Sweden

I am back. This was a marathon session which, while really nice, makes me realise that I don't like being away, especially on my own for 15 days. The extra day on the fortnight was WizzAir's doing due to a schedule change, which was especially unwelcome, but that's a risk you run using bucket airlines.

The first week was spent doing Trail-O (or to be more precise Pre-O) at the O-Ringen in Dalarna. (see the flag signalling my presence!!) Owe, Eva and Martin were the perfect hosts, I was made so welcome as if they have known me for years. The trip up to Salen was beautiful as we didn't take the main road, but went through lots of small villages, lakes and real backroads. The Pre-O is mind blowing, the field is 10 times more quality than at the World Championships and I had a very steep learning curve. The first 4 days I was really struggling with the timed controls, but was getting really good otherwise. On the last day I managed to lick the timed controls (all 5 of them!) and went to pieces on the course. That's life, but the real purpose of the trip - learning about elite Trail-O planning - was more than achieved, while I also had a lovely week in the company of very good friends. The picture of the 4 of us was taken at an eatery where we consumed delicious Swedish pancakes with cloudberry sauce. Yum, yum!!!

After my return to Uppsala I stayed one night and then proceeded to take the bus to Jonkoping to meet up with Gun (long lost Swedish friend from years ago). She took me to lovely places too and after a couple days there we went to her summer house by the sea West of Gothenburg to spend the rest of the week. The setting sun picture was taken at about 8.30pm from the top of the rock face above their house looking out to sea. That was magic.

Final couple of days was spent in Stockholm. I spent the first night at that sailing ship in the picture as it has been converted to a Youth Hostel. Gorgeous place with special atmosphere and all modern comforts as well. On Saturday the weather changed which somewhat spoilt the visit to the Skansen, but I still managed to walk all over Stockholm and take a peep at Europride which brought tens of thousands to the city.

Now to the mountain of post and e-mails and messages etc., etc. Next post when I have surfaced out of that lot.