A change in the weather

 

Waiting for the ferry

Preparing to leave Kustavi 

The weather has changed and we’ve ridden in rain, strong winds and quite cold temperatures for the last couple of days. However, when I say we have ridden, we haven’t really as we’ve been almost on holiday. Our distance has diminished to under 40 km a day.

The Aland islands are spectacular in their geography which ranges from lichen-covered bedrock and forests, with water water everywhere populated by white swans, a couple of different species of seagulls and terns, to rich and rolling farmland the closer we get to Sweden.

Bruce doing the Highland Fling on bedrock

Lichen covered rocks

A derelict farm shed

Our first stop was in Brando, one of the rocky islands that we reached by two ferries and bike. That morning we experienced our first solid rain which began before we left Kustavi and continued until we reached our hotel. We had two nights there. On the morning of our second, more rain threatening, we held our concert and were delighted by eight performances, all very high-quality and affording much amusement.

The concert program

A long ferry ride preceded by a short ride and followed by a slightly longer ride saw us arrive in Kastelholm the next day. We visited the castle and sat down by the marina to enjoy the afternoon sunshine.

Remains of a Russian fort, circa The Crimean war

A solstice Maypole 

The castle at Kastelholm 

The marina

Only a few more kilometres, mainly on bike paths, and we were in Mariehamn, the principal town of the 6000 plus islands that comprise this autonomous region of Finland where Swedish is the predominant language. The city is quaint and full of places to eat. 

If you can see us in this sign, you’re doing well

Taking a selfie in the town

Hay stacks

We have not seen any moose or bears, although I don’t think there are bears on these islands, but we have spotted a fox. 

Our next stop is Sweden. According to a Finn, Swedish drivers are not as polite. Let’s see.

Statistics for those who are interested

So far we have ridden a bit more than 600 km. There’s been quite a few hills but riding an e-bike has made them more pleasurable than they have been in the past. Hills that is. We all carry two panniers which contain our worldly goods for the six weeks we’re on the road.