Friday

Weather boded fair so we planned a boat ride out to one of the islands.  Caught a boat to Sandhamn, a yachty island.  Not the ferry company or the destination or quite the departure time we had planned, but blame it on the un-charming, unsmiling Tourist Info lady on the Old Town.  However, we got to see lots of islands, some inhabited by wealthy humans with boat houses and boats lifted out of the water, and others bedecked in white from feathered inhabitants!  Sandhamn had no cars just tractors and bikes, a wonderful sheltered bay where we had out picnic, knocked back with wine.  A drink (G&T -mother in keeping with the en virons) at the Yacht Club and a 2 hours 20 minutes return ride.  Had not really done a lot, except sit, eat and drink, but all pretty knackered.  BBQ – chicken again but done cajun style.

Boat houses on way to Sandhamn

Our lunchtime Sandhamn beach

Caught the Aged P’s actually laughing – only as unaware I had camera in hand!

Lunch – all you can see are wine beakers!

Sandhamn

More Sandhamn

Islands view from boat

Saturday

Drove to Drottningholm Palace, which is still the main residence of the Royal Family.  Built from 1662 for Queen Hedwig Eleanora, who ruled the then powerful Sweden until her son came of age.  There are wonderful grounds, the oldest working theatre and a large Chinese Pavillion complex.  Tours by very charming English speaking guides.  Really pleased we went.

BBQ – Chicken with Johnny’s Salts – is this the 4th time in a row – but due to popular demand!  Eating, however, in Chardonnay as the wind gets chilly.

At Drottningholm

Drottningholm long vista

Marble staircase with 9 Muses and their protector Apollo

Royal bed – given birth in!

Collected on a Grand Tour

Slow shutter speed to capture the droplets … such a camera expert!  That would be a fast shutter speed!!

Right royal selfie … Dad is just in the corner, my arms ain’t long enough

Drinks pre-chicken BBQ

Sunday

Train into the City – we are very expert a buying exactly the tickets we need on the equivalent of an Oyster Card which is cheaper than buying individual tickets.

Did a walk around Sodermalm island today.  The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo territory.  Some great views of the city area and Gamla Stan (old town), C18 buildings and an area of summer houses / cabins in allottments / gardens.  A guide book recommendation and good Trip Advisor reviews and into the Bla Dorren (blue door, but it hasn’t one) for a good lunch – J and Dad tried the Herring lots of ways with a local cheese (like strong cheddar with a hint of parmesan) and then three of us had veal meatballs with mash potato and longinberries.  Swedish theme 🙂 and excellent service.  Overstuffed the younger ones had a nanny nap on return to the campsite.

No BBQ – if we have room cheese and salad.

Houseboats, now hotels and restaurants

Great views back to Gamla Stan (old town)

Different sorts of herring and local cheese

Veal meatballs (more like skinless sausages), mash, lingonberries and pickled cuecumber

Station selfie – is it the wine or the chilly day making us look pink?