Ready for Takeoff: The excitement is mounting as we ready for takeoff. Seat backs in upright position...Check! Neck pillows at the ready...Check! Gum to chew...Check! Well, let's go already!

Here you see my wonderful travel companion, Amanda, who graciously allowed me to sit in the window seat, on both flights, so I could see the sights and snap a few photos. Of course, you have already been introduced to goofy Jonathan.

Amanda and Jon meet the King and Queen of Sweden: Amanda is very patriotic about her country and was thrilled to get her photo taken with the King and Queen, even if they were only on a mural inside the airport upon our arrival into Sweden!

Jon and Amanda: Jon and Amanda were ready to go for a swim upon arrival at Vinon. It was a hot, hot day.

Amanda: I can never resist photographing Amanda. She is so beautiful, both inside and out! She is the kindest, and gentlest woman I have ever met. Okay... and there is the fact that there are very few people who would put up with me taking oodles of photos everywhere we go. She is ever so patient with me.

Amanda speaking at church: Amanda was asked to speak, and give a multimedia presentation, about the new church her congregation was having built back in the USA. Her audience hung upon her every word, although I could not understand any of it!  (I apologize about the fuzziness of the photo. I grabbed it off a video clip I took of her, as I neglected to take any still shots.)

VIDEO: Listen to Amanda speaking in Swedish: Here is the language I was surrounded by during my three weeks in Sweden. Most people I met could speak English, and Amanda did a lot of translating for me. (Note: In order to play this video, you need a lot of patience if using dial-up. You also need Flash.)

The first house Amanda lived in as a child: This house was initially owned by Amanda's grandfather, who also owned all the surrounding land. The house exhibits typical exterior coloration of houses throughout much of Sweden. I believe this house is in the village of Ingvaldstorp.

Amanda re-visiting the moments of her wedding: This was a gorgeous location for Amanda's wedding of 22 years ago. I can easily envision her in her flowing, white gown with a radiant smile upon her face as she may have posed here for photos.

Amanda at High School Nature Museum: Amanda was thrilled to be back at her old high school again, and among her old, old, old friends. Actually, I really don't think she spent too much time at this part of her high school. Wow...can you imagine having this awesome museum in your high school? I'll bet we'd have a lot more scientists out there with this kind of resource. (Click on the photo for a larger view.)

July 29, 2008...(Day 6)...Kvarntorp Mountain and Lake Vanern

400 Steps...Oh my...when will we reach the top of Kvarntorp Mountain? Today was a travel day to the west coast of Sweden. On the way we did a bit of sightseeing, and began with Kvarntorp Mountain, just a short distance from Odensbacken.

Amanda and Jonathan hiked up the steps to the mountaintop, while UllaBritt and I drove up in the air-conditioned car! Hmm...who was smarter? My excuse was that my head concussion was making me a bit dizzy, so I didn't think it wise to try to climb up all those steps. Thank you, UllaBritt, for planning interesting geological sightseeing tours for me.

Enjoying the ride: Kristina, Amanda, UllaBritt, and Paul were part of my host group for this most awesome of ferry rides. Paul is Amanda's brother.

Photo on the rocky island: I had to put this photo in to prove that I was really on Karingon. It was such a pretty island to hike around, and I wished we had a few more hours to sightsee.

Picturesque Family Photo: Photo on the rocks with Amanda, Jonathan, and UllaBritt.

Amanda The Axe Thrower: Check out her form! If you look toward the top of the photo, you can see the axe flying through the air. The axe is fuzzy because it is moving close to the speed of light! Viking women, who showed prowess with arrows and axes, could become warriors. (Click on the picture for a larger view to see the axe.)

Viking Longhouse with Vikings: Here we are at the Viking longhouse. Even Jojo got in on the act. She is the official Viking Dog...

Longhouses had curved walls and roofs. They had several sections with a fireplace, tables with benches, work rooms and storage rooms. Vikings lived in collective or extended families. Children, parents, and grandparents all lived together. If the farmer kept workers, servants or slaves, they also usually lived in the family house. When the oldest son in the family took over the farm, he became the chief of the family and it became his duty to run the farm.

Fearsome Vikings Unite: Here we are for a lovely group photo! Thank you Agneta for outfitting us in traditional Viking garb.

Family Photo at the base of the mountain: Front row: Olle and Ulla Britt. Second Row (left to right): Ana, Anette, Paul, Kristina, Amanda. Third Row: Jonathan.

I thank all of you for taking me to this cute little town. Oh, we had such a fun day with our picnic and mountain views.

Awww...Siblings: Amanda and Paul pose in front of the monster hanging boulder.

Rocky Steps: We walked through Kungsklyfta rock cut up, and up, and up, until we got to a metal staircase that took us up the side of the mountain. Note: If you click on the photo for a closer look, you will see Amanda and Ana waving to Paul, who was photographing me. They are way up the rock steps.

Amanda on beach in Yngsjo, just after sunrise: You know someone is your friend when you enjoy photographing them. Amanda was willing to pose for me, and I enjoyed shooting her! She was also willing to get up early, and trot on over to the beach, before beginning our day of sightseeing. Had we had more time, I would have loved to spend a few more days here exploring the coastline.