7/31/17

Morning has me riding past farms.  In Raahe I have the tires topped off and stop in the library for some internet time.

Late afternoon I follow the E road on a bike path.  Homes give way to trees.  At 8 pm in Pyhajoem I suddenly feel the need for pizza as the rain begins.  I sit dry inside as rain and lightning pour down.  I choose well and eat slowly hoping the rain will pass or slows.  Rain slows after an hour and I go to look for a camp site.

Love and kisses

Steve

7/30/17

I wake to find I am on the dog walker’s path.  I ride the bike path past homes into Oulu.

Head wind slows me.  Sign for shower but door locked and tourist office closed.  So no luck there.  Ride late past farms.  Take to following transmission line to fine camp spot with the mosquitoes.

Love and kisses

Steve

7/29/17

Rain gear and head net is need to leave camp,  I take the bike path that follows the main road.

The wind blows against meas I ride.  I camp on a bug free beach.  I see a star or planet

Love and Kisses

Steve 

7/28/17

When I get to the main road I am met by a reindeer.  A headwind slows the ride.  Traffic is increasing as I come to the Baltic Sea.  I leave Sweden for final time.  I camp in another mosquito zone.
Love and Kisses
Steve

7/27/17

Crossing the border I confirm the Finnish side has more traffic.  Crossing the Arctic Circle I learn that it is not fixed location.

During a 40,000 year period the Arctic Circle moves northward and southward, within an area of 180k. During a period of 18.6 years it also move within an area of 570m.  The Arctic Circle will reach its northern most point 12,000 (the reason for global warming (My comment and very not scientific)).  In 22,000 the Arctic Circle will return here and It will be at its southern most point 32,000.  I hope to see you all hear when it reaches its southern most point.

I climb a road up a hill to getaway from the marsh and the mosquitoes still swarm the camp.

Love and Kisses

Steve 

7/26/17

I have a reindeer walk down road.  The ride is long but I see bigger trees appearing.

Love and Kisses

Steve

7/25/17

I have a reindeer watches me Pack the tent.  I contact Black diamond about my pole that has a crack in it.  Also contact Goal Zero about the bad wire on their solar panel.  Only once a day am I seeing a town and getting a chance to check email if they have free WiFi.  Most Swedish stores have free WiFi.  I have been going for 100k plus rides as the mosquitoes push me on.I am taking the Swedish side of the border route as thetrucks and most of the traffic is on the Finnish side.

Love and Kisses

Steve

7/24/17

Tree and rolling hills are along the Finnish/ Swedish border.  Mosquitoes move in a minute after stopping to rest so I ride on.  Quick stops keep me moving.  Rain gear and head net are required when entering the forest.  A hundred mosquitoes and flies are in the tent when I have the gear and me inside.  They all have a tragic end.  I see one reindeer crossing the road far ahead.  The reindeer is lost in the trees when I get there.

Love and Kisses

Steve