Visingso

It's great when a special day just sort of happens unplanned. I called Ernst to see what he was doing. The weather forcast for tomorrow is not good, so I wanted to get out on the bike today. Ernst was having a similar thought, but was on his way into town shopping. He would call back after lunch. Time then for a four mile walk to the lake and back. I have my exercise regime under control again. A light lunch of salami and salad half eaten when the 'phone rang. Meet at Osten's at 13:15. Game on!

In my imagination, this is how the summer should be.

Osten had a flask of coffee, fresh cinnamon cakes and idea to ride on over to Granna to catch the ferry to the island of Visingso in the middle of Lake Vattern. Fresh cinnamon cakes may not be the biker image, but what the hell. If they are like the ones Lars and family make, I am deffinitely enthusiastic. Filling the tank first we hit the highway around the top of Jonkoping. No time to lose. The day was slipping away. It is amazing how much "day" you can get out of a few hours around midsummer. It's light until 11pm so totally do-able. Ferry crossing in full summer sun. The weather is smiling upon us at last. Cold drinks at the terminal on the otherside and we toottle south. The views are beautiful, the sun warm on my face, Elsa sounds happy. All is well with the world, and we still have cinnamon cakes to look forward to. Did I see Ernst up ahead walzing his VStrom? Elsa and I lay down some big S's anyway. No one is looking! Boys and toys.

A castle. A lake. Another unbeatable Swedish view, and an empty table for three friends to share coffee and cakes. Conversation is light. Not much is needed this afternoon. Eventually the sun burning my head (the guys object to my Norwegian army peak cap!) we set off north. There is a church with a tower to climb which gives stunning views of the whole island and the lake shores miles away in all directions. Photos later, but I always say that. Up north and onto a gravel road. Teeth gritted, there is no turning back from this one, a beach to ourselves for more leisure. The afternoon feels to stretch on forever, but eventually we are back at the little harbour for the return ferry. It's not over yet though because hungry, there is a restaurant meal to be had. Flat fish stuffed with shrimps, breadcrumbed and served with fries. It is not fine dining, but it IS fine food, if that makes any sense. I can feel the summer stretching long ahead of me, but it is an illusion. Summers are short. Autumn will come. But that can wait. Live in the here and now. Enjoy the fish and friends.

Life is made of moments like these. The "REAL LIFE" everyday stuff is just in fill between magic moments. Stomachs full, and plotting more trips, we head off home, via the club house for coffee and to talk about our wonderful day out on the bikes.