Today we had an early start because we had to catch the 7.30 ferry to Helsinki. We had to be there at 6.30, luckily our apartment was only a six minute drive from the harbor.
So at 6.29 we arrived and at 6.50 we were drinking coffee on the vessel, fastest boarding ever.
Boarded
Helsinki in sight
In Helsinki we first had to shop for Sürströming so we went into the city. Because we arrived at the other site of gown as usual we did dome sightseeing first. But finally we arrived at the shopping mall were we knew they sell it. So we bought some cans for the polarcircle ritual.While walking back to the car we passed this long row of Asian people in front of the Louis Vuitton store. The boys asked why they were all in line there, turned out that is was because of the tax free shopping. I think it’s still pretty expensive for a bag, but then.... who am I.
Sightseeing in Helsinki
In line for Louis Vuitton (can you spot the boys?)
Back at the cars we started the first real trip in Finland. Weather was pretty disappointing, wet snow/rain and no white spot around.
We had to drive for quite some time before we finally saw the first snow. It made us very happy. Temperature also dropped a little beneath 0, so we are hopeful everything will turn out okay.
First little bit of white
More snow
Draakje needs a little cleaning
Starting to look good
At a little past three we arrived at the first overnight location of the raid. Some of the team arrived yesterday so we had a warm welcome.
Timo, the owner, is a former 2CV driver and a really great and special guy. Very funny and friendly.
On the other side of the main road he has a racing track. In winter you can do ice racing on it. He prepared the track for us and so most of the teams did a couple of rounds to test there skills, and we all could use the practice. We were the first ones to go (of course 🙄) and it went pretty well, untillllllll this one corner. The car went straight one, instead of making the turn. We could manage to get it back on track right away so i had to get out and did my first “pushing out Draakje from the ditch” of the raid. I did a good jod and we were back on track quite fast.
On the ice race track
Going in the ditch (looking worse than it is)
Ready, steady, go!
The second round we could get up an icy hill. We tried pushing, putting branches under the wheels, driving mats, nothing worked. Other teams arrived behind us and also helped, without any effort, so we ended up putting the chains on the front wheels. Luckily we had some practice and after the wheels were chained driving up the icy hill was much easier.
Most importantly we all had a good couple of practice round, most got stuck or hit the ditch one time or more.
Back to the house we had a drink and then it was time for the first drivers meeting. And as it was the first we had to do some formalities like giving everyone a route-book, a raid had and a save arrived shot glass for the Jaegermeister. Gert-jan and Tanguy explained some safety things and told some important think for tomorrow. Then we got outside by the campfire for the first Save drive drink.
Timo accompanied us with dome music.
Drivers meeting
Campfire outside
After that it was time for something to eat. We had a great buffet with local food, all tasting very nice.
We ended the evening with engraving out glasses and some nice chats before turning into bed.
Tomorrow we have an early start again, so
Good night for now.
