Lapland

[Olof_imp]

D+7. Last day in Saxnäs. We visited a Sami knife maker and got these. Finnish blades (from a friend) and the rest sourced locally; handles of reindeer horn and birch. There were at least twenty knives to choose from, each different in shape and combination of materials. None of the knives had guards (for preventing the hand to slip from the handle onto the blade). She - because the knife maker was a she - smiled when we asked and explained that guards are considered to be for children only.



We also learnt that knives are an important part of Sami life. Most have several knives, specialized knives as well as knives for general use. Different areas and families often have their own ecorations and ornaments. Knives are also considered to have magical capacities and there are rites for healing and love involving knives.

D+8. Departure. We had booked our next overnight stay at the Salsåker mansion by the Baltic coast. This would be a 400 km ride on roads that we had been warned were pretty bad in parts. In addition the forecast predicted a particularly hot day, peaking at 28-30 degrees Celcius mid-afternoon. So, in order to be done riding around lunch we took off early. This was taken 03:58 a.m., right before helmet on and engine start up..