Day Forty Eight Monday 5th September

So now we are in Finland - at least I think we are. I'm not sure that Alanders actually consider themselves Finnish. They have their own Parliament, their own flag, their own stamps and a special arrangement, apparently, with the EU which means that the whole of Åland has Duty Free status. Hence the ferries and day trips. The ferry was an interesting experience. There was a large proportion of foot passengers, and at 350 krone, less than £3.50, for the crossing without a vehicle it's hardly surprising. Lockers were provided so that people could shop in the duty free shop and stow it away for the duration of the journey. The ferry was not full by any means, fortunately, and was comfortable enough for a two hour crossing, but basic. We were sitting in the bar area, where we had a good view out. Then we realised that people were queuing up for......Bingo cards! By then the sun was shining, so we spent the rest of the crossing up on deck in the sunshine and exhilarating wind, as the ferry made its way through the outlying islands, some of them no bigger than a large rock, to the small port of Storby on the island of Eckero. Two kilometres up the coast is the little resort of Karingsunds. We were very taken with the menu of a little restaurant there called Bodegans. (Everything here is little!) So much so that we thought we would lunch there.... But, it is very much end of season here, and it was closed. The season definitely ends mid-August, and we fear that we are going to find most of the tourist places, museums and suchlike, closed. However, the whole area does seem to be a bit of a foodie heaven, so we are hopeful of finding some culinary delights somewhere. We then headed for this campsite, Soderhagen, not far south of Storby, recommended by Paul and Sheila who we met back at Falun and Farnebofjarden. It is a family run business, very rustic feeling, and a file in the kitchen gives the history of how it has been built up slowly over 20 years. Sven, the owner, met us when we arrived, but we haven't yet seen him again to pay.There is a Sauna at the waterside, and boats which we could use if we wanted. We think we shall stay here for a couple of nights at least. We thought that we would have the whole place to ourselves, but a personable German student, Stefan, on a motorbike has turned up. We spent an enjoyable time chatting with him as we all cooked and ate in the kitchen. We have supplied him with candles so that he can go and have a sauna. They are of the insect repelling variety, so I hope he survives OK! It was nice and warm in the kitchen, but pretty chilly outside. A blast of heater in the Campervan was needed, and neither of us feels like venturing out again for a shower! Maybe Stefan had the right idea.