Scandinavian Meanderings

On reaching Glasgow and happily sitting having breakfast with a 4 hour wait there was disconcertingly no mention of our ryanair flight to Oslo. On asking - Glasgow has 3 airports! Thank goodness we had enough time to take bus and train to Prestwick (1 hour journey from Glasgow International) for flight to Oslo -Torp (Oslo about 1 1/2 hours). Ryan air having a lower weight allowance than Easy jet we had to add another bag (+£20)grrrr. Met by old friends of Flax Bourton origin we stayed at Ramer a wonderful Norwegian Estate where they are developing an organic farm and have a wonderful garden in which is a stage and amphitheatre for outdoor performances. A wonderful setting for such as Romeo and Juliet.

A swan protecting his nest from marauding humans among the amazing water features

The farm has old Norwegian breeds of cattle and pigs and good ecosystems for their comfort. Grass rooves for natural insulation.

After a couple of days we drove down to Fredrikstad to join the rather wonderful old Colin Archer designed wooden pilot boat, the Frithjoft, that we were going to cruise down the coast on. However the weather and a few normal 'maintenance issues' with the boat changed our plans and when we reached the Swedish islands of North and South Koster we disembarked, invited to their splendid music festival performed by the local Conservitoire. We dined al fresco and as it was a trifle chilly rugs were provided. A great evening. We partied there (and the Scandinavians know how to party) for a few days recovering from the evenings by throwing ourselves into an untamed sea (invigorating) and exploring by bicycle and foot (good for the concience and necessary for the figure).

Now back at Gatcombe to find a message from our dear and almost nonagenarian cake baker that she won't be able to make the cakes for Thurday's group. 'Sorry. I've had a bit of a fall'. I went to see her this morning (Sunday) We called the paramedics who were quite lovely to her. They took her straight into the BRI. Not exactly a malingerer; she has fractured some vertabrae. No wonder she was in so much pain. She saw the doctor last Thursday and was told 'You are just bruised. Take some paracetemol and come and see me on Monday if it is no better'. Disgraceful, I think.