Alain Bezard from Helsinki to Nordkapp by foot. Winter 2010

THE LAST ONE

2010-04-25T07:04:00.001-07:00

As you see, every thing is possible, just be honnest on what you are doing. It have been possible only with the help of the peoples on the road. The Finns are very hospitable, they just dont want to show it.... In north part of Norway, it have been very difficult to get contact with the Norwaygien as they are very skeptical. Thanks you very much to all.....Now, the road is yours.

DAY 101

2010-04-25T06:55:00.000-07:00

24/4....The last day. Only 13km to go. Two days ago, I've ask to Arnt from Sarnes if he wants to join me for the last part of the walh. He says yes.
We arrange an apointment on the road at the junction Skarsvåg/ Nordkapp, and at 9.30am, we start walking. Very cloudy, windy. Further up, strong wind, snow and ice.
Temperature is minus 5. Difficult walk. Some time the wind is so strong that we had to turn around and walk back ward.
And the road is going up and up... after 3 hours struggle with the wing, we arrive at the sign which one said you have to pay 215NoK to enter the site.
When we arrive at the building, of course the staff ask for money. I explain to them the storry, and after few minutes, we got a nice and warm welcome.
Vytautas, Silje and Rima invite us for a cafe and a nice cake. They invite us to see the moovie of the Northcap island, very nice pictures of the lsland around the year,
the midnight sun and the northen light. It was few tourist there from Germany.
That was the best day of this walk. I enjoy so much the struggle with the wind . Finally I'm there, difficult to realise that is finish.
The germans tourist bring us back down with their car. It's over.

DAY 100

2010-04-25T06:51:00.001-07:00

23/4......Up at 5.30am, because Arnt have to go to work and before that he will bring me back to the road.
I start walkin with a little wind and very cloudy. The road is going up now, and and the wind is become stonger and stronger.
During those 20 km to the village, the weather change...snow storm with ice....difficult to walk. Good struggle
I arrive in the village at aroud 1pm and phone to my last host, jolanda. She explain me that it's not possible for her to come back in
the village today, and told me to contact an othe person in the village; Heidi , hwo is taking care of a little shop, The Chrismas house.
I meet Heidi, and explain the thing and she phone to Jolanda. At the end, Heidi bring me to the house of Jolanda, the door was open, and
I could stay there for the nigh, alone. But, I was not alone. A cat is leaving there. So Mister cat was my host for the last night.
Very cleaver cat. He jump every where, follow me everywhere, he could open all the door...
For the night, I decide to lock me in one room, but the cat wake me up few time by trying to open the door. Terrible night.

DAY 99

2010-04-25T06:50:00.000-07:00

22/4....today I dont move. I'll stay at Arnt house , sending update for the blog for the blog.
Nice relaxe day. I have still 2 days to walk to Nordkapp. Next stop will be at Skarsvåg.
Spending time watching througt the window the little island I would like to leave.
Nice evening with nice food and beersss...

DAY 98

2010-04-22T09:39:00.000-07:00

21/4....6.30...Ole was up allready at 4am. The sun start to come up at around 3am. Few cafe, little food and Ole drive me back on the road. The tunnel is 3km down and 4km up. 9%.
He took me 1h25mn to cross it. It's nice to go out. After 3 more tunnels and 15km I arrive at Honningvåg village. Big fishing village. I call my next host, Arnt Egil Skansen, and went to pick me up at 4.30pm. We went to his hous , actually i pass it on the way, 10km back. Sarnes is a very little place by the sea. Few houses smalll fjord and a small island with a strange shape.
Actually, Arnt do the coach surfing. Nice person and interesting. We have nice talk and beers and Tipical dinner.

DAY 97

2010-04-22T09:35:00.001-07:00

20/4...I start at 7.30. Nice sun shine, blue sky and montain and the sea of course. I was alone allmost all day. I had a siesta by the sea, getting sun burn.
At 3pm I phone Ole, and he send his friend to pick me up. I was just at the entrance of the tunnel under the sea, witch one I'm going to cross tomorrow.
Back to Repvåg, I had a cafe with all: Ole Martin Nilsen, Hans Eric Garlhardsen Jan Aaga and Winny Schimnel. For dinner, we eat the stone bit fish we got yesterday with the crabs
I went to bed early, my legs are very kapput

DAY 96

2010-04-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

19/4....Eli open the cafe bus stop at 8am. She talk to the driver of the bus hwo is going to north, and the driver agree to stop at the place where I stop
yesterday. Free of charge, of course. Thanks. Then I started walkink, very nice day again, warm. Next stop it's Repvåg, alittle fishing village, 3km off road.
When I arrive allmost there, I phone to the owner of the place, and she told me to come down in the village. Fantastique place. A dream place.
It's a old fishing factory transforme in a hotell, restaurant and fishing facility. She give me a small room, and i meet the peoples hwo work here.
I help for a while Ole to fix his boat. later, he offert me to come with his to pick up the King crabs. very nice feeling in that place.
The distance beetween Repvåg and Honningvag is 58km. Ole accept to do the yoyo system. Nice dinner with all the workers there.

DAY 95

2010-04-22T07:56:00.001-07:00

18/4....Early up, 5.30, sun shine allready. I decide to start around 7am to do the maximum of km with half bag, it will be less with the full bag. Allmost all day I was alone on the road. I cross the first tunnel, long 3km, and few km later an other one of 500m.
Walking with blue sky,sun shine, white mountains and blue water along the fjord....I call Eli, the manager of the olderfjord hotel, and she came to pick me up. 32km done. At the hotel, have a siesta, wash all my clothes, food and bed. Kapput

DAY 94

2010-04-22T07:54:00.001-07:00

17/4....Normally today I have 16km to do only. So, I prepare my bag slowly, went to eat some thing, and at 10am, Geir and his 2 kids drive me back on the road.
Windy and humid. I arrive at Olderfjord at 3pm. Actually it was 21 km. I went to the hotel there, where a key was waiting for me. The manager, a finnish young women came later. She welcome me. www.olderfjord.no . I explain to her the situation for the next day walk. Too long distance to the next place.
She agree to do the yoyo transport. She take contact with the next place, Repvåg, and it's Ok. Eat some food, talk and bed.

DAY 93

2010-04-22T07:50:00.000-07:00

16/4...At 8am, I stat walking with hangover. Wine. Today it's yoyo system. Too long way to the next stop. Snow, rain and wind.
Very weat. The humidity goes throug my bones. I have probleme with the knee. Rhumatisum I suppose. Well, I had to stop many time. Many cigarettes of course.
I think it's the worth day of this walk. at 4.30pm, Geir came to pick me up . 31km done. It's very nice to see the sea again and to ear the seaggul. Back to the camping, good siesta, Geir prepare the dinner, wine again, but not so much.....

DAY 92

2010-04-22T07:36:00.000-07:00

15/4....Today , I have 21km to do to the camping in Stabburnes. I went on the road, up and down, and I reach the fjord. Open sea and seaggul
were singing for me. About 2 km before Stabburnes, a guy stop with his car, open the window, say hello, and just give me a key. And then he went.
It was a key of a cabine in the camping. I arrive there, and have a siesta. www.stabbursdalen.no . After, I went to the museumin the national park. I talk with Tove Persen. She give me a maps book of Finnmark. I need it, because since Norway, I did not have a detail map of the road.
The boss of the camping, Geir Aarskog, came in the evening, we have a talk about life, ...and he prepare the dinner. After food, he offert me wine, and then we talk up to 1am, and finish 3 liters of wine. Exellent.

