Instead of returning to the main highway from Jakobstad we decide to take the more scenic route to Karleby (Kokkola) called the Seven Bridges Route (7 Sillan Saaristo) and also to stop by the sea for some sightseeing and pictures. With information picked up in Jakobstad we go to the tip of the peninsula first on paved roads and then on dirt roads. The views from the Larsmo fishing port are great and nearby we also find a day/night time shelter for campers and day trippers. On the return to the main road we also see a wind turbine – not as impressive as the wind farms in California though.
After a couple hours of driving we decide to take another stop for a late lunch and while exploring the area we also find a very scenic view of a nearby river which makes the relatively tough climb to it worthwhile.
Next stop and the only planned stop this day is Liminganlahti Bird Sanctuary where we get just in time to still visit the interesting exhibitions inside the visitor center and then to climb the bird tower near the visitor center.
Still this is no substitute for the tower close to the water so we decide to do the 1/2 km boardwalk out to the tower. Somehow there are no other visitors at the tower so we have both levels for ourselves to explore.
The lower level which is enclosed has views through blinds and after following one swallow we also find a swallow nest inside close to the door guarded diligently by both parents. The top level has some expansive views however we see relatively few waterbirds – just a few ducks gliding on the open water between hiding places.
Being still far away from our accomodation we drive for a few more hours before finally arriving in Lapland. The first sign is that during a quick stop in a forest we are literally attacked by hundreds of Lappish mosquitoes – we thought Finland was bad but this is much worse. At least it gives us something to do during the drive as we try to kill the approximately 50 mosquitoes that actually entered the car. Second sign is the fact that we see our first reindeer leisurely walking down the middle of the road – have to wait for him to decide to go elsewhere. And then on we go towards the accomodation which is near the Arctic Circle and reach close to midnight.
