Day 307 22nd May
48miles (Kalmar to Alvedsjo)
Computer malfunction so no precise figures
A tougher day than expected but a good ride at reasonable pace. I was up at 8.30 and had bread and pate for brekkie. I left at 10 and got to the ferry but the timetable showed a rather long gap between the 9am and 1400 ferries for a rather long lunch. I guess that it’s mainly for commuters. So I went to the tourist office to check out a bus, but it no longer carries bikes apparently, due to insurance issues. So I used their wifi and overheard the next people in the queue being given the code to the shower and sauna. Having had a couple of wild camps I decided to ask if I could use the shower that is usually only for the camper vans in the car park. After checking with the harbour master I was offered their services for 20 sek. I nearly snatched the code from her hand and went to explore their facilities.
Unfortunately the sauna wasn’t on and you needed to ask them to turn it on and I felt that a bit too much for my 2€ ! So I had a lovely long shower and shave while charging my phone. Then I bought lunch from the Coop and sat on the dock of the bay enjoying a large lunch in the sunshine. I went in search of an atm but without joy as they weren’t working. With minutes to spare I asked a guy at the dock if they took cards on board to find that they only took them so all good.
The ferry from Kalmar to Oland
I got chatting to the charming Bo who gave me lots of info on my tour and supplied me with a good map. We chatted all the way across and he told me about working on the ferry in 1972 before the bridge was built, and his time in Nottingham and America, while I tried to take photos but he kindly took one for me. He was going sailing as he does every Monday and I gleaned lots of info from the guest harbour master.He was pleased to practise his English which was pretty much word perfect.
Arrived in Oland
On arrival I turned left and followed good cycle paths for a few miles before joining the main road north. Conditions were perfect for cycling with sun and a tailwind. The breeze was cooling and even though going fast I stayed fresh in the wind. It was a lovely day for cycling but the Swedish ice hockey celebrations slowed me down a little. I stopped to buy a calypso ice pop and found a boat for Sebastian. Then I continued along a cycle path where a snake slithered across sideways just in front of me. I went on to see lots of wildlife along the route. After a few more stops and some good rock music I was making good time.
Have these been following me?
The wildlife by the roadside
Brian the Snail meets an aardvark
Here at last
Stephan and Maria’s summer house