Back to nature
Skärgårdsull offers you a possibility to explore the Scandinavian nature and enjoy the unique surrounding of the archipelago with its thousands of islands and cliffs while having a small detail of keeping the sheep in the agenda in a bigger or a smaller role. The idea behind this is not to find someone to take care of them, but to give someone the chance to spend time with animals that were part of the households in this region and part of the world not so long time ago. In the modern world people have grown fast away from having a contact with both animals and nature.
To hear your own thoughts, to see the light
The archipelago in the Åland Islands and Turku archipelago are full of places where the only sound you hear is the silence, the sea, wind or birds. In the dark times of the year you can see all the stars when you look up but not even your toes when you look down. It is only when you come away from the world of neon lights that you understand the difference.
In the Spring time the light you find in the archipelago is a unique one. Something anyone interested in photography will appreciate. I do not have any academic explanation to this, but first hand experience from several years. In a surrounding like archipelago the weather conditions can change very quickly and against forecast as the winds direct it. This is an interesting aspect as well if you are looking after dramatic scenes and special light to the photo shooting.
In the Autumn you can go to forest and pick berries or mushrooms. To do this and let your thinking wander while you concentrate in berry picking (or finding mushroom) can be a therapeutic experience. In the middle of forest with the quiet sounds of nature as an accompany.
Recharge
The idea of having the sheep in the agenda of your visit is to include an element of a ‘responsibilty’ and a routine to the daily programme. This may sound nasty but works in the contrary to your mind. If you feel exhausted from the set and need recharging, it is a good way to get up and have a positive start to the day. The work depends on the time of the year. In any case it is marginal time use in relation to the hours available per day during your visit. It is very much a rewarding feeling to meet up with animals that hve been waiting to see you. The Ålandic sheep is a breed that reminds me of a dog. They are communicative, witty and intrigued of anything new.