Somewhere along the way I've picked up an "Outings Guide to 33 Protected Natural Areas in Stockholm County". In English, nonetheless! It's been a great resource, helping us plan hikes and picnics close to home. On Saturday, May 30th, we decided to explore #5....Riddersholm. We packed our cooler, grabbed our guide book and set off. We headed north on the E18 and followed it until the road ended at Kapellskar, in Norrtalje, at the harbour that services Finland and beyond. Riddersholm is a large nature reserve located nearby, with hiking trails, a campground and a marina. 
We ate our lunch by the marina then set off on a short trail that was meant to have many examples of wildflowers and bird life. We misread the map and ended up walking further that we intended, but were glad we did. The kids were a little nervous to discover that we shared the trails with herds of very large cattle! No fences! I was very annoyed to discover that we shared the trails with dog owners who did not "scoop the poop". I discovered this the hard way, by stepping in a very slippery and smelly pile of the stuff, sending it spraying up the back of my shoes and legs! Disgusting! We all also enjoyed seeing the swans swimming and sitting on nests in the marsh. 
I am very taken with this style of fence that I've seen here and there. Charming with the wildflowers! After we orientated ourselves and realized we were unsure where we were but knew that we didn't like the swarms of mosquitoes, we decided that the best course of action was to turn around and go back the way we came. We knew we were close to the seaside, and wanted to follow a short path there to see the sights. We were unprepared for how lovely it was. How interesting to walk out of a dark, moist forest, into sunshine beaming down on a sandy beach! We were amazed by the contrast!
The kids quickly set off to do some exploring and treasure-seeking. Kris and I sprawled out on the blanket and sunned ourselves, just like a true Swede would! We spent quite awhile on the beach, watching cruise ships sail by, finding unique stones, dipping our toes (only our toes!) into the freezing cold sea. When we got up to leave, we marvelled again at what a great find this beach was...quiet, sandy and with a great view. Maybe we'll come back someday!
The kids quickly set off to do some exploring and treasure-seeking. Kris and I sprawled out on the blanket and sunned ourselves, just like a true Swede would! We spent quite awhile on the beach, watching cruise ships sail by, finding unique stones, dipping our toes (only our toes!) into the freezing cold sea. When we got up to leave, we marvelled again at what a great find this beach was...quiet, sandy and with a great view. Maybe we'll come back someday!On our way out of the nature reserve, we stopped to check out this windmill. Graeme got a little too close to the long grasses and wildflowers growing at it's base. He ended up with some bug bites or he had a reaction to something on one of the plants, because he came away from the windmill crying and sporting red, stinging bumps on his legs and feet. Thankfully, they didn't stay around long.
The exercise and sun tired us all out. Graeme had a little snooze in the car on the way home. Elise thought about having a little catnap, but Renee was singing along to the tunes from the Eurovision song competition, so it didn't happen.
The exercise and sun tired us all out. Graeme had a little snooze in the car on the way home. Elise thought about having a little catnap, but Renee was singing along to the tunes from the Eurovision song competition, so it didn't happen. 
