Bend Swinging

A full day out on the bikes, to Lacko Castle on Lake Vanern. Satnav Jane is jealous because Ernst can plan a route on his GPS, with no highways or gravel roads. Such sophistication is beyond me at the moment, but I will learn. It's like my "Get Lost" game, but just follow the leader. I'm still a follower. I don't expect that to change this trip. My energy levels are low.

The little lanes are a joy. Bend Swinging is one of the great pleasures of motorcycling. Seeing the world from 45%, this way then that. In my mirrors I can see Janne learning his Wing all the way over. rspect to the guy. That is a very large motorcycle indeed.

Coffee and more cinnemon cakes. Unfortunatley "someone" forgot the cups. Forgiven though considering the same guy brought the coffee and cakes. No problem I am Swiss trained and equipped! With my swiss army knife I make cups out of water bottles. Perfect! Back onto the bikes in the sunshine and more bend swinging, heading steadily north west. There is a trail of diesel on the road, spilled from the fuel tank of a truck I guess. I have seen riders come off on that stuff, so my nerve is shaken. I slow and straighten up, also now aware of the gravel at the roads edges. My nerve has gone a little for a while, until the road clears up. I really don't like diesel. I got away with one slick years ago, fishtailing horribly.

Half the day is gone and hunger and thrist beginning to guide us. A lake side harbour and a small restaurant with a sun baked upper deck to watch the world go by. Hot Smoked Fisk Salad. Perfect on a day like this. Swedish words are breaking through at last. I understand a little, but still cannot manage sentances. I am better off than the dog, but probably cannot match a two year old child yet. Fed and watered we make the last few miles to this awesome castle. Very impressive indeed. Sightseeing, ice creams and coffee Then a blast home down the highways. We are starting to eat into beer time.

We all ride for our respective homes and showers, and Christian bless the guy, gets his car out and drives miles to pick us all up for an evening in Jonkoping. There is no return bus to Fagerhult, so I am spending the night at his place. Pre bar drinks and putting the world to rights.I thought we had forgotten the pub, given up on it. Culture! 11 pm is fine to go out. Gods help me! We survived and the hangover was mild, easily remedied by a walk along the beach in the morning, then another very quiet Sunday at my cabin. A pattern has emerged!

Let me say now, one of the joys of a long stay like this is the impromptue invites and visits to friends homes. I am very lucky indeed and enjoying the company. Thanks to Johan for a very nice evening indeed up in Kaxholmen. Great views across the lake and good company. Tony and I were misbehaving eventuelt , goofing off, in a very good mood indeed. The weather is holding and this summer just rolls on. I wish I could bottle this and take it home with me. Cannot, so will just have to keep coming back for more.

What is this wondeful place trying to say to me? I can't make it out. It must be the language problem. Or maybe I'm listening wrong. Riding home along the lake shore, through the city and up onto the 195. I am getting to know my way around these days.