Day 12 - the Gulf of Finland

We had a quiet night in our car park in Tartu. We drove northeast, then hugged the shore of Lake Peipus which was so wide we couldn’t see to the other side which is Russia. It’s the fourth largest lake in Europe.

From there we drove to the baroque Palmse Manor, originally owned by a German family. We had a sandwich for lunch then wandered in the grounds. We didn’t go into the house as Mr C had researched a freedom camp which was likely to get full.

To get there we drove past abandoned and derelict ex Soviet military accommodation and other buildings related to their submarines and defences which they had along this coast.

We are now relaxing in the sun with coffee and the last of the fruit cake I had made at home. We sit amid wild roses looking out to the Gulf of Finland at the northern most point of the middle of the three fingers of land in the Lahemaa National Park north east of Tallin. It’s so peaceful. Only us and a few German vans. To make it even more perfect - the weather looks more settled and the sun is shining. We are needing sun hats and sunscreen at last. I’m loving “Thunderclap” the book recommended by Blipper Paula but I need to ration myself as it’s too good to rush. And Paula - I just checked out the gallery with The Sentry in Schwerin - and it’s closed for refurbishment so I don’t feel so bad now!

We drove 140 miles today.

The blip is the Manor House and I’m at the freedom camp - the van can be seen on the left.