This morning we sailed into the anchorage of the Swedish island of Uto, one of the larger and permanently-inhabited islands in the Swedish archipelago. Located about 2 hours by boat from Stockholm to the east, it is both a summer holiday destination and the permanent home of about 240 residents.
In the past, there was an important iron ore mine on the island which created a mining center and an impressively deep quarry (over 250 meters deep in some places). The mine closed in the early 20th century and the industrial plant was converted into a hotel, restaurant and spa resort. As we were hiking through the island, our guide related a funny story about a long-time resident of the island who collected antique Cadillacs. At one stage, frustrated with a particular vehicle that he could not repair, he loaded it up with fireworks and explosives, and on the midsummer holiday set the car by the side of the quarry, set off the fireworks display, and then destroyed the car with the TNT which caused the ruins to fall into the quarry. A perfect example of the dry Swedish sense of humor.
We hiked in various groups over the island, and then enjoyed a classic Swedish fika (coffee break with cinnamon rolls and other pastries.) Boarding the Zodiacs, we went back to the National Geographic Orion and embarked for Stockholm. On the way through the archipelago, cultural specialist Eric Benjaminson gave a lecture on the social structure of the Vikings and on their historical legacy. A number of staff members then briefed the passengers on the city of Stockholm – its history, society, art scene and a description of the activities that guests would enjoy tomorrow.
