Destination Stockholm, and a new crew. But first we had to exit the lock keeping the water level stable in Lake Mälaren. Not being sure of timings for little yachts to go through, we anchored in a stunningly beautiful bay nearby, directly opposite Drottningham Slott, home of the King and Queen of Sweden.
The royal yacht was moored outside – a modest motor cruiser, perfect for family picnics in the islands. We were impressed by the lack of ostentatiousness – in the boat anyway. The palace was most definitely a palace!
Old steamers brought tourists to and from the palace for a day out, and we watched from our private creek.
The water was clear and almost warm, and it was quiet and peaceful. A lovely memory.
In the morning we motored to the lock and its opening bridges, and went through in a medley of small boats, jostling for position.
And then we were in Stockholm, surrounded by ferries, cruise liners, motor boats, sailing boats, and making our way to Wasahamnen harbour. En route, we heard the screams of the terrified and delighted customers of Gröna Land, one of the oldest amusement parks in Europe. Not for me! I get enough of an adrenaline rush at sea.
And then we were 4 for the next ten idyllic days, pootling around the archipelago under sail and occasionally motor, and anchoring here, tying up there, swimming and sauna-ing, learning the Zeppelin knot- more of this in the next (guest) blog but absolutely ACE. Thank you both for sharing what you love in such a setting, Nick x