During the re-planning of our return leg Jo spotted a “must do” in the guide book. Scandinavia is full of lakes and fiords and many have been joined with an extensive canal system. We decided to take a ride on the Dalsand canal. It is 254 km long and links up with the Gottenburg – Stockholm canal system. There are two ships that run one way each day and you can return on an historic train. We started at the North end in Bengtsfors and boarded the Dalsandia.
The trip involved 16 locks. Although most were electric there were some that were manual but at least they had a bit more of a mechanism to opening the gates than Telemark.
The day was overcast but windless which resulted in many reflective water views.
I was invited onto the bridge and had several long discussions with the captain who was an interesting character. He ran the business and we were often interrupted by his mobile while he took another booking. Occasionally the caller had to wait while the locks (with about 50 cms clearance) were negotiated. The lock keeper on this lock was 60+ and got married two years ago to a 19 year old. He was quite forgetful and often forgot to open the locks until prompted. Apparently, sometime after the marriage the captain broached the subject and enquired as to the wife’s name only to be told he could not remember.
Part way through the trip a coach load of retirees got on. One was obviously caring for a slightly bemused friend.
This was a one way trip and we met up with the second trip boat travelling North. The M/S Storholmen is over 100 years old.
We also were given a great lunch which included Helen’s favourite – roast pork.
Most of the road and rail crossings used lift bridges. Boats take quite a high priority here.
There appears to be little industry apart from the obvious paper mill.
Although the navigable parts were quite calm the river was a different affair.
Great if you are into white water rafting – well the idea caused amusement.
The Southern end of the trip was Haverhud. It includes some quite deep locks and acute angles so as to negotiate an aqueduct and maneuver around a waterfall and the railway track.
At the end of the trip we called into the museum and came across the SS “Alex Halling”. Apparently they owned the local mill. Might need to do some homework on this to see if there is any hidden inheritance.
We returned via a heritage two coach train.
Some in the carriages tended to mis-behave while others who were well behaved were allowed to sit with the driver.
Not a student this time but a qualified driver. Not a bad summer job – great views.
There was also some 50kms of track beyond Bengtsfors which could be explored by a railway tricycle. I thought this would be a great idea and I suspect some good speeds could be generated. However, others were only prepared to pose.
We finished the day at a small museum. Although we arrived by car it was possible to take this old steamship. At this end of the route the boat had to be restocked with a little timber…
Before setting off to the West.
The day was overcast but windless which resulted in many reflective water views.
I was invited onto the bridge and had several long discussions with the captain who was an interesting character. He ran the business and we were often interrupted by his mobile while he took another booking. Occasionally the caller had to wait while the locks (with about 50 cms clearance) were negotiated. The lock keeper on this lock was 60+ and got married two years ago to a 19 year old. He was quite forgetful and often forgot to open the locks until prompted. Apparently, sometime after the marriage the captain broached the subject and enquired as to the wife’s name only to be told he could not remember.
Part way through the trip a coach load of retirees got on. One was obviously caring for a slightly bemused friend.
This was a one way trip and we met up with the second trip boat travelling North. The M/S Storholmen is over 100 years old. 
We also were given a great lunch which included Helen’s favourite – roast pork.
Most of the road and rail crossings used lift bridges. Boats take quite a high priority here.
There appears to be little industry apart from the obvious paper mill.
Although the navigable parts were quite calm the river was a different affair.
Great if you are into white water rafting – well the idea caused amusement.
The Southern end of the trip was Haverhud. It includes some quite deep locks and acute angles so as to negotiate an aqueduct and maneuver around a waterfall and the railway track.
At the end of the trip we called into the museum and came across the SS “Alex Halling”. Apparently they owned the local mill. Might need to do some homework on this to see if there is any hidden inheritance.
We returned via a heritage two coach train.
Some in the carriages tended to mis-behave while others who were well behaved were allowed to sit with the driver.
Not a student this time but a qualified driver. Not a bad summer job – great views.
There was also some 50kms of track beyond Bengtsfors which could be explored by a railway tricycle. I thought this would be a great idea and I suspect some good speeds could be generated. However, others were only prepared to pose.
We finished the day at a small museum. Although we arrived by car it was possible to take this old steamship. At this end of the route the boat had to be restocked with a little timber… 
Before setting off to the West.
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