DAY 91

2010-04-22T07:33:00.000-07:00

14/4...up at 6.30, Jorkki had prepare the breacfast for the group I took the road at 8am. 28km to do to Lakselv My contact there is Ktistin Ericsson, a journalist from the local newspaper SAGAT. . When i got to Lakselv, I phone to Kristin, she came and do a little interwiew. After that, she call one of her friend hwo has a small hostel, The Lazzzy place. I went there and I met Lena. She give a nice room, and she prepare me the breacfast in case she could not come early morning. Today, I dont why, but I was very tired from the walk. I stay in the room, watch tv, eat and bed

DAY 90

2010-04-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

13/4...last evening, Jarmo ask me to be at the kitchen at 6am to prepare the breacfast for the group. so, I went there at 6am, and he was allready serving food to the group. I did not know, he they are working with the Finnish clock. Well, i did the dishes. After brackfast, he bring me to the worshop, everything is upside down. He ask me if I can arrange it. Of course. I arrange all the touls, put everything in the big bin outside, and the job is done. Everybody is happy. Nice evening, after the serving, Markku, Jorkki and I was sitting and talking about Gandalf...we drink wine and beerssss

DAY 89

2010-04-22T04:38:00.000-07:00

12/4...At 9.30, Magnus drive me back on the yoyo road. 22km to do to Skoganvarre camping Very nice road. Up and down. A long down hill bring you to a nice valley.
I dont like to go down because it's hurt to much my knees. Well, at 2.30pm I arrive at Skoganvarre tourist and camping, run by a finnish man: Markku Sillantaus. The cook and handy man is Jorma Hevonkoski. Jorma is a photographer also. www.raski.net and the camping www. skoganvarre.no .Markku give me a key of a cabine, and I offert to do some work if he need. He told me Ok. We went under a big cabine to take away a big pile of ice made by a water pipe witha hole. We took all the ice, like that he can fix it.
I got wery good dinner. Later on , a group of fishermman from finland arrive. They will stay here for a week. I talk to the cook, and it will be Ok if I stay one more day for help in the kitchen.

DAY 88

2010-04-22T04:35:00.000-07:00

11/4...Up early, I took the road after breacfast with half bag. Hard road, nice landscape and nice weather. In the afternoon, I call Magnus to pick me up. 30km done.
Back to the camping. On the way, we stop at the petrol station where I bought some cafe, spaguetty and chocolate. That will do for the dinner and breacfast.
Meet the boss of the camping, Silje Halonen, ( Magnus is the owner). I got a message from anu hwo give me a contact number to her friend Vigdis.
She will come to the camping to meet me. I met her with her 3 friends from the organisation" Friends of the earth " !!???
Vigdis told me she have contact further north, and she will contact me later. After dinner and sauna went to bed.

DAY 87

2010-04-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

10/4...breacfast at 9, i make some sandwich for the road. John Edvin put me back on the yoyo road. 23km to do for the next place.
Difficlt walk. The weather change. Allways on the + side. Warm. The snow melt. Since yesterday , pinestrees appears and the white trees are taller. For 2 weeks, I did not see a green tree.
I'm sweating alot. My leggs very heavy. Many stop, many cigarettes. I arrive at Karasjok camping at 3pm. MagnusHalonen welcome me and show a place where I can sleep. It's a big cabine house, with all the facilitys. went to the villge shopping some food, meet other peoples there. Back to the camping, italk with Magnus about a place to next village 50km away.
He is Ok to do the yoyo. Went to bed early.

DAY 86

2010-04-22T04:24:00.001-07:00

9/4...after 3 days yoyo, Anita have to drive 90km to bring me back on the road. -7 and fogg. An hour after I started walking, surprise!!
I arrive at Jerggul Astu, a camp with cabine, restaurant and lot of activities. I talk with the boss, John Edvin Holmestrand, and told him that it's too early to stop walking.
I explain him the yoyo system and he sayed OK. So, I continue the road for an other 15km, and at 4pm, John came to pickme up.
I meet Liv Eli Holmestrand . The place it's run by the familly. Liv Eli phone to a place in Karasjok, my next stop. Every thing is ok.
I had agood dinner, a Sami speciality with reinder meet. Very good. 2 groups of snowmobil stop at the place, about 20 peoples
Start to be noisy here, the norvegiens have a party . Went to bed in my little cabine.

DAY 85

2010-04-22T04:20:00.000-07:00

8/3...yoyo system, same storys, same weather, nothing on the road. Only snow. few cars and wind. Peter and Anita came to pick me up after 27km. Back to Kautokeino. I lost my gloves. Kautokeino Xfile ..

DAY 84

2010-04-22T04:16:00.000-07:00

7/4...At 9 am, gerlinde come to bring me back on the road. Warm bye bye. On the way, I found a bottle of water and a packet of sweets.
It have been put on the on purpose. Thanks to the incognyto. After 27km, I call Peter, and they came to pickme up
Back to Kautokeino.

DAY 83

2010-04-22T04:12:00.000-07:00

6/4...Finally left Kautokeino . 32km to do to the cross road to Karasjok. Nothing in beetween. I use the yoyo way.
Hope you understand what is it: pick me up, and bring me back( on the melody of Should I stay or should I go)
Gerlinde come at 4pm, I was really kapput. 12 days doing nothing, it's hard to start again.

DAYS 71-83

2010-04-22T03:48:00.000-07:00

From 25/3...to 6/4... Kautokeino time
Sarriana and I move to the house of Anita Smidt and Peter Rust. We meet Maaren Palisma at the
new Sami school, and Maaren sponsored my new sim card and credit for the phone. During the Easter time in Kautokeino many things happens.
Confimation, concerts, Sami song contest and film festival. We applied to be vonlonters for those events.
On the Confirmation day, Sarianna and I were invite in a familly, Kaisa and Nils Helander, and also to help little bit in the kitchen. we spend a very nice day.
Anu Forselius and her boy friend Johny arrive at Peter and Anita's place too. They are old friends of us from 82 to 86, while I was working in Kautokeino.
We were working all at the same place: Julhs Silver Gallery. I did pay a visit at that place, and nothing change. I stay 2 hours there, but that was enought.
The film festival call me, and I went to help for few hours. It was to load DVD for an afternoon show. Old moovies from the Sami culture.
Very interesting show. That day, on the31/3 Sarianna decide to go back to Finland because of her knees.
Few days doing really nothing, playing cards, cooking and telling storys..Very relax time
But, I have to continue the road. 3 days before the Tuesday 6/4( date wich one I decide to start walking again) I start to prepare my self and looking
for new contacts. Well, it's look like the Sami people are busy too. I meet also Gerlinde Tiesen, an old friend from the old time,
and we were talking about the road. She offert me to pick me off the road and to bring me back to Kautokeino for sleep.
Gerlinde give me some money for the road(400Nkr) During that time in Kautokeino we had nice evenings. Talking and drinking beers
The last evening in the house of Peter and Anita, we had a little fiesta, very good dinner with a special ice cream from Switzerland,
with snaps also from Switzerlad, Poire William. Thanks to all. Bye Bye Kautokeino.

