Edskens camp site, nr Hofors - Friday, 19 August

Geoff
I slept very well and wasn't disturbed by traffic noise in the Biltema car park. We headed for the Kopparberget Copper Mine just outside Falun. This mine, at one time, supplied two thirds of the world's copper. In the 17th century, it was the biggest copper mine in the world. It has been worked for many centuries although closed in 1992. The workings and buildings can still be seen and there is a visitor centre. For an additional cost, there is a guided underground tour.

After lunch, we drove into Falun and visited the Stora Kopparbergs Kyrka, a late 14th century church which is Falun's oldest building. It was big and the painted vaulted ceilings and wooden carvings were impressive. We then went on to the Dalarnas Museum. Our visit was necessarily rushed as I messed up the parking automat and only got parking for twenty minutes (because I haven't reset my watch, which continues to show UK time). There was a display of Hagstrom electric guitars (as played by David Bowie and Frank Zappa). Also a collection of paintings by modern painters. There was quite a bit we'd have liked to return to see and Falun looked a place we'd like to see more of.

We identified a couple of camp sites close by to enable us to go back into town tomorrow. However, the first was full to overflowing as it was hosting a rock festival. The second was full because of the effect of the first. Therefore, we decided to place a little distance between us and Falun. After some torrential rain along the way, on the E16 just before the town of Hofors, we alighted upon Edskens camp site, on the edge of a large lake that bears the same name. Virtually all of the units here are largish touring caravans that are probably here for the season as the site is in a lovely position. However, they found a pitch for us. The facilities are good and they have a small on site restaurant where, tonight, they were offering a Greek buffet meal. We opted for that, it being our wedding anniversary. I think it was our first evening meal out on this trip. It was very good.

Amanda

Once all the blinds are closed it doesn't really affect us where we are overnight - although last night my good night's sleep was helped by earplugs to dull the traffic noise and the noise of the rain. A mooch around Biltema before leaving produced a couple more useful purchases including a  pair of frying pans and some new chopping boards. We do get excited in these shops full of useful stuff! Very sad!

The town of Falun, with numerous interesting possibilities on offer, was only a few miles up the road. First stop was the Copper Mine, a world heritage site, which only closed in 1992. It was the source of the colour that all the houses around here are painted. A huge site, with lots of different original buildings. It would have been easy to spend a whole day there, although neither of us was keen to go down the mine.

Having not spoken to any English people for 4+ weeks, we were surprised to come across a GB plate on a VW Autosleeper conversion in the car park. Not only that, it had a Cotswold Motorhomes sticker in the back like ours. G spoke to the couple who have done numerous Scandinavian holidays, and who recommended a Silver Mine not far away. We did some internet research on that and decided that, although it looked amazing, we didn't want to go down that one either.

We nearly decided to give the actual town of Falun a miss, but were very glad we didn't. We visited the old church, which was magnificent, with red brick vaulted ceiling. Lonely Planet mentioned its painted floral wall friezes, and there were also similar paintings around the ceiling arches. I have no idea how old they were, because the church history guide didn't mention them. They were rather reminiscent of Laura Ashley circa 1980, but were very attractive nonetheless.

Next was a very quick visit to the Dalarna Folkmuseum. Again, we didn't have time to do it justice. Of particular note was a 'taster' for the forthcoming "world's greatest Hagstrom exhibition' - famous guitars! The taster itself was pretty impressive. Hagstrom also make accordians, and the reason for the accordian playing at Tällberg became clear. The Dalarna area is apparently very famous for its accordians, having at one time had no fewer than five companies making them.

Thinking we might like to return to Falun tomorrow we set off in search of a nearby campsite. The first one was not just full but heaving - another music festival but this time definitely of the Rock variety. The second one was also full. So we gave up on Falun, and headed on in our original planned direction. G located a campsite sign on Pocket Earth, and it was very definitely third time lucky. This is a simple small site (about 40 pitches, but a lot of them  caravans here for the season) with some additional log cabins, in another lovely lakeside setting, with a small cafe/restaurant. We were informed that the chef was laying on a Greek Buffet if we were interested, and we could just turn up! We needed no persuading. It was superb!