Grinda to Sandhamm

Grinda island is the first of the rustic islands. From the dock there is only a trail to what few establishments exist. We don’t see any of them. Locals come here to really get away...I totally get it. We, however, are onward  bound.

A short hop from Grinda is Svartso. It seems like a nothing stop...but this little island of 80 residents is where the school for this area is. Since schooling is guaranteed under Swedish law, a boat ferrys children to school. When the weather is bad, a hovercraft picks them up. If the weather gets even worse and all the snow days get used up, they are helicoptered to school! Now THAT is prioitizing education!

Sandhamn is a quaint town, with an Old Town

where we strolled through and stopped for a really wonderful lunch. You know it’s memorable when you take a picture of your food! (Crusted haddock left, sausage right...guess which is who’s?)

And the setting!

This area is known to be hazardous water due to the numerous close underwater obstacles, so pilot boats are on hand to lead incoming large vessels to Stockholm. There’s only a 2 foot difference between high tide and low tide!

Look...it’s green right returning! So weird.

We wandered around this really picturesque island, which is seasonally even behind Stockholm. The daffodils are in full bloom, and the leaves are just breaking bud! Nice, because it’s giving my allergies a rest! Almost every house uses the exact same paint. Later in the tour we learned that it’s every Swede’s desire to have a little red vacation home like this. They’re everywhere! 80% of Swedes either own, are related to someone that own’s, or has otherwise access to a vacation home. The Thornbergs do...but I didn’t ask if it’s red like this.

On the Yacht Club side of the harbor is the very ritzy club. It’s not quite ‘season’ yet, so only a couple of fancy yachts. This is the Swedish equivalent of Nantucket, where the rich play. 

The slips are even fancy...having floating fingers to tie the front of the boat to. Looks to me like there’s not much of a tide. I’d love to see someone back into ine of these!

We, not being fancy or rich, amused ourselves with sticking our toes in the very cold Baltic Sea! Brrrr!

Next stop...Finland, and Russia! 

George and Tomte aren’t over jet lag yet, and very much enjoy the nice warm sun!