Welsh disappointment in Kalmar

After a brisk sail with only a pocket sized jib to power us, we arrived at Kalmar in time for lunch.



As it rained all afternoon we prepared ourselves for the big match by going for a walk around town in true Welsh style. We were pleased to see the tall ship Eye of The Wind


which was moored in the harbour and to visit the pretty main square


.
Sadly the dream of beating Portugal was dashed on the rocks of the Swedish Archipelago ....but do the crew look bothered???


Tomorrow we look forward to having the engine serviced and to the arrival of Bonita's fresh crew.
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Into the wind to Borgholm

After the disappointment of finding the bakery closed we did the only sensible thing and had eggy bread for breakfast
Fully satiated, we set off in convoy with blazing sun and light winds.
After a lovely morning sail, unfortunately the wind shifted and increased so that we had to motor slowly against the wind in order to get to Borgholm by late afternoon.


This resort has become popular on the island of Olland since the bridge to the mainland was built in the 70s. It is also the summer retreat of the Swedish Royal family
We were pleased to see someone else has an unusual boat on the marina





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Failed at Figelholm

One of life's lessons ....things work better if you take them out of the box.
This particularly applies to Swedish instant barbecues.
It all seemed like a good idea to have some family bonding over a Barbie and indeed three hours later we were all still talking, although this may have been aided by Mike's calming influence.


Getting to Figeholm after saying a sad farewell to the Joslins


was uneventful but stressful through a maze of rocks with sometimes only a six foot channel to negotiate.


Despite this Jane handled the helm with her usual expertise and we arrived safely in time to visit the museum of outboard engines once again.




Martha thoroughly enjoyed her day on Bonita and was successful in picking up a mooring buoy in difficult circumstances ....and without a hitch.... She will be revising her knots tomorrow

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Jane and Martha arrive

After a morning spent motoring back from Ido and some time spent tidying up and doing the washing, Jane and Martha arrived on the train from Stockholm.
We are all delighted that they arrived safely


After lunch we went with my friends 'The Joslins' for a walk around town the settled to an evening in the restaurant discussing our adventures and speculating on those still to come


Tomorrow we say a sad farewell to 'The Joslins' who have demonstrated remarkable tolerance and patience during this last week spent largely in Vastervik which will hopefully be our most northerly port.


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Coastguard lookout station

Left as it was in the 1970s






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Idol in Ido

Tim left us bright and early this morning on the bus to Copenhagen
The weather was wet and miserable but despite this my intrepid crew agreed to undertake a morning cruise to the tiny island of Ido. My friend Hugh acted as Bonita's crew.
We arrived in time for lunch and then enjoyed a walk around the island which seemed to take no time at all.
In addition, we visited the Coastguard Station which enjoys a spectacular view across several small islands and which has been left exactly as it was after it became redundant in the early 80's
Tonight we enjoyed a lovely meal in the hilltop restaurant on the island, courtesy of my friends the Joslins and were accompanied by a host of Swedish men on a works outing. They all arrived by ferry at 6 pm and were summoned back to the ferry by the ships whistle at 9.30 all looking much the worse for wear.
Tomorrow we look forward to returning to Vastervik and welcoming Jane and Martha to this adventure. As there is no internet here I will have to send photos then.



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Cultural day in Vastervik

The boat was relaunched later than planned as the crane driver was busy so by the time we were back in the water we decided it was too late to go for a sail
Instead we all decided to go to Vastervik museum. This was very interesting if you like boats as it had lots of interesting boatie exhibits including a whole room dedicated to a ship that was sunk in the 17th century during a battle with the Danes.


This has recently been fully surveyed and photographed.
Following this visit we all went to look at a similarly old church that was beautifully maintained and which had one pew for a single person that faced directly against a pillar!!


Tonight we said a sad farewell to Tim who has been with us since Kiel and who is leaving in the morning


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