From Finland to the coast of the Arctic Ocean

The last part of my journey through Finland was something very special. I followed the valley along the Kárášjohka river, a magical place in the middle of the border between Finland and Norway. The river meandered quietly through the landscape, and the colors of the autumn-clad birch forests were almost overwhelming in their splendor.

A while after I crossed the border into Norway, the landscape changed rapidly. The road led me towards the coast of the Arctic Ocean and in the direction of the small town of Vardø. I left the birch forests behind and drove into a barren, almost deserted landscape. The contrast between the dense forests and the open coastline was striking but both had their own beauty. Along the sea the air felt fresher, almost raw, and the horizon stretched far beyond what the eye could see.

One of today's memorable stops was at Nesseby church, which was completely alone by the sea. The church looked like something out of a detective story - quiet, desolate and almost ghostly. Despite the lonely atmosphere, the place was beautiful in its own way and I stood for a while just taking in the views.

The next stop was at the bird cliffs in Ekkerøy. Here I was hoping to see some activity but the birds seemed to have fled the strong autumn winds. The only thing moving were some frozen birds far down by the rocks, huddled together, as if waiting for calmer weather. The wind was so strong that I could hardly stand upright. But even with the wind whipping against my face, the place felt powerful, like a reminder of the raw power of nature.

Finally I arrived in Vardø and parked the camper for the night. Here, with the sea as a neighbor and the wind that never seems to want to let up, I feel a kind of peace. The adventure continues but right now it's about stopping, breathing in the cool sea air and listening to the sound of the waves and the howling wind.