Sunday 12 June – Sundsvall

The problem with sunset at 23.00 and dawn at 02.30 is that, despite all the blinds drawn and screens deployed, it never gets dark. This results in multiple visits to the little room............

True to her word, Bren was up early and after walking the dog went straight up to reception to get a laundry key, then got the first load on while Terry got the Full English Breakfast going – 'cos it's Sunday of course. Then service the van whilst Bren was going backwards and forwards. Fortunately the weather, though not at first sunny, played the game and the washing dried quickly, the sun coming out mid-afternoon to help. Mission accomplished, total cost SEK100 (about £10) to wash and dry three big loads, not too bad.

So thereafter a pleasant day, chatting with English neighbours who had “done” Noordkapp and were heading homewards – lots of useful information exchanged. Then a bit of internet catching up – we're currently using the free site network which is quite fast but won't let us “stream” Radio 2. Our “3” connection seems to be okay though, but that of course costs. Just before we came away Tesco announced that it's mobile subscribers could use their phones etc. at their existing rates. This also turns out to cover pay-as-you-go and both Bren and Terry have deals which include lots of free minutes, which seems to work too. Great, free phone calls home!

Jamie is being a bit naughty today, barking at anyone and everyone who comes past, and being really demanding. He also seems to be off his food a bit, although he never turns down a “treat”. We'll keep an eye on him but it's probably another of his growing-up things.

But meanwhile, Sweden. Despite not having seen very much of it so far, except for miles and miles of forest, we like it very much. The people we've met are all friendly (and all speak English!) and seem interested in our trip. We are however currently travelling through a more populous area and are told that this will change the further north we go. Tomorrow we will continue north with still a long way to Finland where we plan to visit Father Christmas in his home village – well it would be rude not to after all he has done for us in the past........