Post-Border to Border Ski in Tornio

After completing the Border to Border Ski we traveled by bus to Tornio where we stayed at the Park Hotel. There was a little time to work with ahead of dinner so I got out for a walk. Nearby along the river there is a really cool salmon sculpture that was commissioned for the city's recent 400th anniversary.

From there I headed down to the mall that Matti had discussed with me.

Sure enough you enter one side in Finland and find yourself entering Sweden shortly after going out the doors on the other. They had this cool sculpture on the border that was worthy of a selfie.

Shortly after returning to the hotel, there would be a final dinner for all the participants followed by the evening program where each country performed for everyone else. Linda from Seattle who I had skied with for a time on Day 3 wrote alternative lyrics to the tune Let it Snow which we sang as a group. It was a fun way to wrap up the week with all of our new friends! We also received diplomas and medallions for participating.

It turned out that we really lucked out on the weather as the following day of our departure was a combination of cold temperatures, high wind, and heavy snow. We would be packed up and ready to go the night before, have an early breakfast, and then be on our way by bus, first to the railway station in Kemi and then the airport in Oulu where I would fly back down to Helsinki.

Thank you for following this awesome adventure! It has been a privilege to share it with you and I look forward to sharing future stories about day-to-day life in the Keweenaw!