Set off for Kuhmo, in Karelia- Eastern Finland bordering Russia.

Went to Juminkeko - " home of the Kalevala, Finland's National Epic ." In the 1830s, Elias Lonnrot, who lived at Kajaani, went about 10 times into the Karelia region east of Kuhmo, in Finland and mostly in Russia, (no borders then!) in search of the native poems and songs. These he brought back and wove into The Kalevala, an epic work of 22,000 verses (John has read the book!) We watched 4 short videos at the Cultural Centre, a foundation funded by the EU to preserve the language and culture of the Karelia region. An amazing guide then showed us the book translated into over 60 languages including Swahili, such is its fame (like Shakespeare or the Iliad). Then looked at an art exhibition commissioned by the centre, of paintings and drawings related to the Karelia villages.

Kuhmo was to host its annual Chamber Music Festival starting next day, but we saw little evidence of the expected 40,000 enthusiasts except a few food marquees.

Outside Kuhmo, in the forest, was a site of WW2 trenches, with relic mounted guns and armoured vehicles, that John had to explore. The locals at the time had also moved huge boulders as anti-tank obstacles and we saw more of the same later.

Drove south, within 8 km of the Russian border.

Drove on to Lieksa and camped on the harbour, overlooking Lake Pielinen. Lots of folk looking at our "unusual" Motorhome.