Beauty on the Archipelago

Scandinavia has some amazing islands.  Thousands of them.  If you look at a map of Scandinavia, there are so many islands that it is more of a maze to make it to the mainland than anything else.  Luckily for us,  we had some opportunities to explore this archipelago.  We joined a bunch of other astronomers on the s/s Ukkopekka on a dinner cruise, enjoying the (almost) midnight sun.

Bram on the boat, right before indulging on some Finnish appetizers, mostly consisting of pickled fish.

The archipelago was beautiful in the summer.  The islands were dotted with summer houses, and covered with lush evergreen forests.

Enjoying the evening sunshine.

Some islands were little more than rocks poking above the sea.

We approach the tiny island where we will have dinner.

My friend Chiara stands in front of the one building on the island.

Astronomers line up to get fed.

We enjoy a buffet dinner on the island - mostly of smoked fish and grilled meat.  Delicious!

Chiara and her two Italian parents.  They didn't speak English, so we spoke to them in a combination of Spanish, French, and hand gestures. 

Along the coast of the island.

I go around to explore the island, including the one tiny building on it.

Astronomers dance on the pier.

At 11pm, we head back to the mainland.  My husband enjoys the midnight sun.

Our island recedes into the distance. 

Finally, the Finnish part of our trip came to an end.  We boarded a much larger ship this time.  Cars drive onto the boat.

Bram in our tiny cabin on the ship. 

 

A small pleasure of cruises - buffet dining.  Where else can you have smoked sausages, mozzarella, and sushi on one plate?

Views during dinner.

Tiny islands!

Bram and the midnight twilight. 

Bram and I.

My friend Chiara and I.

Now onto the cruise ship... dancing the night away.

When we awake, more islands greet us - this time - Swedish ones!