Today we drove up to Nusnäs, near Mora. The drive was uneventful as the roads became single carriage, meandering through the countryside, always on excellent surfaces. The Swedes are very obedient at observing speed limits and we learned that you need to be careful because there are lots of fixed speed cameras!
We came across lots of very slow-moving cars with red warning triangles on the back. I Googled and discovered these are A-traktors, which are cars or pickup trucks that have been modified to reach a maximum speed of just 30 kph (18mph). These vehicles are popular among 15- to 18-year-olds because they’re legally classified as tractors and teens can drive them with a moped license before they are old enough to get a full car license. It’s very frustrating being stuck behind one in a 50 or 70 kph limit, unable to overtake because it’s too busy!
It’s become hillier as we’ve moved north but there are still lots and lots of trees and lakes. And I still haven’t managed to get a picture of the lupins and wildflowers lining the roads! Tonight’s motorhome park up is on the banks of Lake Siljan, right at the water’s edge. Beautiful!
After lunch, we wandered through the village to visit the Dala Horse workshop, which was established in 1928. These wooden horses were originally carved and painted red by local forestry workers in the 18th century and are now famous in the area.
We were able to go around the workshop and watch the various stages of production. The initial carving is now automated and we found it fascinating watching the robot move the woodblock between the circular saw and the jigsaw. All the other stages of production are completed by hand… perfecting the carving, sanding, dipping in paint and hand painting the decorations.
We bought a little red pig and a horse kitchen roll holder as mementoes. Then we wandered back to Molly and relaxed in the sunshine. The wind had increased though, so I didn’t swim. I’m being a bit of a wimp!
Ramblings 
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