Finland Road trip: Part two

We woke to the most glorious day and had breakfast with the gulls on the deck. Fish gulped around us and there was evidence of a fox.

Off we set on our cycling route only to find that our trail biking skills were not up to the roots and narrow paths that we were to follow, so we stashed our bikes and wandered through a fairyland of green mosses and tall trees where the signposts tokd of all the myths and legends of the area ... men falling for beautiful forest women and being whisked off to their deaths of course!

Five kilometres later and back at our stashed bikes, we chose another island route and, despite Reetta's map reading skills, we had a wonderful cycle in the bright and warm afternoon/evening for at least 12 kilometres.

We couldn't keep away from our rustic archipelago cottage though and we mis-read the map all the way back, lit the outside fire and corked open the red wine.

Reetta and I not only share the same birthday but we also both crave hot and spicy, something Scandinavia seems simply unable to provide. Still, we grilled spicy sausages (supposed to be) with hot chili sauce(no bite at all) and chilli cheese (not chilli at all).

That night's sauna like sleeping conditions that ensued when Reetta stoked up the fire to steam locomotive levels, drove me down onto the floor with no protection against the fat mozzies as all clothes had been discarded to combat the heat. Reetta stayed up on the third tier bunk and by morning had melted away into tales of muddled dreams and a difficult awakening ... we had of course forgotten to bring drinking water and were sheltered up on the salty coast! Here comes the beach ...

Grandma called, the kids were to much please come and get them. She offered us a sauna and a bike rack for the car in return for taking the kids. We declined the sauna, picked up the kids and headed three hours to Pori.

Pori is Scandinavia's largest and longest beach and it is terrifically beautiful. We picniced in the dunes for dinner while the two kids entertained themselves in delight as only kids at the beach can. The younger one wolfing down now mouthfuls of sand.

It was a cold night and we hadn't brought enough to keep us all warm, the cold wind that met us in the morning despite the blue skies and sunshine, made the beach and ocean a spot for kitesurfers and braver souls than us.

We headed back to Turku and when the rain and grey clouds crowded in at five we did what only the Finnish do in times of need ... we went to the sauna ... naked!

Tips for sporting Erasmus students:

• And kiteboarders, windsurfers and other wind using sports people must visit Pori and make full use of this windy beach!

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