The Nobel Museum

On the island of the Old Town is the Nobel Museum. There are six categories in which someone can

Doris Lessing
"The Golden Notebook"

Gunter Grass

Toni Morrison

"Song of Solomon"

be awarded the Nobel Prize. I don't know how they will keep adding to the display as it is an old building with a definitive amount of space. We found it quite confusing finding our way around at first, but it is very interesting. Even New Zealander Earnest Rutherford gets a mention!

I was particularly interested in the literature section, having read some of the authors. However, like many places in this part of the world, there didn't seem to be any airconditioning and far too many people to be comfortable. We didn't stay as long as we would have liked. Toilets are also a problem in Sweden. There never seem to be enough of them. Often they are gender neutral.

The Vasa

This war ship first sailed in 1628. She progressed 1,500m before a gust of wind caught her and she keeled over and sank. There were about 139 sailers, soldiers and passengers on board. They think over thirty lost their lives; mainly those who were working below decks at the time. Because the journey had just begun, many were on deck to farewell Stockholm or to manage the sails etc.

The Vasa remained in the harbour for 333 years before she was raised, restored and preserved in the current fabulous museum. From the time of original restoration, conservationists have learned a lot and technology has improved and it is an ongoing process to keep the Vasa. She is more or less in tact and well worth a visit.

Church built in 1290

We saw the spire from a distance and were attracted to it because it was made of iron and you could see through it. The church was originally built in 1290 and since became the resting place of kings.

 The part below was added at a later date

Island Old city of Stockholm.

Surrounded by water and accessible by boat or bridges, the really old town is crowded onto a small island in the middle of Stockholm. Its full of faded but colourful old houses and buildings, some leaning, and many little alleys and walkways that open up to reveal a square or statue. Lots of small shops and inviting restaurants.

Return to Stockholm.

I really like this city. It is bustling and alive but easy to get around and the old city, particularly the original old town are really interesting. Impressive large buildings in a solid, "massive" style. This city is a display of wealth and power.

FJ Prizegiving Karlskoga

Prizegiving was held in our big marquee, with rain hammering down and giant puddles under foot. Some of the winners and participants. We had all had a great time. Now the end of the Baltic series with huge thanks to Duncan, Sarah and Mair. We all said our goodbyes and hope it won't be too long before we all get together again.

Final day

Rain! Only a few very hardy spectators today. A shame for the organisers.

You see from the dummy grid that there are a number of cars missing for various reasons, one could be the rain. Horrible cold wet day. Our lovely receptionist smiled happily and told me this is Swedish summer!

Noel did well and even challenged Peter Anstiss but the conditions were too dangerous to try anything difficult. If only he had the Gemini here... Still, he was pretty pleased  with finishing 10th in a field of 16 and very grateful to Kim for lending him the Penny Ford. It is a real risk when you drive someone elses car; a version of "if you break it, you buy it". Many thanks to Kim for his generousity.

We have yet another dinner tonight, with Duncan and Mair, Kim and Marie and Susanne and Peter Knoefel from Germany and Bill Hemming.

A taste of Sweden

Just for FJ, the local drivers and organisers had prepared herring in a variety of ways together with some locally produced schnapps or Aquavite. We had a lengthy introduction to the specialties followed by an exhibition of how you sing, eat and drink these delicacies in the traditional way. We then got to sample as much as we could which produced a lot of discussion and some funny facial expressions. The schnapps was about 50% alcohol! A band played period jazz music.

We followed this with a "dinner" for everyone in a big marquee on site, which we paid for. Very basic fare and extremely loud music. You couldn't talk so most people left about 9pm. It was a relief to get back to the hotel. However, we didn't get much sleep because of the continuing parade of cars and motorbikes in the town nearby.

Official photos

A bit of a tradition now for FJ's to have an official photo at some stage. These are mine but give you the idea. Chose the right day - sunny and everyone happy.
A jet flew over and did some aerobatics. Amazing sound and great to watch. Noel thinks it was Eurofighter. Also 2 aerobatic bi-planes flew over.

Qualifying and Race 1, Karlskoga

Sunny warm day!

Handling of the Penny Ford much better and the track suits it with lots of tight corners.

Noel qualified towards the rear and is hoping to improve. The first race goes really well. He passed Bill Hemming and Sharon Adelman (USA) and in the last lap, passed Malcolm Wishart and so finished 4th from the rear.

Everyone enjoyed themselves. Kim was scooped up and brought in after a wishbone failed, Peter Straus had problems and probably wont race tomorrow. Chris Drake drove really well but injured his Terrior which will be fixed by tomorrow. David Watkins continues to have a run of bad luck but will rise again tomorrow. He remains amazingly positive.