On the road to Örby

Three boys trekking

As far as we planned anything, we thought we would stay a night on a campsite near the west coast, for the children a chance to have some sand and sea fun. We quickly abandoned this when we saw the cramped campsites, rows upon rows of caravans with hardly space in between to stretch your legs, even the boys cried out from the back: we don't want to stay here! Husband was navigating and inland we went. Right into the middle of nowhere. Beautiful farmers country, lonely roads, steady easy driving. All well. Enjoying the sights. Until we were stunned by a shrieking siren from our car and a red lamp blinking!! (Why o why does this always happen when I am driving?) Oil alarm. The booklet said: stop your car immediately and consult a mechanic. Yeah right! In the middle of nowhere. Both of us are very technically challenged, options? Wait till the alarm dies, start the car again and drive on... Until... the whole thing starts again. Luckily we were approaching a village (three houses and..a gasstation!) We stopped, bought some oil (joking to Husband: don't ask for öl, you'll end up with a tray of beer). Checked the oil, filled it although it seemed good enough, I crouched under the car to have a look -very professional don't you think?- and saw a black puddle still dripping from the car... Ouch! So we opted for letting the car cool down, kids having ice-pops, the gasstation manager was friendly enough but offered no help, not even in Swedish, just kept mum and smiling. So off we went, trailing drops of liquid something.... On to the campsite which should be near...but not near enough. Found ourselves here, again right in the middle of nowhere, conveniently located under the first warning sign of moose crossing! Same procedure again, we wait, start again and drive on. Husband did a short walk to the nearest (and only) farm which was completely closed off with gates and wire and big bold warning signs.... No inhabitants. Luckily the campsite was only a few kilometers away and we arrived safely. The owner was very friendly, spoke English and was a great help. The next day he phoned ahead to the nearest garage and even offered to come with us for translation which in the end wasn't necessary. Sense of humour too: as we were driving a Volkswagen he advised us we should have bought a Saab! (Which in Swedish sounds like the sound of sheep, which prompted us for the rest of the holiday whenever we felt the need: yeah well, you should have bought a Saaaaaab). Knowing that our other car at home is.....a Saaaaaaab!

The tent set up it was time for some food and relaxing our nerves with a beautiful liquid view ...

Things happening while I am driving? Wait till I tell you about this nice police-officer!