While in Helsinki, we rode another ferry, smaller than the one from Talinn, over to a fortress called Swomenlina. The spelling may not be totally accurate but the name is interesting because it is Finnish for "Finnish fortress". The Baltic waters are full of a wonderful assortment of ships and boats: cruise ships, small rowboats, fishing boats, tugboats, and lots of the magnificent sailing ships that I'm including a picture of. The island fortress we visited is currently the year-round home of a few hundred people maybe but at one time, centuries ago, it had a larger population than the city of Helsinki. It is no longer functioning as a strategic defense point but serves more as a tourist destination. We were able to see the outside of this small German u-boat but it was locked so we couldn't go inside. Maybe they unlock it in the summer during the tourist season. We enjoyed the freedom to walk about the island without crowds of people. We're so grateful that James and Susanne and our grandkids are not averse to being out in weather that may not be ideal at times (windy, rainy, chilly) so we have the opportunity to see and experience so much despite the season! As long as the kids have food (which they're good about accepting what is available even if they don't recognize it) and books and occasionally (on long trips in the car especially) a video, they are good little troopers.