Lapland

[Olof_imp]

D+4 continued. Having walked/climbed back from the falls we checked the map and realized that we had less than 90 km to our destination, Saxnäs. These kilometers would however be some of the most interesting on our trip. A string of bends had us climb to the plateau, above the tree level and onto the road which was open only summertime (the red section on the map).



Once there we just stopped. We were completely alone. The first impression was of an almost lunar landscape, but when we looked closely and just stood and listened we realized it was buzzing with life - small hardy flowers, birds, butterflies and reindeer in the distance. Stunning.



There was a some patches of snow in the ditches, but nothing like normal at this time of the year we were later told. Usually there is snow on the ground and some years you'd be riding between walls of snow, the road having been carved out by giant snow mowers.


Photo: Felix Fjällström, Land

We however had none of this drama but only experienced a warm, sunny summer day. There is a strict rule not to leave the road in june and july, to not disturb the wildlife. The county administrative board has found it appropriate to put up signs on this every 50 meters, so it's not taken lightly. We had brought coffee and pastries and simply stopped by the roadside for half an hour. One car passed, that was all. Otherwise all was still.



We continued. Soon the road started to descent into the valley towards Fatmomakke, a sacred Sami.place which we would visit later, and further east the small village of Saxnäs. The trees returned, the wind became warmer and we started to.se some houses and lakes. An hour later we parked in front of the log cabin, our home for the coming days.