I was a bit disappointed there was no sign marking the Arctic circle when I crossed into it in Russia. I suppose they’re not geared up for tourism, and the locals just didn’t need to know. Anyway, as I ran south today I made sure I kept looking over my shoulder so I didn’t miss the sign on the Finnish side.

I needn’t have worried. There’s plenty of notice even going south, because the village where Santa Claus lives is there! I stopped briefly in Rovaniemi, the Santa village. The big man himself was there, posing for photos with tourists. It was tempting to get a shot of him on my bike, but I decided he’d best stick to what he knows. (i.e. sleighs!).

The sign for the Arctic circle says it’s 2260 somethings to London, I’m assuming it’s kilometres. That’s really not that far now, considering how far I’ve come already! It’s almost time to get excited about the great British pub, fish and chips and shit weather – but not just yet. Let’s concentrate on the job at hand.