DAY 70

2010-04-11T08:51:00.001-07:00

24/3...Back to the point from yesterday, we have still 23km to do. Sarianna have some probleme too with her knees. We start at 9am....and arrive in Kautokeino at 3.30pm.
Slwly road, very nice landscape...and beautyfull weather. Went for a siesta, and back to see Anita and Peter. This evening, we will try to get contacts

for the next part of the road to Karasjok.

DAY 69

2010-04-11T08:46:00.000-07:00

23/3...today we will arrive in Norway. Big hug to our last host in Finland. Not to cold,-10, and little wind from the north.

20km to the border, and 10 more to one little village. Bit hard today for Sarianna, for me too. The km are long today.

At the border, no probleme. The land scape change quickly. No more pine trees. Only those withe trees, small.

After the border, 10km more to the village of Aidejarre. When we arrive there, there was nobody. We meet an old man hwo offert us to bring us to Kautokeino. We accept.

The thing is we have to find a car tomorrow hwo will bring us back to the same point.

In Kautokeino we phone to Sara Victoria, hwo give us a place to stay for two nights. Thank you.

The same evening, we meet some old friends, Anita and Peter, whith whom we spend time , remenbering the old time and drinking few beers.

DAY 68

2010-04-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

22/3...up at 6.30, Sarianna too, slwly preparing the bags. Went to the hotel Majatalo for the breacfast, sayed Bye Bye to roger Hesbeen the belge.

Heikki came to said bye bye, last visit to taisto, and finally we took the road.
OK weather. We have only 20km to do, to the little village of Leppejarvi.
After 3 days in Enontekio, meeting peoples, hard to be on the road again. At the first stop, Sarianna streapt off her clothes. Too hot..
We have few stop and few cigarettes. I decide to stop smoking, because in Norway is too expensive.

We arrive in that little village at 2pm, and our host , Tapio and Pirjo Hutunen, were waiting for us on the road. We walk together half km to their house.

Pirjo prepare the food, and we went visit the place outside with Tapio. He is building a snow castle for childrens. It have to be finish for the middle of April.

After the very exellent food, siesta time. After, I went with Tapio to continue to build the castle. Great fun. Sauna, and good night.

SARIANNA CAME TO WALK WITH ALAIN

2010-03-30T04:56:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Sarianna, a friend with Alain from the time we were young, working in Kautokeino in same time. I saw two weeks ago in newspaper Alains pic and took contact after 27 years..he asked me to join him! Why not! And now I'm here, walking day by day to the north.. I came from Tampere by train and bus to Enontekiö last week, on friday. We have walked 3 days now, it's very fine to walk here in the silence and see how the landscape is changing, no more big trees, or real trees at all..hills and just white snow..sometimes reindeers. Sun is shining and it's -5 to -10 degrees, that's good by walking.
Specially it has been amasing to meet all those friendly people in every village we've been. We have met every where so kind and helpful people!! My warm thanks to you all! Our walking is going to continue tomorrow from Kautokeino to Karasjoki...and to Nordkapp. see you..

-Sarianna

DAYS 65-67

2010-03-22T13:57:00.001-07:00

19/3....The next day, I contact Heikki Järvisto hwo is working for the concil with the youth. Sarianna Siren arrive at 4.30pm with the bus. Sarianna is a friend wich I know from the Kautokeino time( 1982; 83). She contact me few days ago, and decide to join me for the last part of this walk. WHY NOT. Heikki give us a place to stay at the youth house for the week end. It's a special week end . It's the Mariane day. During those days , a lot of things happen. Reinder race, traditionlal music festival, dancing, .....and more. I meet also, an old friend, Taisto Laakso from the same time. He is a champion at playing saw, like a violin. We enjoy the evening at his place, drinking, music and dancing.

20/3....bit crapula...Sarianna and I went to see the reinder race, enjoy the sun.

21/3....Mariane Paiva... resting day. Preparing the bags... very nice day

DAY 64

2010-03-22T13:53:00.001-07:00

18/3....again -30. Big plate of porridge wil do the long walk .27km to Enontekio, the last big village before Norway. Today, my leg hurts very badly. I have to stop many time. The weather is fine, blu sky, no wind, but cold even with the sun. I arrive in Enontekio bit kapput. The day before, I got a phone call from the Hettan Majatalo hotel, where I got a reservation for the night, offert by the Enontekio sanamat( Katia ). I meet a french guy, Victor, who leaves here, working with the tourist. I meet his girl friend Bigga, who invite me to her mother house for a dinner. A very good dinner, with smoked reinder meet, wine ,.... Back to the hotel, seeting by the fire place....

DAY 63

2010-03-22T13:50:00.001-07:00

17/3...I went up staires for breacfast, and at 8.30am I took the road by -32 again. 25km to do.

After 7km, I stop in a souvenir shop where Sana Alatalo was expecting me. 50cents a cafe +pulla(kind of donuts). The best so far in Finland.Sana offert me a lot of clothes. New. A nice pull over, a warm skin hat, a pare of gloves,a trousers and a lot of pulla. Pieces of reinder meet too. Thank you Sana. She was so happy to give me all this. Me too. Still very cold and 18 km to do to Palojoensu. I arrive there, phone to my new host, and surprise, the person is not in the village. She is in Rovaniemi and will not be back today. Only few house in the village. I meet a yong woman with her young baby. I explain the situation, she invite me for a cafe, and after few phone calls around, she and her mother agree that I can spend the night in there house. Good. Very lucky. Thanks to Marjo Baas and her mother Irma. The baby Tuomas is smilling

DAY 62

2010-03-22T13:37:00.001-07:00

16/3....by minus 32 I took the road after the traditional cafe +cigarettes+breacfast+toilet.

10 minutes on the road and I feel the cold throught my clothes. Hard to stop walking, even for a cigarette. Keeping mooving is the best. Blu sky, no wind but extremly cold. My moustache is full of ice. The chocolate bars are like pieces of wood. He took me 6 hours to do the 25km. My feet hurts by walking on the hard shoulder. I arrive at Kätkäsuanto to the old school, where Marianne Niewenhuis was waiting for me. Food was ready, fish and fried potatoes+salad Marianne have 14 sheeps, 12 chikens, 5 dogs and a cat. It's a very old hous with a very old traditional sauna. Special dinner: Muikku, pasta, wine..long conversation...

DAY 61

2010-03-22T13:35:00.001-07:00

15/3..... 2 months allready on the road and nearly 1000km done. I have to meet Juhani Roima at Kolstrom sport shop for a new pare of shoes, sponsored by Sakari Lipponen from Kolari ( AKKIHOPU). Juhani gave me also a new pare of socks. All mine have holes. Today I stay in Muonio. Too late to start walking, Arto let me stay for one more night. Good for my legs

DAY 60

2010-03-22T13:33:00.001-07:00

14/3...I get up at 8.30am. Sunday and already sunny day. I went down to the village to try to find a car to bring me up to the point I left the road. Nobody in the village. I think they are all sleeping. Well, I walk about 7km south, and went back to the village. The km I was missing yesterday are done. I went to

Sweden

for a while and back to Arto's house. Very hot day. The snow start melting. Siesta, talking, cooking the traditional" pasta a la grecque"

DAY 59

2010-03-22T13:26:00.000-07:00

13/ 3....Long walk today again, 46

km north to Muonio. Jukka pick me up at 2pm to bring me there. Still 16km to do to Muonio.

