MAY 7 - Leave Rovaniemi about 11:00 to the north. The vegetation slowly changes to nearly all pines and no spruce. Plenty of snow, start to see some Russian on road signs (we get to about 40 km away from the border). Eat an awful kebab meal in Sodankylä. North of this, terrain starts to get rugged, for the first time in Finland there are some low mountains in the distance. Pass several small groups of reindeer. North of Ivalo, the road becomes very scenic, with plenty of views over the frozen lakes (most of what we see are parts of Lake Inari). This vast lake is a clear remnant of glaciation, with a strong lineation in a NE-SW orientation.
Reach Inari about 5 pm, it is really just a resort town, very empty this time of year. Pick up the key to our room at Holiday Village. It is a simple cabin with a tiny kitchen area, and toasty warm. Are just at the edge of Lake Inari, go out walking on it for a ways.
