We opted for a lay day in Kalmar as there is an excellent chandler and a lot of very convenient shops as well as an interesting town to look round. We were also able to shelter from the showers. People coming in on boats seemed to be wearing full waterproofs, which made us wonder what conditions were like outside.

The day started well with excellent, nearly new, hot showers.  The chandlery provided charts, pilot guides (in English), courtesy flags, engine oil, a shackle and Camping Gaz. Ted did some maintenance on the engine while I bought strawberries from a street vendor and bread and milk in the Co-op about 100yds from the boat.

In the afternoon we went to have a look at the castle (from the outside as we jibbed at the 220SEK entrance fee) and had a walk round the town and a look in the cathedral. We even managed to fit in some laundry. You had to book your slot in the machines by putting your boat name on a list. It seemed to work and had the merit of identifying when you would have access, rather than just relying on being there when someone else’s load had finished.

Not sure if this was the Swedish RNLI or another version of guest harbour pilot

Views around the town. The little train is run by the local Rotary club

The castle from the land side

The castle chapel

Don’t fancy yours much!

This tree seemed to have gone for a lie down

While this Hangbok just seemed to grow downwards

The gardens were beautiful

Kalmar cathedral designed in the 17^th century and completed in 1703. It is unusual in not having any sort of tower or spire. Apparently it has three organs but I only found 2 plus a piano. I found the heavy decorations a bit overwhelming and rather aggressive.