Up at 4:30 to dress, eat breakfast, pack and meet the 6am shuttle to the airport.
Have to say I wasn't impressed with the Iberia Express flight. Seats were too close together - could not sit with my legs straight in front of me - so forced into 'manspreading' with one knee in the aisle and the other into Chanda's space. Not very comfortable for 3 1/2 hours. And, nothing came with the ticket - everything offered on board was extra, beginning with water at €2 a bottle.
Arrived Stockholm about 12:40 and Maria and Gunnar were waiting for us. Into their car and headed north through beautiful spring countryside - green fields and red houses and barns. Maria said to take note of the flowers as it's been too cold at home for them. Queen Anne's Lace, lupines, yellow wildflowers, rhododendrons and lilacs.
Turns out the red color comes from an oxide produced in iron ore processing. Used for paint on bare wood, it is a long-lasting preservative.
Gunnar also explained how mining, forests and rivers were the support for Sweden's social programs, providing work and financial strength.
We stopped in Sala for a late lunch of Cod with cream sauce and asparagus. The skies clouded up as we drove on to Fagersta, where Maria grew up. Her father was with the steel mill there. In a light rain, toured the town and memories of her family and life there.
Then into a store for light supper things plus wine and beer.
Finally to a sort of mini manor house near Falun turned into a B&B. Nice place, but very squeaky wood floors. Our room is at the top rear and it and the bath seem to have been made from former attic space.
After resting a bit, met to share Ligonberry bread, butter, cheeses, olives, cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
At 11:30, it's still light outside.
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