I arrive at Arto Hietanen house. Actually, I meet Arto on the way. Many talks, enjoy food , sauna and beer. Arto is an artist in many way. His doing painting, ceramics and black smith. Went to bed after few more beer. Very tired.

DAY 58

2010-03-15T10:39:00.001-07:00

12/3...8am, I leave the house of Sakari. -27 and 35km to do. Blu sky all day. I di enjoed that long walk. few cars on that main road north up and down. At 3pm, I arrive at Kihlanki, a very tiny village, only 34 people. My new host, Jukka Rajala welcome me, and his wife Sirpa and his son Sami too. Jukka is a journalist also. He ask me so many questions. We had a dinner, sauna, and because of that long walk, my legs are very tired. Still some probleme with the right one. I went to bed, and sleep like a stone.

DAY 57

2010-03-15T10:38:00.001-07:00

11/3..Day rest. With Sakari, we went visit some friend of him, went to the restaurant, beers, sauna....

meet his brother Mauri, an other funny man, cognac.... Because of the probleme I have with my right leg, and my shoes are not so effiscient for the cold, Sakary sponsor me for a new pare of shoes. I have to pick them up from the shoe shop in Muonio.

I will be there on Monday. He give me also 50 Euro as a sponsor.

DAY 56

2010-03-15T10:37:00.001-07:00

10/3..Quick Breacfast, and an employee of Sakari Lipponen bring me back to the place where I have been taken away yesterday. Back to the road, I have 30km to do. My back is very light. I left many thing at the house of Sakari, I will sleep there tonight. -22 in the morning, and bit warmer in the afternoon. Blu sky all day. Almost no cars on that road. I start at 9am, and at 3.30pm , I was at home. 30km wery fast. The Sakari Cie is ÄKKIHOPPU

www.akkihoppu.fi

DAY 55

2010-03-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

9/3..At 9am, after breacfast, Pekka bring me back to the Tornio river road. Still 52 km to do for Kolari.

Impossible with my heavy bag and my bad leg. Difficult walk, long, and the km are not passing.

At 11.30, a phone call from Kolari, from a man name Sakari, hwo offert me to pick me up at around 4pm. I did walk up to that time , but not much km. Only 22. A friend of Sakari pick me up, because he was busy. He is an ambulance man. Actually, he own a ambulance company. When we arrive at his place, he brought me right away to a restaurant for a meal. Wery funny man and cool. His house, it's like a museum. He is a fan of Lappland tradition, he 's singing the " YOCK " like the saami people. Sauna, beers, watch bit TV and went to bed.

DAY 54

2010-03-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

8/3..today, I'm going to meet a friend of Pekka Luukkonen, an other Artist peinter; Pekka Suväniemi. Very famous in Finland. He lives in the middle of no where. Oranki in Naamijoki. It's 7km off road. This morning was +1. Not good. I have to take many clothes off. Again , streap tease on the road. The wind is so stong that he push me in the middle of the road few time. Well, that's Lappland. Pekka came to pick me up and brougt to his big house. He went to pick up his childrens Konsta and Iita Maaija. It's a nice house of an artist.Nice talk, good food and bed.

DAY 53

2010-03-15T10:27:00.000-07:00

7/3..Sunday. 7.30, get up and make the cafe. I went for a cigarette out, cold wind and dark clouds.

I go to Pello, 17km north. Not easy walk. Some time to hot, so I have to take off my under pants.

I arrive at Pello at 2pm and call my next host Marita Sieppi. She came to meet me in the city center, and we walk together at her place. I meet her husband Keijo Pyysoja. Marita is a teacher, she teach in the the village where I spend the night before.

Nice diner, good sauna, very good cake..... On the terrace out side, some reinder meet are hanging to dry.

DAY 52

2010-03-15T10:24:00.000-07:00

6/3.......in Aija's place, I did some snow work for few hours. I got a big glass of cognac and 20Euro.

I left Aija'house at 8.30am, -16, 25km to do. Blu sky all the day. no wind. In the middle of the day, I cross the line of the polar circle.I drink a cafe there, many tourist. I arrive in Turtola at 3pm, and find the house of Kari Kaulanen and Mina Siilvasvo. They are both journalist.Kari wrote a sory in his local newspaper.I went early to bed. Very tired.

KIRSI STORY

2010-03-13T16:12:00.001-08:00

Hi people! This is Kirsi writing. I'm an old friend of Alains from the Kautokeino-time. I was visiting my daughter Mona in Kemi at the same time that Alain was there, so I decided to walk with him for couple days. I walked with Alain from Kemi to Karunki and it took 3 days.
The first day was maybe the hardest, because we started with the easy 25km from Kemi to Tornio. I haven't really been walking long distances so it was a bit hard for me and my muscles. We had a reservation in Tornio City Hotel, and had a good nightsleep and good breakfast.
The next day we walked for 17km from Tornio to Kukkolankoski. There we had a warm welcome from people and sheeps and it was nice to get know those people. So thank you!
The third day was just from Kukkolankoski to Karunki. I decided to go back to Kemi by bus and get a one more night there and then go back to Helsinki.
The whole experience was great and I was really relaxed after that (but not my feet). So if you can, join Alain and walk with him for a while! It really is a good experience. I quarentee that you will have fun with him.

See you!

DAY 51

2010-03-07T08:15:00.001-08:00

6.3....-16, blue sky and no wind .Ideal for walking. No sweating. During last week, the temperature was mild, beetween -4and-7. Too warm for walking. Today at noon, I pass the Polar circle line. It's a stop over for tourist .... To night I will sleep at Kari Kaulanen and Minna Siilasvuo house, at Turtola....

DAY 50

2010-03-07T08:11:00.000-08:00

5.3....6.30 up, only -7 and it's look that there is no wind. Breacfast and Bye Bye to everybody. You must understand that it's very hard to leave a good home. so, I use to say Bye Bye very quick and run out. The road.
Today my host is at Kaulinranta, 21 km north.A tiny village by the Tornio river. On the other side is Sweeden. I arrive there at 1.30 pm Very easy walk . Aija Koskinen and Jari Suomela welcome me. The hobby
of Aija is to carve wood, build furniture. Very fine work. In theafternoon, I did some snow work, lapio and cola. A good glass of cognac to warm me up before the sauna, dinner and at 7pm , I went to bed.
I was very tired.

DAY 49

2010-03-07T08:03:00.000-08:00

4.3....Living Steven and his wife at 8am. 30km to do, -10, and still the wind.Not too strong. The scenary change a bit. Curves, hills, and pin trees.....and snow!! The next stop is Ylitornio, a small village with everything. I arrive there at 2pm. Fast and hard walk. Ilka Korva came to pick me up near the church. At his home, his wife Anne and there 3 childrens , Mikka, Juhana and Maija give me a nice welcome. Juhana (11) and Maija (9) ask me a lot of questions about my travel around the world. It wasd the first time they practice english. We had a good time.
After dinner and shower, went to bed very tired.

DAY 48

2010-03-07T07:59:00.000-08:00

3.3...Last day for Kirsi. She decide to go back to Kemi to finish her holidays, and visit some friends. We left the house of Jaako at 9am, -4 only, strong wind again. We arrive at Karunki at 11am, last place to find Mars bar. We had a cafe and pulla, last cigarette together, and Bye Bye Kirsi, it was nice from to walk with me. I enjoy your company. Back on the road alone, with the snow and strong wind. Still 15km to do. I almost get hit by a truck. He horn me at the last minute. I did not see him. I was walking my head bend, protect myself from the wind and snow, coming direct to my eyes,.Finally, at 2.30pm , i arrive to my host house. Steven Bratt and his wife Tuula welcome me. Steven was taking the snow of the roof. Very dangerous work. Steven Bratt is an artist, a peinter. I visit his workshop. Nice and big painting about Afgan war, soldiers.

