With such beautiful weather, we've decided to by-pass Nyköping as it would require us to motor a long way along a dredged channel. Not funny when the conditions are perfect to set sail. Again, we glide along the beautiful, calm waters admiring the small islands that we pass.



While sailing along, we came across the strangest paint job we have ever seen on a boat. It was a Maxi 77 (quite a common small sailing boat here in Sweden) and it would usually look like this. In fact, before we bought Fiona, we owned this boat's little sister, a Maxi 68. Anyway, I did a double take when I spotted the Priscilla Queen of the Desert model. What were they thinking? Were they thinking? We sailed very close to the boat and I was shy about openly taking a photo, so like the true chicken I am I waited until we had passed *grin*



As the day wore on, it became quite hot and the beaches were really crowded. There are no long, sandy stretches of shore like I'm used to seeing in Adelaide. Most of the coast around here is rocky and people set themselves up on the rocks. It can be quite deep even at the point where the rocks meet the water. Around the islands near home, it can be 20m deep just a few metres from the shore, so you don't tend to get people staying a long time in the water. Most people lie on the rocks and when they feel too warm, they take a quick dip. It's quite a different way of looking at things. But like Aussies, on a hot day the Swedes flock to the water.



The islands are surrounded by lots of large bare, smooth rocks. There were also several small well-wooded islands and a smattering of little traditional red and white cottages. The wildflowers are all out at this time of the year and it is a blaze of colour and perfume. Again, we admired the summerhouses lining the shore. How wonderful to own a place like this, right on the water's edge. Lucky people!



The beach is not the only busy place - out on the water, there are billowing white sails as far as the eye could see. Doesn't it look great?



We came to a narrow channel and it was quite a squeeze. The boats travelling south had the wind behind them, so they were moving forward in a more or less straight line. Those of us travelling north, however, had the wind directly on our nose, so we had to tack - ie sail in a zig-zag pattern. It was quite funny to watch, though a bit hairy to be in the middle of it.



The islands are almost round, much higher and the vegetation is also quite different, with less of the birch that dominates the islands around Stockholm. The air was filled with the strong scent of fir, spruce and pine needles mixed with that lovely fresh, salty sea air. Many islands around here are protected areas for sea birds and the grey seal. I saw (and heard!) plenty of sea birds, but though I kept my eyes peeled, I didn't spot another seal. But I did find another house with a enviable view.



How cool to have your own personal lighthouse. The next bigger town that we headed towards is the delightful, historical Trosa. We sail here quite often as it isn't too far from Nynäshamn and I always admire the turn of the century wooden houses lining the little canal.



I wanted to take some photos of the town itself but my digital camera batteries died. However, I did manage to find a bank and withdraw money and stock up on food and drinks.

By the time I'd finished shopping it was quite warm and when I returned to the boat, I saw that Lars-Göran had filled up our tanks with fresh water and set up little umbrellas in the cockpit for the birds. And he and Lambi were looking rather warm up on the foredeck.



It was so hot that my sunny bunnies had to go and cool off in the shade. They look very content.



Now we have supplies again, we can set off before the crowds start to flock to the guest harbour. While it's very convenient to stop here for an hour or so, we don't like the harbour life that starts up in the evening - lots of loud, drunk people in party mode. We stay the night in a peaceful, private bay. Paradise!