Swampy Sweden

Swamps are something typically associated with warm places or at least along large rivers.  Not so in Sweden.  We hiked through part of the vast Hågadalen-Nåsten forest this past weekend and had to carefully chose our steps around many swampy areas.  This forest was unlike the others we've explored so far: much more dense and covered by moss.  Walking on it was so strange - almost like you're walking on a platform because the thick moss would give under your feet with every step.  It was almost rainforest-like, even with water dripping from the trees. 

It's very popular to hike and explore forests in Sweden.  The Swedes value the outdoors in all seasons and we ran into many people carrying baskets and bags of wild mushrooms.  We want a lesson from a trained 'shroomer before we'd eat anything we found in the woods, but Tyson claims if he picks them, he'll actually try one... we'll see.  There is little wildlife in the woods.  Birds are even scarce.  But we keep expecting to encounter a bear (which aren't in this area of Sweden) or a moose (which are in this part of Sweden).  Anyone know what we're supposed to do if we run into a moose?

The days are getting shorter here and the sun never gets very high, but we seem to be adjusting to the longer evenings.  It's a dreary, cold, windy and rainy day today, but everything is still green and lush looking.  Still no frost or snow for which we are thankful.

A few more pictures of our latest hiking have been added to the link posted last weekend, starting with picture 72.  I'll put a few of the best below. 

By the way, no one commented on the troll in the picture a few weeks ago.  You have to pay attention, folks!  If you got our Christmas card last year, you should know that we like to have fun with pictures  ;-)