It’s about 700km to the border with Latvia from Moscow. I did most of that in a day, as there’s not much to see along the way. Mostly forest and swamp at the side of the road. I wild camped in a great spot not far from the border, but it rained overnight making it a bit of a struggle to get out. Mud mud mud!

The border crossing was the usual faff, but just before lunch I exited into Latvia, the European Union! Practically home (sort of). First impressions were very similar to eastern Russia. Basic accommodation, farming and a rustic feel. I saw a sign saying there were road tolls and I realised I hadn’t got any Euros. So I swung onto a back road to a place called Zilupe, as advertised by an attractive sign.

It was a tiny little village and I knew there wouldn’t be a cash machine. In the centre was a small green with a bench, tiny shop and….. A cash machine. Bingo! (Well better then bingo, you win money every time!).

Cashed up I went onward and upward into Latvia.