We've been in Copenhagen for last five days.  Finally got off the boat for a night at the four-star Admiral Hotel.  Carol really enjoyed the day off, large room and of course soaking in the large bathtub.  We are at a very neat little marina-Langelinie which is located near the city center.  It is the oldest marina in Denmark at over 120 years. For those of you who may have done the Baltic cruises-the marina is between the Ocean Pier and the statue of the "Little Mermaid". A beautiful area with many parks and multiple statues.  I've attached several photos of the local mermaids-the original and the genetically correct contemporary Danish mermaid.  Copenhagen is a beautiful city with so many historic sites.  The Rosenborg Castle which was built in the 1600's is very impressive with a large collection of various King's and Queen's treasures.  The jewels of Denmark are housed in the treasury and the coronation crowns, tiaras, etc. were almost overwhelming in the number of precious stones and gold.  Of course a visit to CPH would not be complete without a visit to Tivoli Gardens-Northern Europes largest and next to oldest amusement park.  Most of the interesting rides were not recommended for those of us with history of back surgeries, eyeglasses, and of course seniors.  So we both decided in our best interests  to enjoy watching the youngsters on the "double corkscrew/two loop" roller coaster and other vertigo, high G-force rides have fun.  We are preparing to head toward Germany tomorrow as we only have ten more days before we want to be back in Hamburg to close up the boat and have it winterized.  We have had more gale force winds yesterday and today but sunny weather. 

We've reached the Southeast coast of Norway three days ago and the great weather continues.  Two days ago we all went swimming in a beautiful anchorage in the Kagero archipelago.  Water temperature was 78 degrees and air temperature 86.  With the high pressure system however we have less than desirable sailing conditions so we only sail for several hrs and then motor for another hr to our anchorages.  Our yachts log shows 686 nautical miles traveled thus far and we are starting North again to drop off the Huyckes in Oslo.   Carol and I will spend several days off the boat touring Oslo, which is one of our favorite European capitals.  It will also be a time to do some routine maintenance before we begin our trek back to Hamburg via Copenhagen.  The locals tell us the congestion at the marinas and anchorages will increase as the summer holidays start for Sweden and Norway.  My brother and his wife will be unable to join us this summer so we will be by ourselves the rest of the trip. Carol and I have begun to perfect many of the various anchoring techniques and mooring procedures and having Pat aboard has been a great assistance.  I am still having some problems uploading pictures to the blog..  The next entry will have some advice for those sailors monitoring the site regarding anchorages and the best sailing guides we have found esp. for Sweden and Norway.   We've only encountered two other American boats here-two couples on 46/48 ft. yachts from Boston and Philadelphia.  They are two years into a similar sailing agenda we have except they started in Finland and are working their way to Scotland before sailing to the Med.  Hope you are all enjoying the summer in your local and warmest regards to all.

We are currently in Northern Sweden in the beautiful archipelago.  Thousands of beautiful islands with many anchorages and clear water.  The weather has improved significantly and we have 8-14 kts of wind and temperatures in the mid-70's.  Last night we met a couple on the dock from the local town of Fjallbacka and they invited us to their home for coffee and cookies.  We had a very interesting conversation regarding local customs, international politics and family.  Their economy is also poor right now as they depend alot on international trade.  It is light here until 11:00 at night and sunrise is around 4:30.  They commented on how miserable it can be in the winter with only 3-4 hours sunlight.     The local town was a vacation spot for Ingrid Bergman who owned an island nearby so their is a town square in her honor.  The sailing has been fantastic now with shorter distances to sail and interesting routes between  the islands.  We do very little bow anchoring.  Near the small islands we drop a stern anchor and then motor slowly forward to the rocks on shore then a crew member steps off with a bow line and "Swedish Anchor" which is a wedge like a piton with a ring which we pound into a crack in the rocks and then tie up to it.  It gets kind of tricky in the winds but puts you right on the shore.  Consequently we use the dinghy very little. Internet connections have been very poor in Northern Sweden and I've had problem uploading some of the pictures but once in Oslo will have more time to complete the process.  After our the Huyckes leave the boat Carol and I are going to take a break from sailing for a few days and spend two nights in a small inn.  One must keep his crew relaxed and happy. 

"Twenty years from now you will be more disapppointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines.  Sail away from the safe harbor.  Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream. Discover"   Mark Twain

We are still in Aahrus awaiting the winds to subside. After two days of rain(>2.5 ") and gale force winds we finally have clear skies but the gale force winds are to persist for another day.. Spent yesterday at a "Sculpture by the Sea" exhibit.  It is located along two miles of a  beautiful beachfront park and is a collaborative effort between Sydney Australia and Aahrus Denmark.  Very interesting sculptures.  The exhibition can be viewed at www.sculpturebythesea.dk.  Plan on touring old fishing and sea village by high speed ferry(>38 kts) today and depart tomorrow for the Northern Baltic and Sweden.

Pat and Shirley Huycke arrived several days ago (June 16) and we had a great sail of 42 miles from Varberg Sweden to Goteborg.   Averaged over 6.5 knots in one beam reach in brillant sunshine.  Carol and I have been here several times in the past for some implant meetings with professor Branemark.  Tomorrow is the "midsummer" celebration in Sweden celebrating the summer solistice.    Apparently it is the biggest celebration in Scandanavia with endless parties.  Everyone decorates their boats, houses, etc.  The sun at this latitude sets to a brief twilight before dawn comes again.  The marina we are staying at is in the middle of old town so we are conveniently located to do our own celebration.