We’ve just come from a wonderful harbour surrounded by little islands in Finnhamn which is known as Paradiset. It is a busy and happy place, with yachts tied to the shore or anchored, and kids shrieking with delight as they played in the water – it really did live up to its name.
We treated ourselves to lunch ashore on top of the rocks, watching boats passing through.
Then again we had arrived from a deserted anchorage, with so much shelter from the wind that it would have protected us from any storm. The water was warm, and we shared it only with wild ducks and a few fish.
Or perhaps we left paradise on Rodhamn Island, our favourite place in the Åland islands. The scenery is spectacular, and the harbour master is a local artist. I have one of her paintings which is of this scene in winter light.
Fresh bread is delivered each morning, along with the weather forecast
and they boast the finest ‘love huts’ in the Baltic – and I can’t argue with that!
Of course, others may think paradise is to be found on board the tall ship ‘Silver Cloud’, mooring near us in Mariehamn, luxury cabins a snip at €10000 a week.
Me, my paradise is fixing my boat, down in the fender locker, or some other awkward space, on a sunny day, with good friends on board in a beautiful part of world.
Paradise indeed, and it’s the quality of the light somehow that makes it so special; looking at your photos I can smell that fresh clean air.
Temperatures climbing here towards 30+ in a weeks time, then in 2 wks we arrive at Fahan!
Where you will be able to cool down!