Day 49 – Tour de Finlande 2010: Kustavi – Turku

And with today's leg I reached 4000 km. I admit I really can't explain the feeling, it is a bit like living in a different dimension. Just to make things clear: the amount of km is really a lot, but this is not an extreme sport, nor a competition. You just need time and not necessarily a pre-training, the muscles will come little by little, you can decide how many km you want to do in a day, and the speed you want to keep. In any case I'm still impressed, as I had never done anything like this before.

I spent the morning in Kustavi, where I also visited the local church. As you can see from the picture there are several miniature models of old ships inside. In the old times it was common to make these small replicas in order to protect the seamen of the village while they were at sea. In those times journeys could last months, so that was also a way to remember them.

I took also a detour from Kustavi to go to check how much the ferry to the island of Brandö in the Åland archipelago cost: 22 euro seem quite a lot for me for such a short distance, although it wasn't clear to me whether that was the price also for cyclists. I didn't have time to get there anyway, however I might choose another route the time I will.

The cycling continued with a strong wind coming from any direction except than from the back, but today I didn't care too much: I wasn't in a hurry, and happy to know that I would get that 4000 at the end of the day. This is the thrashing period in the countryside and the colour of these golden fields is very very beautiful. Best time for cycling over here, I'd say.

After a ferry connection, maybe the last one of this tour, I visited Naantali, which has a wonderful old centre with colourful wooden houses. The town is maybe most famous for the Moominworld, although I have to admit I don't feel that young any longer to get there.

The last km of the journey brought me finally to Turku, which I'm planning to visit tomorrow. It's still open whether I'll continue the tour or have another break (this time longer), I haven't decided yet. At least if you don't see updates in the next days you know the reason.

Day 49 – Tour de Finlande 2010: Kustavi – Taivassalo – Naantali – Turku

Trip distance (excluding ferries): 99 km
Actual trip time: 5 h 50 m
Distance from day 1: 4001 km

View Larger Map