DAY 47

2010-03-07T07:53:00.000-08:00

2.3...At the hotel, we have a very good sleep. after a week on the sofa, finally a real bed. The breacfast buffet was fantastique. One of the best I ever see. full stomac, back on the raod for a easy day. 17km to do. -7 only, stong wind from the north and snowing. When we arrive at Kukkolankoski, we stop at Kukkolan-koski catering where we drink a cofe and bulla. We talk with the local people of the place, listen some storys, and continu to meet some friends of our Host. Petri Leinonen, Noora, Miika, and the dog Ebba welcome us. It's a little farm house with 250 sheeps After dinner, Petri brought us to our host for the night, at Jaako Heikkila house, and his wife Anne and the little baby girl, 2 and half month. Sorry, I forget her name. We have a very nice talk with Jaako, exellent dinner and wine. Kirsi got a very bad blister on the back of the right foot. wrong shoes.

DAY 46

2010-03-07T07:50:00.000-08:00

1.3....Kemi. up at 7.30am, we have to pack everything. After the breackfast, Kirsi and I went on the road. Not too diffficult to find the way out of Kemi. After one week holidays, enjoying the castle, it's bit hard to walk again. 25km to do to Tornio. For Kirsi, it's first time walking long distance. We had many stops for cigarettes. I lke that. Alone, I dont stop so many time. a lot of snow on the path. very hard to walk. Not too cold. We arrive at Tornio in the afternoon, at 4.30, and went to the Kaupungin Hotelli, where we had a reservation made from MarikaTomminen, from the snow castle.

DAYS 39-45

2010-02-24T15:33:00.000-08:00

From 22. to 28.2...

One week resting in Kemi, staying at Mona's place. During that week, I meet a lot of people. I spend a night at the LUMILINNA snow castle. ( www.snowcastle.net ) wery interesting experience. During the last four days, I did some work at the castle: shawelling snow, very interesting too. Thanks to Marika Tommihnen, Jari Huotari, Ville Schiewek, Jussi Rosenlund, Katja Limingoja, Satu Mattila, and Raili the best photographer. Un saludo para Manolo.
Kirsi arrive in Kemi on the 25/2, from Helsink for 10 days holidays , and ready to walk with me for few days. It will be less boring.

Tomorow, we take the old road to tornio, where we have a place to stay.

DAY 39

2010-02-24T15:31:00.001-08:00

22.2....I letf the place at 8am, wery early. 27km to do for Kemi. The road E75,in some part, change to a motorway. I have to take a smaller road. First, I did not see the sign, and I walk 7km on the motorway. Some cars were not happy.
After 10 km, a restaurant. Closed. 10km more, and finally a petrol station, Neste. I stop there for a cafe, and send a message to Mona , that Im allmost there. we decide to meet at 4pm at Hemingway bar. I arrive in Kemi at 3pm, and went around the city. Mona arrive at the bar, and big hug. Finally I'm in Kemi. It's about the middle of the all trip to Nordkapp. I'm going to stay there for few days. Actally, I'm wayting a good friend, Kirsi, from Helsinki, hwo come walking with me for few days.

DAY 38

2010-02-24T15:30:00.000-08:00

21.2....At 8am, I went for a good breackfast, and Teemu Korhonen , the man in charge of the Merihelmi camp site, came and help me to find a place for tonight. After few phone calls, He found a place at Simo village. It's 23km north. I took the road at 10am. -25. My leg hurts, so I have to take it easy.Blue sky but windy. After 14km, a small restaurant, where I eat a bit , relaxe my legs..coffe. I allmost fall in sleep. I arrive in Simo at 4pm. Very tired, almost no more energy. A persone was waiting for me, Aila Vengasaho, and bring me to a small appartment, nice and cosy.
I eat a sandwich, and went to bed.

DAY 37

2010-02-24T15:26:00.000-08:00

20.2....Early up , I prepare the cafe and porridge for every body, and at 8.30, I took the road by -30. 25km to do. In beetween there is a petrol station, 15km, and I arrive there after 3and half hours walking. Very, very cold. Just before arriving at the station, a man in a van horn me . He came to talk with me , and at the station he offert me a cake and a cafe. I explain him that I'm going to Northcap on foot, and he wanted to bring me up to Rovaniemi. Nice offer, but I refuse. Thanks . We talk for a while, and the man, Kalle Uotila give me few contacts further north. He give me also 10 Euro for the road. Back on the road, 10km to do before the camp site. Still -25 .I arrive there with my froozen moustache, and Jouni Aike welcome me. Actually it's a big place, Restaurant, bar ,dancing hall, camping, cottage....call Merihelmi. Jouni give me a key of a 2 bedroom appartment, with sauna. Nice sun set by the froozen see. I have a nice buffet diner, ans after sauna went to bed.
www.rynkynranta.com

DAY 36

2010-02-24T15:24:00.001-08:00

19/2...-30 this morning. It's start to be cold. Ari ask me to stay. I told him: No probleme, the cold is part of the challenge.
It's my travel compagnon. Ari give me 10 Euros before I leave. That was the coldest day , until now. Cold hands, cold feet,
I stop twice for a cigarette, I keep the lighter inside my glove...and I arrive in Ii center with icebergs on my moustache.
I phone to Jarmo Karppinen, my host for tonight. He have 2 kids , Viljami and Taavi. Jarmo is a Kinetherapeute, doing massage in the hospital. Of Ii. Good for me. We look at internet the road map for the next day. I dont have any more maps with me. Between Ii and Simo, it's about 50km. Too long for one day. We found out that there is a camp site in between. Jarmo phone to that place, and the guy said he will call back. After dinner, a call from Pentti to tell me that it's Ok for the camp site. Jarmo give a very good massage, he explain me that it's a probleme with the nerve sciatic. Let's see what's happen. After Sauna, I went to sleep. Very tired.

DAY 35

2010-02-24T15:22:00.000-08:00

18.2....I leave Anja's place by -24., sun shine. After 3 days not walking, it's hard to start again.
Walking , walking...all the way to Haukipudas on a foot path. That was nice. During my stay in Oulu, I did not drink a pint. Ari Leinonen, my host for tonight, came to pick me up at the city center. For diner , he cooks a speciality of finland. Ari phone to his friend in Ii, next stop, and everything is arrange for the next night.

DAY 34

2010-02-19T03:29:00.000-08:00

17.2. At 12 am, went to town for lunch. Hannu and Pirjo Orava invite me in their church comunity. Sun shine, -18... This evening , I'm cooking The Pasta a la Grecque, the recept from Heikki of Lahti. Preparing my bag for the take of tomorrow. I did enjoy those 3 days, relaxing, but I'm loofing to continue the walk. A City , is a city..... My next stop for few days , will be in Kemi, 106 km north, where I'm going to meet my God daugter Mona. Her mother Kirsi will join me at this point to walk with me for few days.

DAY 33

2010-02-19T03:25:00.001-08:00

16.2. Same like yesterday. Meet some friends, Hannu and Pirjo Orava. Sun Shine, -18, went to walk to the big park, and meet Elisa and her boy friend. For the evening, Hanja prepare a nice meal.

