Getting ready for the change of crew we made our way down south. Alas, no wind at all so we had to motor all the way. It was probably good exercise for “ye ole faithful” (the engine’s nickname) but boring and noisy.
On the way to Grinda we had two highlights though. First we had to pass a bridge that has to be opened for boats to pass through. The chart gives the telephone number of the bridge operator and you just call and say that you would like to go through. Seconds later a young man comes out of his hut and swivels the bridge open. Very efficient and friendly service all round. The Austrian delegation voted “dix points”.
Once passed the bridge all hopes of wind died and we headed straight south the large stretch of water called Gällnan. It looks tranquil on the picture but you are lucky as you can’t hear the engine.
A seal! You can see it on the picture, well you might be able to see a blob in the middle and have to take my word for it that it is a seal. They are very shy and it swam away almost as soon as we headed for it (with the engine shut off).
