have been any time at all. 

Since the sun doesn't set, we drove late into a hard day’s night. For not a second time we camped by a lake and a beautiful sunset with pink light flying here, there and everywhere. We’re getting better at camping all the time.

Yesterday we were in Sweden, the night before in Norway, but now we are in Finland. Of course, tomorrow never knows.

The End

P.S. I Love You