I made the last 300 km to Stockholm today no problem. I stayed in a great place last night called Alvstagarden, where there are rows of log cabins and a great view of the lake. Unfortunately it was closed and I had no working phone with me to call them. I slung my hammock under a barn and stayed all by myself. It was quite atmospheric, all of the lights were on and a thick sea mist came in. Like a deserted village in some horror film – lucky I’m not spooked easily!!

As I left in the morning I saw that someone had arrived, so I swung by to say hello. No charge for camping, a very nice lady offered me coffee but I was all geared up so I declined. Next time I’m passing I’ll stay there for sure.

The run in to Stockholm was uneventful, very grey and wet but not cold. I was just thinking that there wasn’t much to see when I passed this gate guardian, so I had to stop to get a better look. It’s a Saab Viggen, an iconic fighter plane from my youth. I remember making models of these, in fact I’m sure there’s one still hanging up in my dad’s loft. The Viggen had a canard wing, which the new Typhoon (eurofighter) also has. Ahead of its time??

I like the concept of canard wings, they effectively make an aircraft stall proof. The idea is that the canard stalls before the main wing, which lowers the nose, which decreases the angle of attack on the main wing to prevent it stalling. Brilliant! In the Viggen the canard was to give it better STOL capability, with the Typhoon it gives greater manoeuvrability. Either way, it was good to finally see one for real up close. I wonder if I’ll ever get to see one in the air??