Heat wave in the Bay of Bothnia continues

low water level at the yard

...for at least another week. We hope. The Finns we met  however are quite overwhelmed by it all. In addition there are the low water levels which seem to be a worrying phenomenon possibly indicating the lack of the expected salt water flush with higher oxygen levels from the North Atlantic. In simple terms (our terms) it adversely affects the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea.

23 o’clock in Yxpila

For us escaping from the long British winter it seems like ‘heaven’. The sunsets are beautiful and long may this weather continue even with the odd thunderstorm thrown in.

To remind us of the dangerous tick infested area we have entered (again!) our host gave us this instrument as a farewell present and a warning that the dangerous ticks in this part of Finland came all the way from Siberia.

If you are wondering what this instrument is: it is a tick remover...For individuals who want to spend a lot of time in this area and like walking in the forest -  vaccinations for 2 tick borne diseases (Lyme disease; Tick borne encephalitis) are now available.