A sporting day

Wandering around

Starting the day with a big walking tour through the woods and over a part of Purkijaure was wonderful. By the snow muted silent in the woods was very special and fine to experience. To describe how it feels is somewhat difficult. You have to walk in the snowy woods to feel the excitement.

Purkijaure

Then out of the woods we walked on the frozen lake along the shores of “Purkijaure”. It was a beautiful sight. After a while we saw a moose crossing the lake. Anders told me that it was not allowed to go with the scooters over the lake because the ice wasn’t good enough. To dangers.
It must be great to live on “Purkijaur holmen”. The houses we could see were situated directly on the shores. The view in winter and summer must be fantastic. In summer to launch the canoe and go paddling for a day on the lake feels very inviting.

cross-country skiing

In the afternoon the ski under the feet and again practising on a trail now with the support of Anders. We followed a scooter trail through the same woods as in the morning. It was more difficult because it went up and down. And sometimes also downhill and for me even more difficult. I had my deal of falling down today but less than the day before. We skid almost 7km and it was tiring.

First time cross-country skiing ...

First time skiing and the market

A cat has nine lives ...

Although the shop was closed on Sunday it was no problem to rent ski's, poles and shoes. Just have a phone call and the shop manager will come and you get your gear.

Just arrived at home I was put the ski's under my feet and skied my first little tour. Not like in our Ardennes where there are nice pre-prepared tracks but almost directly cross-country skiing. Every time I fell down Christoffer said I lost a live. During our tour I fall down seven times so … I survived my first lesson on a two hour skiing tour.

2012 historiska vintermarknad invigning.

At 17.00 to 17.30 the historical market was opened with a speech and a torch-walk towards the heritage center garden where a kind of a service was held with choir
singing. It was a fine experiance walking together with the other people. Some were playing in the snow. It was fun.

The travel day

The car was frozen this morning! I wonder ... preparation for time coming ;)

Travel by train is always a experience.

From Bruges to Brussels with the train was OK, everything on time. Only … I think in Brussels it froze a bit more then in Bruges because the train to the Airport didn't come (was late) … again. The first train was that one I took and it was the first of the day. Poor tourists coming and travelling in Belgium. Good I was early.

Check in went fast and easy.

First flight is a bit more one hour to Copenhagen, the second the same period to Arlanda.
How come I took two flights?
If I fly on the first flight from Brussels to Arlanda then I had to be there the day before. The late flight would take me an extra day to get into Jokkmokk.
During the day there are almost no direct flights.

A quick dinner in Stockholm.

No eating in “Jens Bøfhuss” because I would have to stand cue. So, it became a fast sea-food table inside Central Station. Next time I will try O'Leary.

Mobile connection.

Now getting a phone number. It's important to have so calling to home is cheaper. I'll need it next summer anyway. Cost: 100SEK for the number and then depending what kind of communicator you are 100, 200 or ... SEK

The train travel.

Train to Narvik was on time leaving 17:50 but we lost more than an hour along the road. There were not many people on the train so I could enjoy the restaurant wagon.
We arrived around 09:20 so much to late for the bus.
If you are booking a bus ticket on the train then they connect with the bus company so you'll have a bus around arrival time.

Arriving in Forshällan

Anders was getting me at the bus station in Jokkmokk. Before driving home we had to get some groceries for the coming week. And of course, don't forget the drinks.
I had a fine welcome at Anders house from his wife Marie and Christopher who was also at home.

Day endings.

As a true Swedish habit we ended the day with a sauna.

Getting there,

Getting from Bruges to Forshällan (Jokkmokk) is quit a journey.

Train from Bruges to Brussels-Nat.Airport.

Pay attention: getting to the Airport costs you some additional fee 2,16€ called “Diabolo - for improved access to the airport. From Bruges the train brings you to Brussels-North where you find a connection to Brussels-Nat.Airport. http://www.b-rail.be/

Flying to Arlanda Airport

If you fly to Stockholm go for a direct flight if it suits you. Otherwise the flight go’s over Copenhagen thereafter to Stockholm on another air plane. If the transit time is too short (less than 2 hours) it could happen that you luggage is still in Copenhagen and you’re already in Stockholm. That was the occasion on my first flight to Sweden. http://www.flysas.com

Transfer to Stockholm

If you come to Arlanda Airport you can transfer to Stockholm either by bus – Flybussarna or by train – Arlanda Express. The former is cheaper 99SEK the latter is faster 260SEK for a single trip. If you prefer the Express and you arrive in the weekend you could get a reduction card when traveling detour in the same weekend 280SEK. http://www.flygbussarna.se/ , http://www.arlandaexpress.com/

Overnight train to Murjek

There are several ways getting to the North. But the cheapest is traveling by the overnight train to Narvik – Norway. It’s also the best if you are on a timetable shedule. You can book from 90days before departure and could find a cheap ticket. 394SEK single seat bookable on http://www.sj.se
The train leaves in Stockholm Central on 17:50 and if all goes well you arrive in Murjek next morning 08:20.

Almost there

Murjek the end of your journey by train is a small village. You’ll find only a small building which is the railway station. Further from the railway is an small beautiful roundabout and some old houses and a hotel/restaurant/campsite. The bus – line 43 to Jokkmokk will await you beside the railway building if you are lucky and the train arrives before 08:45. http://www.ltnbd.se/

There are other possibilities, but the above is almost the cheapest.

Have a nice trip