Stockholm Archipelego

Thursday June 27

Robin and I took an early train into Stockholm in order to see the archipelago.  The Stockholm archipelago is the second largest in the Baltic Sea (the largest is in Finland) extending 37 miles to the east.  We decided to go the the island of Grinda. 

Grinda is a popular summer destination for campers and tourists.  It is largely owned by a non-profit who keep it's nature and facilities in good condition.  There are three places to eat, a little store, a hotel and numerous cabins and tent cabins.  The ferry we caught landed on the north side of the island; the departing ferries are from the south side.

Robin on the ferry...she doesn't want to look at me...too early!  (We are tired!)

It takes about an hour and a half to get to the island and the view along the way is really what it's all about.  We noticed as we departed Stockholm that they were preparing for what looked like a boat race of some sort.

When we got off the ferry it was like being set off into a large summer camp, beautiful natural landscape.  The first five minutes sounded like this:  "Wow, oooo, ahhh, wow, oooo, ahhh, oh, look, wow, ahh...."

We walked along the main path (mostly) taking photos and enjoying the wonder of the place.  We decided to eat at the "medium priced" eatery.  Seating was outside on a deck overlooking the water with a stunning view of the Baltic Sea.  We both had smoked salmon with boiled potatoes in a really lovely sauce. 

After lunch we made our way rather quickly the rest of the way to the south dock where we just made the Cinderella ferry to Vaxholm.  The Cinderella line is faster and more expensive than the Waxholmsbolaget line that we took to Grinda.  We got off the ferry and spent about 15 minutes looking about the waterfront at Vaxholm before catching the Waxholmsbolaget boat back to Stockholm.

We got back to our little home in Uppsala about 7:00 and cooked a stir fry for dinner.  It was soooo good!  Best thing I've eaten since I left home!  All VEGGIES!!!!

Tomorrow is our last day in Uppsala.  We need to pack, strip beds and do some cleaning.  I have a large blister on the little toe of my left foot!  Walking around tomorrow is not going to be happy....