Busy, busy, busy. We had our tens days to buy the bulk of the supplies for an expected three month sail. Yes, there are cities and small shops along the way, but the hassle of carrying a ton of food on foot is to be avoided when possible. So we would try only to buy fresh produce and possibly items that need replenishing. You also have to remember that in the archipelago, the small shops have a limited offering. It would be a real shame, if you ran out of your favourite cookies.

We set off on the 31st of May. As we were actually remote working, we did not run like there was fire under our tails. During the day we sat hunkered to our laptops and Teams meetings. After work, we did a moderate 20-30 NM per evening. Rinse and repeat. We stayed two night in Hanko, because Jaana had to attend a meeting in Helsinki. And we had to stay in Turku almost the whole week, because of Jaana’s trip to Kuopio. We had planned pretty well and managed to be in the right place at the right time. Turku did get a couple of nights extra due tue heavy rain and wind forecasts, which actually came true. It was nicer to be in a marina with electricity and hot showers in that weather.

Our holiday started from Turku, and even then, we took it pretty easy on the way to Sweden. We managed to get all the way to Nynäshamn for midsummer eve. We decided to stay an extra night, since the weather was nice and the whole archipelago would be full of boats. Finding a mooring would be tough, why take the stress. We’re on our holiday.

On the way to Kalmar, we already visited several new places and anchorages. And saw that there were dozens of places still to explore. We had to stay in Kalmar for a few extra days. Weather. The wind was blowing at 20-30 knots and even more in gusts. From the south. And the forecast wasn’t promising any change, at least in the direction. So we sat down and waited. We also got time to visit some museums and revisit the castle. It had an exquisite digital exhibition of Monet and other impressionists.

The boating store just happens to be right next to the marina. I wonder why? We found some necessary items on our few visits, and kept checking the forecast for a relief in the wind situation. We wouldn’t continue south, but it was still unnecessary to challenge the elements.