Monday July 11, Still on the Wilderness Highway, just east of Saxnas

 

Above the tree line on the plateau.

Woke this morning to a bluebird day, not a cloud in the sky….but a cloud of mosquitoes! And some of the little blighters had snuck in last night and I looked like I had Botox on my eyebrow! They were really thick and in fact didn’t want to go outside this morning. It was so sunny and warm in the van but opted out of opening any windows, even though they have screens.

We continued on the Wilderness Route and it was another day of amazing scenery as we soon climbed above the tree line to about 1000 metres and entered Lapland, and the Stekenjokk Plateau. This section is about 40 kms and still has areas of snow yet to melt, with many streams cascading down. Sadly, I missed the turnoff to the Sami village, which I didn’t realise until much later. No sign of any wildlife either. We dropped down into the forested areas with many lakes and huge rivers and impressive rapids.

By early afternoon we decided after a long day yesterday it would be good to find a camping spot and have a relaxing afternoon enjoying the warm sun, temperatures were up to 19 today. And after a few not so good spots we came across this really nice place and have a prime position overlooking some huge rapids, and have one neighbour tonight. Had a very lazy afternoon, a wee nana nap then sat outside enjoying a warm afternoon and no mosquitoes!

Although the sun sets at 11.15pm and rises at 2.45am here at the moment, it never really gets dark, just a twilight. Thankfully the blinds in the van blackout well!

Really cute VW camper

Dressed for the weather!!

A fully equipped first aid station with stretchers
and medical kit.

 

Tonight's view but the light was not good to get
a good shot, will try again in the morning.

Ruakiwi and fellow camper.