it, he explained that he had indeed
found it inside the tent. No puzzle for
future archaeologists we laughed.
As we headed off in the rain, I
again reflected on my attitude to
solo versus duo riding. I had now
had a few days to re-evaluate my
standpoint. Apart from the obvious
safety reasons I had started to
appreciate having someone to talk
to, banter with, cook and eat with. I
had started to enjoy discussing plans
and options rather than just acting
on impulse. I would soon get more
reason to appreciate the “duo way”.
Our bikes had been dropped a
number of times before and each
time we helped each other to pick
them up. I have no problem in
lifting my Ténéré as Stephen has no
problem getting his BMW back on
the right keel, however, receiving
help makes it a lot easier. Helping
someone to get out of a crappy
situation is in itself quite stimulating
and rewarding. It’s a win-win really.
Sweden is full of historic sites.
Perhaps due to the fact that the
country has existed in various forms
since the 12th century. It makes
sense that Swedes really pay no
attention to buildings that are ‘just’
a few hundred years old; buildings
that in other parts of the world would
have a plaque stating ‘Oldest Post
Office’ or similar. In Sweden you can
bump into pretty cool places that are
not huge tourist attractions but are
still historically interesting.
As we came across an old forge
where water was used to drive
a hammer it was exactly what
happened to us; we’d discovered a
pretty cool place.
The information board told us that
the Ryfors Mill was founded in 1742
and in 1798 a blast furnace was built,
which was in use until 1827. With
the acquisition of a plate hammer in
1837, manufacturing of bar iron had
begun. Iron production ceased in
1906. And here it was, open for the
public with a sign on the door stating;
“Welcome, come in and have a look”.
TRAVERSE 29