Side Quest

After closing up Meraki we took the bus from Liverpool to Manchester Airport where we caught a flight to Copenhagen for the week. We are blessed with a handful of very dear friends there with whom we were looking forward to visiting. After a very long day of travel; planes, trains, buses and taxis, we checked into a rental apartment in a charming neighborhood just southwest of central Copenhagen where our Danish ‘daughter’ lives. We were eager to meet their newborn son.

No idea how people use their phones with nails like this.

With a massive resurgence in vinyl, independent record shops are thriving.

We found one with a cafe and had a terrific breakfast.

Interesting water feature

Practicing up on grandparenting.

The happy family

We spent several cozy days hanging out, walking extensively, and checking out the local eateries. One afternoon we met up with our friend Mads who introduced us to a friend of his who had previously worked as a Danish Naval Officer as well as a helicopter pilot in Greenland. He gave us a valuable presentation and we talked for well over 90 minutes. He provided an abundance of highly useful information and resources about ice, weather, ports of call and general cruising to and from Greenland waters.

Lars explains weather and ice patterns around Greenland during the summer months.

The remains of winter on the west coast of Greenland mid-June.

We did some further exploration, checking out new neighborhoods, gaping at historic buildings and funky bars, popping into eclectic shops, sampling diverse restaurants, lounging in green spaces. We enjoyed Sunday brunch at the top of the Parliament building with breath-taking views over the roofs of Copenhagen and the palace courtyard.

The bronze figures of The Olsen Gang, an iconic Danish comedy classic about a fun trio of criminals.

Public urinals are easily spotted.

Public art and sculptures are everywhere.

The Tower Restaurant is located in the tallest tower in Copenhagen (106m -348 ft) at Christiansborg Palace.

The Palace houses the Danish Parliament, the High Court and the Prime Minister's office.

11 meter tall sculpture of a dairymaid churning butter and a forester. These are replicas of the copper figures that adorn the tower's spire.

Really yummy NA beer

The city views are amazing.

It’s windy at the top.

Christiansborg Palace

End cut wood walkway

Good cocktails and great burgers!

We had coffee and caught up with Bent who took such good care of Meraki last summer while we were home in Alaska. We were sorry to miss visiting with his wife who wasn’t feeling well - will definitely make it a priority on our next visit.

Another day, Mads - a pilot by trade, took us flightseeing over the city. We drove north into farm country where he keeps his Cesna 172 at a private airstrip.

Standard Danish breakfast; crusty roll with cheese, soft boiled egg and a side of yogurt.

Tom and Bent discussing electric cars.

The serenity of farmland

The small hangar at Grønholt Hillerød Airfield.

Pre-flight checks

Excited to see the city from above.

And we’re off

Gorgeous farmland

Uncanny timing of a flyover when the only N41 in Denmark was sailing into its home port.

Lots of parks and greenspace throughout the city.

Fredensborg Palace, the Danish Royal Family’s primary spring and autumn residence.

The prominent green dome of Frederik's Church, also known as The Marble Church.

Amalienborg Palace Square in front of the Marble Church.

Apartment buildings are designed around a courtyard or central greenspace.

Frederiksborg Castle

Rosenborg Castle

Mary Elizabeth's Children’s Hospital

Tom takes a turn at flying

Northbound into the countryside again

And that’s a wrap.

In a large warehouse adjacent to the airstrip is a classic car restoration shop. The owner showed us around and shared his love of these gorgeous beauties.

Gangster getaway car

A Riley!

We all had our favorites.

Another day we rented a car and drove to Sweden to attend an Open House at the home of a young YouTube couple who are building a 52’ sailboat. We had attempted attending their Open House last summer when a family emergency cut our trip short. It was great to finally meet them in person and it felt surprisingly familiar to be on their beautiful farm which was so recognizable from all the stunning footage we’ve watched over the years.

Gorgeous planks of teak and oak

Stunning cabinetry

Sweet little garden.

A sauna and hot tub deck

As beautiful as it is delicious

Over the Øresund Bridge, from Sweden back to Denmark.

We returned to Denmark late that afternoon feeling satisfied - the transition of a thought provoking road trip followed by the comfortable stillness of our tiny familiar space in Copenhagen.

I find this city to be a remarkable place. Danish cities are designed on a human scale—prioritizing pedestrians and cyclists, green spaces and community connection. You find clean harbors you can literally swim in, and some of the happiest people in the world.

Copenhagen, and Denmark as a whole, hold a warm place in my heart. These places are deeply tied to building relationships and a sense of belonging. The sights, sounds, and smells, sharing even the most insignificant life events, all serve to awaken past emotions and make the spaces we inhabit so meaningful. This place has become dear to us thanks to the people we love, who unfailingly provide a comforting sense of home.