DAY 32

2010-02-19T03:21:00.000-08:00

15.2. my host in Oulu are Anja Nousainen and Munir Al Odat. Bit lazy, wake up at 11am, went to town meet some friends of Munir from Irak, Palestine, Kurdistan. Very interesting stories about their live in Finland. Very nice weather, sun shine but cold.-16 Good day resting....

DAY 31

2010-02-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

14.2. Today it's the day I'm going to a big city. Oulu. It's on the west coast. After the breacfast , I leave the house where I spend a nice evening, relaxing.. It's still nice weather. Sunny, no wind but - 18. 14 km to Oulu. For the first time, I dont have to walk on the the road. From Kempele to Oulu, there is a walking path. I arrive in Oullu at 12.30, and went to the city center, and then by the sea, where there is a Sami festival, with reinder race, traditional costumes,..and more. I'm staying in Oulo by friends of my friend in Helsinki. Munir. I will stay 2 days in Oulu, some pictures will come latter.

DAY 30

2010-02-14T12:25:00.000-08:00

13.2....7.30 went down for breackfast, -16, and an easy day to Ala Temmes. 15km to do. After 9am, I took the road by a sunny day but cold . I arrive at a small petrol station at 1pm, where I decide to contact my new host. The women told me that it was impossble for them to give a place, because they have a weiding party. They did not understand that I could have fun with them and sure, I was going to help them. Well, I phone to Seppo, and ask me if I was OK for 13km more. Well, I took the decision to do them. He phone to his cousin, and it's ok. 13km it's 3 hours more to walk up to Kempele. The weather is fine ...so..Why not. I arrive at the house at 4.30pm, and nice welcome from Vesa, Marion Junttila, the daugther Sophia and the little guy adopted from Philipine Arttu. A very good dinner, salmon, wine......after food a sauna, watching the olympics..but I'm very tired after those surprising 13km to do more.

DAY 29

2010-02-14T12:19:00.000-08:00

12.2....I did sleep very well, my leg look Ok...I think I prepare my own breackfast after cafe and cigarettessss. Through the wind it's look like a wery good weather. The top of the trees are not moving. Before leaving the place , I went to say Bye Bye to my host, And Marika told me that they found a familly for the next night. It's 31km away. 16 to Rantsila, and 15 to the next place in the middle of nowhere. I got the description of the house that I have to find. At Rantsila, I stopped for a tea and a cake with was offert by the owners. From there, afert 3 hours walking, I startted to look carefully to find the house. And I found it. First, 2 nice dogs from Lappland welcome me, and then my hosts, Anita and Seppo Junttila. Samppa the son and his girlfriend Tina join us. There also a big red cat. It's a little farm, cows, very nice big house, Anita is very busy preparing the dinner. Seppo take care of the meat. It will be a Elk pot. with real mash potatoes, salad and the famous redberrys, witch one you pick up in Automne. Fantastic dinner and nice talk .

DAY 28

2010-02-14T12:16:00.000-08:00

11.2....Up at 6am, breacfast...Eero suggest that is beter for me that he drive me to the petrol station, while waiting the day light. It's night at 7am. I accepted, so he drive me 10km north, it's 10km I didn't do. Sorry. -15 , wind and snow...bad weather. Wery difficult to walk. The side road is full of snow. For the second time , I have probleme with my right leg. I dont know what's happen. I have to stop for a while. I maneged to do the 25km to go to the B&B, run by Marika and Hannu Rosenberg. They give me for the night a wery nice and big cottage. Latter on Mattila Veikko bring me a basket with food. I had a sauna on my own, cook food, watch tv, relax. ....

DAY 27

2010-02-14T12:11:00.000-08:00

10.2. ...Pekka told me not to leave early, because my next host will at home at 6pm. After breackfast, we drive around the village of Kärsämäki and went drink the last cafe before I start walking. It's -14, windy and snowing. At 10 am, I took the road and 23 km to do. I arrive at 3pm in that little village wich mark the middle point of Finland. Leskela. I arrive too early, so I have to wait. It's wery cold. My hands are frozen. I have problem to light a cigarette. After a while, a car approched me, and the person ask me if I'm french. I said yes, and she told me to jump in the car. Good!!! She told me that she was my next host. Her husband came later, so, I stayed by Anne and Eero Leskinen. We had good talk, sauna and beer, very good food. In the evening, Eero try to find me a place for the next night. We kool at the map, and 25km north, there is a B&B. Eero phone there, and it's ok. Early to bed, because my host are going to work at 7am. So I have to leave the house.

DAY 26

2010-02-12T02:11:00.000-08:00

9.2. I left the mottel at 8.30 am after few cafes and cigarettesssss. Minus 8, no wind and 17 km to do I arrive at Kärsämaki at noon time, and went to Neste station where Pekka Luukkonen was waiting for me. He offert me a nice lunch. I spend the afternoon visiting the village Later, I decide to empty my bag and to send things to Kemi. I'm carrying to much things I dont need, and people give me souvenirs too. My bag was 16kg. To much. I make a parcel, and went to the place where to sheep it by bus. Juha Karjalainen, the man in charge of the place sponsored the sendind of the parcel. Thanks a lot. I'm staying by Pekka and Armi Luukkonen, I have all my clothes washed, and now, I go to sauna...

DAY 25

2010-02-12T02:08:00.000-08:00

8.2. At 5.30 am, Rainer came to wake me up to tell me that his friend will come to pick me at 7.15am, to bring me back to the road. Rainer, even is blind, he prepare a very good breakfast with porridge.... To go to Karsamaki, it's 34km. It's to long for one day. Plus, it's snowing. So , I decide to stop in the middle way, where there is a mottel, The NUTTULINNA Motel. Mitro Luomajoki, Seija and Toivo Koski-Viitajoki, knew I was passing by today, and were OK to sponsor me one night at the Mottel. Very bad day to walk. Rainy snow, wind and only -1. I have to much clothes on me , and I'm sweating and smelling like a pig....

www.kotinet.con/nuttulinna

DAY 24

2010-02-12T02:03:00.000-08:00

7.2. .....7am , The farmers Pentti and Anneli are already milking the cows. after breackfast, Pentti drove me back on the road. He give me also a new pare of gloves, because yesterday, I loose one. 22 km to do to Pyhäjärvi. Timo Ylikangas; Katrina Ylikangas and Rainer Kyyrönen came to pick me up at the ABC station and bring me to Rainer house, where I'm going to spend the night. Rainer, 78 years old, is also blind. We went also to visit the copper mine, wich one is 1500 meters. A journalist from the local news paper came to join us, and we have a long talk...We drink some cognac with Rainer, and we start talking. He have been travelling too for many years, in 30 countrys. He is wery well known in this part of Finland. I forget to tell you that Rainer dont speack english, and I dont speack finn. But we had good fun Ha Ha Ha !!!

DAY 23

2010-02-06T15:00:00.001-08:00

6.2. ....but no ressaca, hang over. Normally I have to do only 14 km to go to the farm. I decide to drop my luggage there,

and start walking from the Shell station . Pentti Hytönen will pick me up at 2pm some where on the road.

It was one of the bad day. Strong wind and shity snow. Minus 2 only. A lot of snow on the side of the road. I did 28 km.

