Day 4: Lahemaa National Park ("Mosquito Alley")

---

After breakfast, left the hotel at 09h05 on a tour into eastern Estonia, more precisely, Lahemaa National Park. Established by the Soviets on finding a little known decree signed by Lenin that stated that National Parks were good, barbed-wire was immediately put up and, being so good, local were excluded and military personal enjoyed the scenery for almost fifty years.

It was raining when I left Tallinn and it was raining when I arrived in Viitna shortly after 10h00. Once dressed for the rain, I set off for a walk around the lake. Hardly had I left the bus than I was being attacked by mosquitoes - not two or three, but twenty or thirty at a time. The views around the lake were spectacular, but spoilt by the constant biting.

Moving on, I went to Palmse Manor and arrived in clearing weather. After wandering the gardens and admiring the view, I had a spot of lunch - Red Meat soup and Estonian Potato Salad - very nice.

With the sun shining, it was time to go looking for beavers. And so it was that I, together with several hundred mosquitoes, enjoyed a short stroll along the banks of a river trying to spot beavers. Lodges were seen but not a lot else.

Finally, in my view, the highlight of the day, no mosquitoes! Arrived in Kasmu, to look at the Erratic Boulders. This little village boasted a ship's captain in every family - until most ended up living in Siberia courtesy of Uncle Joe. Today, the sea was flat and blue, the erratic boulders just where nature had left them.

---

Photos

Viitna Lake
Despite the rain and mosquitoes, the lake was so peaceful and enjoyable

The Start of the Beaver Trail
... but no-one told the beavers.