If you lose your way, do not hesitate to knock on doors.

It is easy to lose your way on the labyrinthine network of dirt roads that criss-crosses this part of Finland, so it is not unusual to meet teams going in the opposite direction – are they lost or is it us? However, the area is dotted with isolated farms and houses, and the people who live in them are happy to give directions

Everyone is very friendly and invitations to come in for a cup of coffee or use the sauna are not uncommon. It has even been known for teams to be invited to dinner and to spend the night!

Those of us who are not distracted en-route spend a very enjoyable evening sharing a supper of local, freshly caught lake fish with residents from the village in which we are staying.