Oland

OTravelled:391km Oland Island

Stay: Bergkvara- free parking at the harbour. Great views. 56.3873 16.0897

Although last night was a lovely spot, just as the sun was setting, some bikers and a caravan turned up. Unfortunately so did the music! So at 9:30pm we made the decision to get out of there and travelled 50 km south on the E22 until we got to a rest area next to a lake  (57.6618, 16.4461) with toilets. We put our earplugs in and had a peaceful night! 

The next morning we travelled to Kalmar and met up with my cousin Regis and his partner Helena, who is Swedish and has a lovely family history in this area. After picking them up from the station we headed over the 6km bridge built in 1972 to Oland Island. 

There is actually plenty to explore on this very diverse island. We headed to the south of the island and stopped to have a look at some beautiful ceramic shop and then continued on to have some lunch at a cafe in a beautiful little village with lovely gardens.  It was extra special here because Helena's parents have been coming here every year since they were engaged!

Have we mentioned that the Swede's have a love affair with icecream...

To the point that there are signs are required...

 Later as we continued further south on the island, we passed the Mysinge Hög burial mound were her parents actually became engaged. We felt privileged to share this wonderful love story. We passed the drystone wall that runs from the west to the east side of the island before entering the Ottenby nature reserve.

 This area is famous for the thousands of migrating birds that rest here. 

We also spotted a few seals and admired the lighthouse. 

Seal is on the rock in the background. Weren't allowed any closer!

On our way off the island, it was very exciting because we saw a police escort going the other way onto the island.  Knowing that it was the Crown Princess' Day (celebrating her 40th birthday) , we could only assume it was the royals....so Mark put his arm out of Bluey's window and gave them the Royal wave as I busily took photos through Bluey's windscreen..not sure if we can see them waving back...? 

Stopped at the supermarket and had to take a photo of the checkout! Automatic booms to divert groceries to one side.

We then drove 30 Km south to Ekenäs, a small fishing village, where Helena's family has a summer cottage. 

After a wonderful day together, we said our farewells and wished them all the best in their future adventures, before we continued a bit further south to Bergkvara, where we parked in the harbour with lovely views.