Travels with Rustyplough: 06/18/15

Had a long ride down Central Sweden today and one of the best days out on a bike ever.

Sun and a bit of rain but great roads again through wonderful scenery – I do recommend this part of the world. And it's so clean - can honestly say in all the miles I've done today I have not seen one lot of rubbish dumped at the side of the road.

At the beginning it was through forests that went on as far as you could see - and you could see a long way from the hills in that clear air - but further south these gave way to rolling fields and meadows and small villages – still with plenty of lakes.

The country side then had a purple theme.There were purple Lilac trees out everywhere and the roadside verges were teeming with pink and purple lupins! I saw people picking lilac and that took me back. When I was 11 ish my dad and I went around to various people who had lilac trees and cut it to sell at market. It;s hard to remember the pre Inter-flora days isn't it.

But, again you had to be there…

And unless you share my anoraky interests the rest of the day would be pretty grim for you too.

But I had a great day - am tired though so forgive ( or be grateful for) me being brief.

I called in at a place called Leksand to see one of the country’s best “Homestead Museums” – I know more old buildings, but these date back to 1600 – not in their original location of course, they have been brought from all over southern Sweden.

Look at this “hand rail” - that’s what you need on your cabin Gary.

As you can perhaps see by the photos it was raining when I walked around the village but there was a little cafe run by volunteers. It was just closing but they managed to make me a coffee and in return I helped them finish their last two pieces of Rhubarb strudel and vanilla sauce - I only wanted one honest - they insisted it was a shame to waste it.

Yes, there was a church involved – this one is one of the largest Rural churches in Sweden – it can seat 2300 - and is as it was in 1715 although parts of it date back to 1200.

There was a free standing bell tower next to it – nothing to do with the church and I can’t find out much about it but it was a great structure.

Now, here’s a thing. You know I’ve been banging on about being in the EEC and how Sweden – and Norway and Denmark – seem to survive out of it. Well, I went through Grangesberg a town with a mining history and saw this statue –

very nice it was too – it is carved out of wood. And erected with funds from the EEC. I just don’t get it!

On the hillside nearby was the remains of a water wheel that had been used to power the mining at the beginning of the last century – if it’s not your thing I guess pretty boring but impressive.