Back to the farm, I had a good lunch, but before , a glass of Estonian brandy to wellcome me . A little siesta, and went tohelp to milk the cows. The milk from Hytönens'farm is use for producing delicious Lumola cheeses which Pentti produces

Just get out of sauna, beersssss, ...and,,,,,Tapio Spirit.....and Ressaca......see you!!

http://www.lumola.fi/

DAY 22

2010-02-06T14:53:00.000-08:00

5.2. Early start, 8.30am, 28km to do, wind and snow, minus 5 only. Wery bowring road again. Maybe I will change road later. If I stay on that E75 4, it's because there is allways some one on that road, in case.....!!?? At 2pm, I arrive at Pihtipudas, where Pentti Ruotsalainen was waiting for me at Shell station. He introduce me right away to my next host, Pentti Hytönen and Anneli Simola, farmers, producing milk for cheese. 30 cows , plus many little one, at Elämäjärvi.

The both Pentti are Rotarian. I stay with Pentti Ruotsalainen at the cotage by the lac, I forget the name, he cooks a delicious meal in the owen,

Sauna, wine ,...ect.....

DAY 21

2010-02-06T14:51:00.000-08:00

4.2. Up early, Petri drive me backat the ABC station. I wait a bit that the day light shows up to start walking.

The next place will be Löytänä, a little tiny village on the side of the road. Only 19 km to do. In beetween there

is a restaurant and hotel named Wiikin Kartano, where I stop for a small lunch offert by the house.

I talk with the owner, Mervi Somero, that I have to meet my next host, Johanna Holm at Löytänä at 6 pm.

The probleme was that I have to walk in the dark. It's wery dangerous. I decide to ask to Mervi if it's not a probleme

for her to sponsor me for the night. She accepted. Thank you Mervi. So I had a long hours to rest. I needed it, really.

The only probleme , it's the next day is going to be long. NO PROBLEME.

www.wiikinkartano.fi

DAY 20

2010-02-06T14:49:00.000-08:00

3.2. after said Bye Bye to Leena and rosa the dog, her husband Vilho Polari drive me back to Ninicafe. Today, only 20 km to do. Easy. An arrangement have been made for the next night. The familly Manninen. It's a bowring road, nothing to see. Only snow and trees. Last year at the same time of the year, it was the same, only water and trees. But it wason the Amazone riverin Brazil. After the walk of the day, Maija Manninen cameto ABC petrol station at Viitasaari to pick me up,

and we went to her place.She introduce me to all the familly, her husband Petri, and their 3 chilrens: Emmi, Otto ,and Elina. Great familly, all musiciens. The oldre daughter, Emmi, is in the national level competition of pole vault. Congratulation. During the evening, Petri arrange the place where to sleep for the 2 next days.Thank you Petri.

DAY 19

2010-02-03T15:23:00.000-08:00

2.2. ..Maisa drive me back on the road 75 -4, 80km away from the house, and I start walking at 9.30am. Snow all the day and wind. wery hard day. I had to go to Ninicafe, about 25 km to do. I have been invited by Marja and Reino for a lunch at that Ninicafe in Ninitahti. Leena Sandelin serve me a nice meal. Leena and Vilho Pollari, came to pick me up at the Ninicafe at 4pm. I had a tea with them the day before, when they found me some where on the road, and invite me for a tea. I had a wery nice sauna with a beer, relax time in that beautyful house, all made in very ancien wood from lappland. Elk meet ( steww ) for dinner, nice talk with glasses of wine, and them went to sleep

DAY 18

2010-02-03T15:20:00.000-08:00

1.2. Wake up at 6.30am, because Erkki have to bring me back on the road 75- 4,

at the ABC petrol station, and start walking at 9am. The day before, the familly Piesala phone me to tell me they are ok to give me a night in their house. I walk 26 km, bit wind and not too cold. -10 Maisa Piesala pick me up in the middle of no where at 4pm. She drove 80km . Incroyable!!! Ari, Maisa, Milla Piesala give me a wery warm welcome. And also the dog Sony.

I got help also from Mirja Kriivarinmäki ( 20E) Had a very good dinner with reinder meet.

DAY 17

2010-02-03T15:16:00.001-08:00

31.1. Velle drive me out of the city of Jyvaskyla, and after few hours , I arrive at the big ABC petrol station. Erkki and his daughter was waiting me there, and bring me to his house at Saarijärvi. Meet his girlfriend Anu, went to the local pub for one beer, back home for a good dinner. I had a nice talks with Anu and Erkki.

DAY 16

2010-01-31T05:56:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Kirsi and Vella Vahtonen who contact the journalist Rai who contact PRISMA, who agreed to sponsor me for a new pare of shoes.

While in Jyvaskyla, I spend a night at Katreena appartment, and a night a Kirsi and Vella appartment. A nice saturday night at the bar Vakiopaine, a students place where I was invited by Willy ( usa ).

Today little bit crapula, it's windy out and in my head. Thanks to all the friends from Jyvaskyla.

DAY 15

2010-01-29T08:45:00.000-08:00

29.1. Start walking from the house of Vesa and Pavi at 9.15am, not to cold,-15, but windy. Pavi decide to come with me for few km, to show me a short cut. A photograph from Keskisuomalainen newspaper come to take pictures while I'm walking. The day before I meet the journalist of this newspaper who invited me for lunch while the interview. The article shoul come out on the 30.1. This day was a short walk, 15 km, and I arrive in Jyvaskyla at 1pm. I contact Katreena, who offert me a place in her house few days ago.

DAY 14

2010-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

28.1. Korpilahti to Muurame, 16 km, easy day but freezing. It' not fguny to walk on the big road. At Muurame, I stop at the Shell station for a tea, and start talking with the staff. Nothing come out. So I decide to walk to the village, 2km out and went to the ravintola. The woman told me to wait the bingo time. Maybe some one will pick me up. Why not?? I got a phone call from Vesa Iikkanen, and told me that I can stay in there house. She come to pick me up
Her husband,Pavi, show me there big house, 2,and half floor, nice view to the lac, big windows, all modern....and a special eating system, 200 metters from the ground. We had a nice evening, telling stories, good diner and good wine. After a sauna, I went to sleep.

DAY 13

2010-01-29T08:40:00.000-08:00

27.1. from Jämsä to Korpilahti ( 32 km ) cold, cold cold, windy, windy windy..but still alive.
The trucks drivers are ok. When they see me, they move to the other side of the road when they can. I have only like 40cm wide space for walking. And it's snow and ice. It's a hard day. For a change, and the first time I went to a bar in Korpilahti, and meet the staff there. A young girl, Emilia, try to find some thing for me. A friend of her, Otto, after reading my paper, arrange a place where I can spend the night at a saunabuilding Tahtiniemi. That day, I have to buy my own food. Cookies, fruit, and yogurt.

