From Nature to Sub-urban

The treehotel was a blast and I even enjoyed the 4 hours  fishing trip on a small boat. Now we are heading south again towards Stockholm. We got 3 days to get there and roughly 900 Kms to cover. Our first stop on the way is in Ratan, a beautiful little village north of Umea. The campground, which is operated by the community has no hot water or shower but allows open fire (firewood provided). Ratan ain’t big but has some really friendly 4-legged inhabitants. The local restaurant and cafe offers, according to Peter, a damn good selection of local beers and a great sun-flooded wooden deck. I hope this never ends.

Unfortunately it does end the following day. Even though everything started pretty relaxed we’re leaving this little paradise around noon for Umea (nice place) and than further south to Vallsta/Orbaden. That place was recommended to Camilla and Peter by some Camper they’d met in Slagnäs. It’s supposed to have one of the best sandy beaches around and it’s no lie. The place is perfect for running around on the beach and playing Frisbee with my pack. The campground itself is kind of o.k. but not overwhelming. Some dogs, no cats and absolutely no rabbits. I suggest the local tourist office should consider a rabbit habitation program for this area. I mean we dogs can’t just run after a flying plastic disc all the time. Give us something more “natural” to run after. I’ll give’m credit for the sunset.

Anyway, from Vallsta it’s 600 Kms to Ljusterö. So another stop north of Uppsala is required. Ain’t much to say about that place so I’ll skip this one. On saturday we continue to the  AirBnB house, Peter and Camilla have selected on Ljusterö as our home for the next 7 days. And what a place this is. Nested between trees, close to the water and with lots of dogs in the neighborhood. The best part of it, is is the family of deer that comes to the property frequently. They are my color but much “taller”. Everytime I wanna go and say hello to them, I get called back however. I mean, I wouldn’t do them no harm. I would just like to see who can run faster 🙂
Every morning when Camilla and Peter go swimming I accompany them to make sure they do not get attacked by deer. So far I did a pretty good job.

Today (Thursday), we all took a trip to Stockholm. It was rainy when we started but became sunny in the afternoon. Finally some urban flavor again. What a city this is. Lots of parks and water. Even though I might repeat myself, I hate the “No Dogs” signs at the entrance of the stores. This means that Peter and I will stay outside while Camilla is inside. We even take a local ferry to the southern part and Stockholm and than walk (all the way) back to the city. I’m tired now. All these city smells and all the walking make me really sleepy.

I will call this a day and get back once we’re back on the road.

Joiz