Day 14/15 – August 23rd and 24th - Travelling Home

Getting back tool 2 days primarily because I couldn’t plan things to be too close to each other.

Having arrived in Kemi yesterday I could have in theory taken the train down to Turkhu (if I had left Haparanda earlier). But this would have been a close call and frankly it was nice not to have to stress out and rush.

Train left at 0830 and an hour later we arrived in Oulu where I had to wait until 1545! The reason for this wait was because of engineering works being carried out on the route south and as I had a bike I couldn’t use the replacement bus service.

Not that I really minded but it meant I was not able to catch the night ferry to Stockholm. The Tourist Information office were more than happy to let me sit with them and use their internet. It was quite a relaxing afternoon.

I must say that I was very impressed with the Finnish trains. Comfortable seats, good choice in the buffet car, power and radio channels at each seat and the very ingenious way of storing bikes. There was a special area that allowed bikes to be stored along with skiing equipment and that everything could be locked up and made secure so you didn’t have to worry about anybody walking off the train with your bike.

Arrived in Turkhu late and was up early to catch then ferry to Stockholm. It was a lovely crossing and I splashed out on a day cabin so I was able to crash out and sleep and little and read my book in peace.

Once I got back into Stockholm I cycled home and Susie and Fredrik surprised me with a huge welcome :) They had gone to a lot of trouble and organised a cake as well as having a special plaque made for me so that I will always remember this trip.

What a great end to what has been a great 2 weeks of cycling