Thanks to Otto Rahnasto

DAYS 11-12

2010-01-29T08:35:00.000-08:00

25.1. Marko drove me back to the station at 8am, and after few cafe and few cigarettes, I was ok to start for a long day again: I stop at Kattilajärvi after 33km. Cold day, -22 and little bit windy. While walking, I got a message to give me an address where to stop. It's a riding school. 20 horses, and cottages around in the wood. The owner, Mikko Puttonen offert me one of the cottage, with sauna. we spend the evening talking stories, and at the end, he offert me to stay one more day to rest. I offert him to help hom to clean the stabes. 26.1. resting day at the riding school. In the morning , I help Mikko , carrying horse shit out. It was a cold day. -25. Sauna, television, very good diner, beer.....and good sleep.

www.aramararatsutila.fi

DAY 10

2010-01-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

On the 24.1. Padasjoki to Kuhmoinen ( 30 km ) Same weather, it's seems that I'm lucky.
One more time, I stop at the petrol Station for a tea, that one was Neste Petrol station.
The owner, after he listened my story, tried to find me a place, he even offert me to sleep up the station. Mean whille, some body call me to give me a adress of a familly, but it 's 12 km of the road. The owner of the station propose to drive me there after closing time. 9pm.
When I arrive there, I had a wery warm welcome by Sirkku, Pertti and Marko, and offert me to stay in one of there cottage. After dinner, I went right away to sleep. It was a long day out. 9 hours.

Ther webb page: http://lehdesmaki.palvelee.fi

DAY 9

2010-01-29T08:24:00.000-08:00

On the 23.1. I walk from Asikkala, Vääksy to Padasjoki ( 28 km ), nice day but cold. -22 I arrive at one ABC petrol station, at the entrance of Padasjoki, and steart talking with the staff. They give me food, and searching one place where I could spend the night. After few phone call, Jukka and Carine agreed to give me a place in there house. It was in an old shool building, all made by wood. Surprise, Carine is French . I had a sauna, nice meal and good sleeping place.

DAY 8

2010-01-22T09:11:00.000-08:00

Alain walked from Lahti to Vääksy. And the hospitable people of Tallukka Hotel offered food and housed him for the night.

www.tallukka.fi

DAY 5-7

2010-01-22T09:04:00.000-08:00

Days 5 to 7 Alain stayed in Lahti and found new friends.

DAY 5

2010-01-20T13:27:00.001-08:00

day5: I had only 12 km to Lahti so I took it very easy. I arrived to Lahti 1130. And had contact with friends who were waiting me there. I visited the office of RETKI magazine and they contacted and outdoor store PARTORETKI to fix my shoes. They fixed me a new shoe sole for free to take part of supporting my adventure. I met Lasse, photographers Nick Tulinen and Heikki Kaski. I spent a night with them. I decided to have 1 day rest at Lahti. There are nice people here. Tonight I will have a good meal. Mandi will be the cook.

DAY 4

2010-01-20T13:25:00.000-08:00

4th day: I left Mäntsälä around 9.30. I had my breakfast at a nice cafe and I felt really good to continue my walking. I walked to Hollola and started to search for a place to stay around 5pm. I was at Luhtikylä and it was already dark and no change to find a place. People were very strange and reserved. So i decided to continue walking. The sky was full of stars. But I was tired so I stopped every few km to rest. Around 7pm I was resting and a guy who lived nearby was wondering what I was doing out there. I explained what I’m doing. He said there’s no room inside but he offered me a small house that he is renovating. Inside there was +3 degree. I was very happy and tired after 35 km walking. I had a sauna, good meal and a long night sleep. The guy was called Heikki Lahtinen. I promised him that after my adventure I will come back and help him with his renovation.

DAY 3

2010-01-20T13:21:00.000-08:00

3th day: conditions are normal. Still little problem with shoes and body condition. The day was bit windy and around –12degree. I had to cover my face with a scarf. I have to walk on the side of the roads but its not a problem because people with cars respect the pedestrian and they are careful, especially when its dark. When I arrived in Mäntsälä I was very tired and cold. First thing I saw was a grill called Elvis Burger II. (because they have another grill called Elvis Burger I. ) I thought I will warm myself up with a cup of tee. As I was paying my tee I showed the paper that explains my journey and immediately the guy gave me back my 1 euro and let me in from the back of the grill. We had some good conversation and they told me they were from Kosovo. They offered me GOOD food and offered me to stay night over with them. So I had everything I could possible need.

DAY 2

2010-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

2nd day: in the morning it was -12 degree. I followed the road number 140. Walking felt hard in the beginning. It always takes few days to get into the "mood". After 10 km I had to change my shoes because the insole was causing me blisters. After that I felt way more comfortable. In the evening I arrived to crossroad of Järvenpää. A car stopped me and asked me why was I walking and what I needed. Her name was Mari. I explained that I needed a place to stay. She asked me to jump into the car. There were 3 people in the car. They told me that they believe in Jesus Christ and they took me with them to place called Kaikkien Kansojen Rukoushuone. There they had 3 hours mass. There were people from all over the world ex. from Russia, Romania, Vietnam, Nicaragua, San Salvador Ukraine etc. Then they offered me food and place to stay. I stayed in a apartment of the Russian guy called Ruslan.

DAY 1

2010-01-20T13:11:00.000-08:00

1st day I had some problems with my gear. On first day I walked to get out of the city of Helsinki. It wasn't easy because there isn't a straight route out. My first "pit stop" was in Pihlajanmäki at Juha's place where i got my gear fixed.

ALAIN IN LAHTI

2010-01-19T03:22:00.001-08:00

www.lahdenseudunsanomat.fi

ADVENTURE HAS BEGUN!

2010-01-14T22:49:00.000-08:00

Alain started his big adventure this morning from Zero Point of Helsinki. Of to see Finland and then Norway and to meet the people on the way. If you meet Alain on his way he will tell you fantastic stories and inspire you to live your own life to the fullest.

HELP NEEDED

2010-01-03T12:08:00.000-08:00

Alain Bezard will start his long walk from zero point Helsinki 15. of January 2010. He needs your help. New friends, places to stay at, gear and food. If you can think of any way to help this extreme explorer please contact us.

Alain Bezard
helsinkinordkapp@gmail.com
+358 (0) 466 113 866

Milla Vaahtera MustaDesign
milla@mustadesign.fi
+358 (0) 400 494 014

2010-01-03T10:54:00.000-08:00

TRAVEL THE BLUE PLANET
My aim is to navigate the globe, travelling by the simplest way, walking. In order to discover different cultures and meet interesting people. I chalenge myself to the extreme. The vision of my travels is a world where people from different nationalities are able to communicate openly and move around freely. World is our playground.

Alain Bezard

2010-01-03T10:44:00.000-08:00

Alain Bezard BIO
born 09 01 1955 France

10.10.1978 left France by bicycle towards east. Ended up in India.
1982 While aspiring to Canada found a village in North Norway, Kautokeino, I stayed for four years.
1987 walked following the River Nile form Egypt to Sudan. 1989 found wife in China. Had a restaurant until mafia stopped that. Worked in a nuclear power plant. Had a son.
1995 Returned to France. Escaped again to do construction work in Israel, Lebanon and Jordan.
1997 Experienced being homeless in London.
1998 Adventure to cross the Bering Strait and to celebrate the millennium twice. Went around the world without money. 2001 Traveling two years from Mexico to Chile.
2003 Ireland 2008 back to South America traveling along the River Amazon
2009 Finland

2010-01-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

Now I challenge myself. Looking for something and testing the arctic people. Will they help me? I use all the resources that I have, legs for walking, eyes for seeing and my mouth for telling my story. I travel with out any funds, just for the challenge. I will try to meet people and get them to open their minds, help a stranger. See Finland and Norway from the ground level, people, homes, roads and the wild. New friends, new adventure. My enemy will be: the wind and cold. I will start my journey 15. of January 2010 from Helsinki Zero Point. I travel 20- 30 km per day. Alain Bezard