Kids are back in school. What a fantastic summer it has been this year. The advice to never leave Scandinavia during the summer has never been more appropriate: We planned family trips to three destinations in Sweden and were rewarded with scenic trails and deeper understanding of Sweden's past and present. In addition to the convenience of travelling with our dog and on a budget.
Over the summer we travelled to Swedish High Coast, Västra Götaland and Gotland. In between we explored also our local area more, hiking in Botkyrka and exploring Södermalm with visiting friends.
I usually look back on the pictures that I took, it's a nice exercise to reflect on what has happened and pick out one or two great shots to add to our walls at home.
3rd place: Skeppsmalen
We had a wonderful visit to Skeppsmalen, the furthest north we got this year. The fishing hamlet on a sunny day with cotton clouds and red houses is just the idyllic summer memory you want to think back on during a cold and dark winter. But perhaps it's also a bit too peaceful and polished?
2nd place: Eldmörjan
There is something about clouds reflected in a calm mountain lake that makes you stop and slow down. Lake Eldmörjan on the Hunneberg table mountain showed itself from its best side when we came by. I like the dramatic clouds framed by the trees and the water lilies in front. But in the end not enough to win first prize.
1st place: Getryggen
As always it took me a few shots before I found the right angle for this picture. I needed to get the balance right between sky and sea and for the pier to flow from the viewer into the distance. The ship coming from Södertälje catches the eye before it trails off. I could have wished for the clouds to have been more interesting but that is how it is. You can only take the pictures that are there. But that is what I enjoy about photography as a hobby: Explore with an open mind and find the great shots that can be made on exactly this day with the gear you brought.
