1 July: Jamjo to Kalmar, Sweden (53 miles; 393)

 Lodging in Jamjo was iffy. We stopped a runner for directions and lodging advice: Stop at the Q8 gas station and ask for a room in back, the only lodging in Jamjo. Turned out to be great. This Mini Hotel had a rear entrance, kitchen off the lobby, and three double rooms upstairs. It was clean and the recommended local restaurant (featuring the usual pizza and kabob) was across the street/parking lot.

We had a beautiful day of riding, mostly quiet road, bike lanes, and great views. Due to the extensive forest, we seldom saw the sea, although we were paralleing the coast all day.

Typical Quiet Road

The Bed & Breakfast that we did not book; encountered mid-morning just outside Kristianopol.

Kristianopel Harbor

Kristianopol Harbor looking north towards Kalmar.

Our Kristianopel mid-morning coffee stop. Beautiful weather. Summer arrives in Sweden.

Dog of the Day #1. Chinese Crested

Dog of the Day #2. Two sisters were taking turns holding their new puppy.

Kristianopel Cottage

More History

Kristianopel Church, only part of Kristianopel that was not razed when retaken by the Swedes. 

Sailing Heritage. This scale model was hanging in the Kristianopel Church, perhaps to keep small boys entertained. We continued to see ships displayed in churches, as many Swedes were engaged in the industry or emigrated.

No Open Pews. Kristianopel Church

Trees. Painted on the wall behind the altar.

Reconstructed Fortress Walls

Kristianopel Fortress Looking North. Much of the former interior is devoted to a campsite, RVs, tents, and huts.

Stone Walls. They place the big, flat and square stone on the outside, then fill the center with rubble and smaller stones. We see these stone walls everywhere, but few new ones as seen here.

Kristianopel Commercial Building.

Summer Wages. Erik's summer job was running the farm stand for his uncle, selling strawberries, (delicious, 25 SK per overflowing pint), and ice cream made on this large farm.

Windmill Built by Dutch Emigrants to Sweden. Built in 1893 by the same family (Erik's employer) now selling the milk, ice cream, strawberries, and many other items. Two women in the neighboring home said the mill was open and invited us to enter.

Wooden Mill Gears

Grain hopper feeding the millstones

Seems that the typical Southern Sweden homestead consists of a quaint cottage, usually painted red or gold, another smaller shed, perhaps for parties, cooking, or patio-like events, a cold vegetable storage shed set into the ground, and a large wood pile. As noted earlier, every cottage seems to have ladder access to the chimney.

Roof Ladder to the Chimney.

Typical Shed near the cottage.

Best Woodpile Ever. Best viewed while listening to Tear the Woodpile Down by Marty Stuart and His Fabulous Superlatives.

Rivals Copenhagen's Bike Bahn. While the directions to the trail were poor, this trail with lights and great signage was a welcome alternative to the E22, an auto route with no bike lane and heavy traffic.