Day 124 – If we were too late through the control post near Nikel, we would not be allowed to continue to Norway today – 3 July

Day 124. 3rd of July. No paddling. Ulf Larsen express from Kandalaksha to Jarfjord/Kirkenes.

While we had a slow start to the day in Kandalaksha, Stein’s friend and colleague from long gone days in Lebanon, Ulf, had an early (0630) start from Jarfjord to pick us up.

He was in Kandalaksha around 1300, we spent 12 min loading up the cars and then we started on the way home.

Why all the hurry? If we were too late through the control post near Nikel, we would not be allowed to continue to Norway today.

And our minds were quite firmly set on making it back to Norway today.

As it turned out we had a pleasantly uneventful trip and had time to spare even to do some last minute/last roubles shopping.

Salted dried squid anyone?

No trouble at the border crossings. The paper with stamps for the kayaks we struggled so to get on entry were not necessary on exit after all.

We signed off with FSB on SMS, and they wished us good onward trip.

We’ll stay with Ulf and his family for a few days.

We commented earlier how privileged we were in that all our near and dear ones were in good health so we could embark on this trip.

Unfortunately the health of Stein’s father in law has deteriorated and Stein will travel to Oslo the day after tomorrow to visit him.

Plan is to start paddling Friday or Saturday. First things first and then we’ll see.