Stockholm, Sweden – June 25
We awoke this morning
as the ship threaded its way through the thousands (literally) of islands and
islets that dot the archipelago that protects Stockholm. It is like sailing the St. Lawrence’s 1000
Islands times 10 or the Gulf Islands times 1000! Many summer cottages line the rocky shores of
the treed islands. The sun was out and
it was a spectacular entrance to the city harbour. We have been here before and this visit reinforced
my love for the city.
One attraction that we missed in 2010 was the Vasa warship,
built in 1628 for a war against Poland.
The first sailing warship designed with 2 rows of cannons, the naval
architect failed to fully comprehend the need for a wider base and more ballast
to counteract the greater weight. On her
maiden voyage, fully loaded, the Vasa sank in the harbour and stayed there for
over 300 years. Because of the cold
northern waters, her timbers were protected from worm damage and, in the 1960s,
she was brought to the surface. The art
of reconstructing the pieces was described as the largest jigsaw puzzle
ever. Now, the Vasa sits in a
fascinating museum built around her. 98% of what you see is the original ship
with only a few new timbers needed. The
carvings and decorations on the ship were extensive and amazing. In separate displays, there are skeletons of
sailors, pieces of their original clothing, their daily objects, cooking pots,
pieces of sails, etc. Truly an
interesting visit!!
We then had lunch at an outdoor café in the Old Town (Gamla
Stan) and wandered its streets with Wayne and Jo, Wayne and Nancy until it was
time to return to the ship.
We are at sea tomorrow then have a 6 hour, early stop in
Copenhagen (7 a.m. – 1 p.m) before our last day at sea and our return to
Southampton.
Oops, these are Copenhagen's photos on the Stockholm page - Stockholm's photos will be on the Copenhagen page!
Copenhagen's famous Little Mermaid
Nyhavn, an old canal filled with sailboats and cafes
The new Opera house
A blend of old and new - apartments created from an old boatbuilding shed, now a very expensive address in the city
Chris and Megan before being devoured by the shark.
Michelle out for a paddle with Shon
Michelle at her graduation ceremonies. She is now a registered massage therapist.
Michelle with her mom and dad at her grad banquet.
Ben in a publicity photo for his Parkinson's ride
Kynnan with his soccer coach 
Kynnan in Mexico. He and Lisa's cousin joined Kynnan's Dad and Nancy for 10 days at Spring Break. 
Kynnan and friends at Halloween
Neko, the vampire
Kynnan and buddies ready to mountain bike at Silver Star Mt.
Lisa and Neko at Silver Star
A very chilly night at the Vernon Winter CarnivalJamie and Jenn at a friend's wedding
Jenn and friends went on a girls' hiking/camping trip up Garibaldi Mt.
Jenn has continued her trail and road running. In this photo, she has just summited Mt. Frosty in Manning Park during a 27 km trail run event. Amazing!
Jamie and boys
Giddo (Shon) made birdhouses for the boys
Derek pushing big brother home from school.
Derek's new Mohawk haircut.
Washington Pass overlook
Diablo Lake behind Diablo Dam on the Skagit River
Nooksack Falls at base of Mt. Baker
Mt. Baker
Mt. Shuksan from Mt. Baker
Vasa, the war ship that sank in 1628 before it got out of the harbour.
A square in Gamla Stan, Old Town Stockholm
Seafood display in Helsinki market
Shon enjoying smoked salmon and a beer on our balcony aboard our ship.
