Östersund

Several days ago, John and I had a lovely few days as guests of friends in lovely Östersund.  John mentioned that when someone receives a gift that is beyond what one can repay, one is left to simply gratefully, thankfully accept.  And so we did.

The sleeper berth between Stockholm and Östersund

 Passing loads of lumber on the train. 

A local comfort food, "Kans".  A meat-filled steamed dumpling, served with a soft buttery cheese and, not surprisingly, lingon (think cranberry) sauce. The meat reminded of me of corned beef. 

Marshmallow farms.  : D

This floating raft has a sauna in the center. 

On the mountaintop

I was delighted how many wildflowers there were.  And this flower was the most plentiful.  

Waves of them were everywhere. 

Listening to the sound of silence on the mountaintop at ~ 1:30 AM

Gold.  "Hjortron", or what English speakers call "cloudberries". 

These much loved berries only grow in the north, and (as I understand it) only grow wild.  Thus, they are hunted down, and if there is an area where they can be found routinely, it is often a closely held secret. 

It is cooked into a jam, and is delicious warm over creamy vanilla ice cream (etc.) 

Fika on the veranda.