Day 6 – Sevettijarvi

Sevettijarvi is a wonderful place, even if the pub is always closed, so I decided to stay over.

Katja had headed back to civilisation very early, to purchase more materials for her project – returning 6, tired, large holiday cabins back to a good state ready for the tourist season – whenever that is. She was also to get me a few supplies for the journey.

My day was nice and chilled. A walk along the lakeside, some work emails, some blog postings & calls to home.

During my second lakeside walk I came across a lone boat way off shore. I learnt later that the person rowing was Marju. I waived and the boat came closer. We exchanged a few words – in English of course before being invited on board.

Marju was a teacher at the school – just across from the pub. Her home is somewhere in central Finland so she boards here with other teachers. The school only has 35 students, aged up to 15 yrs & 5 teachers – confirmation they take education very seriously indeed! The school is also tasked with ensuring local culture is kept alive. I made comment on how wild Lapland felt. Not to the Sami people, she replied. The whole land is crisscrossed with paths & these people know every one.

Too soon, we were cut short by the rain and headed for shore. I thanked her for the cruise & memorable encounter. She said – that’s what travelling is about. And I quite agree!