Monday 29 August. Turku to Aland

 Thunder in the night and lots rain and it’s a soggy grey early start at 6 am when the alarm sounds. We manage to miss-locate the Silja lines ferry terminal and have to double back to eventually find it. The lady at check in pronounces Aland as “Ooland”. It’s part of Finland but Swedish speaking with its own flag and parliament.

Alcohol and  gambling seem to be an important part of the boat! We buy some Kahu beer for half the mainland price. Confusingly time on board is Swedish; an hour behind. A helpful clock with two hour hands and national flags on them makes it clear though  

We pass an never ending series of pine clad low lying islands. As we approach Mariehamn the weather improves and we arrive 5 hours later in sunshine though it feels chilly with strong northerly wind. 

We get to Grindr Uden  campsite and head off on the bikes into town. I have a haircut at a place where everyone seems to be having worryingly short cuts! A sweet Swedish speaking lady takes a lot of time to cut my hair …and it is quite short! 

First time I’m no longer in shorts in the evening.