Welcome to KingSeany & Special K's pages on Muskan, Ösmo in Sweden, the place where we live. We've tried to put 
a selection of beautiful photographs here. If you would like the full size images of any of these photos, please let us know and we'll be happy to supply them. In the warmer months there is the opportunity to swim in the clean water, the autumn provides a wonderful colourful landscape, however in the winter months, 
the lake really is frozen solid! The passtime changes from swimming to skating. It is also much quicker to get from one part of the lake to another, simply by walking across it. Especially in the summer there is so much wildlife and interesting plants and mushrooms to see around here, we only wish we were experts on identifying it all. Please if you know the names of some of them, please us me know! If you don't, like us, just enjoy the photographs and then go out and take some for yourself. Most of the closeups were taken using a macro setting, but none with a tripod.
We love photographing nature, as it is so varied, but not always easy. Around the lake you'll see plenty of frogs and toads hopping about, you need to be careful you don't tread on them sometimes! We've also seen a few snakes, including the adder. Apart from the Adder, the only other snake species in Sweden are the 'Grass Snake' and the 'Smooth Snake'. All are protected throughout the whole of the country. Lizards too, red squirrels, various species of birds of course, and all manner of insects. 
Did you know there are over 1million species of insect in the world? Around 25,000 of them can be found in Sweden (24 species are protected throughout the whole of the country). The forest floors are covered in ants too, so don't stand still for too long, as they'll crawl up your legs! You'll see giant ant hills built from pine needles, with hoards of busy ants going about their daily chores. Beetles seem to be common, apart from the Stag and the Hermit beetles, both of which are protected. It's amazing how much you miss if you don't look closely, the camera 
is ideal for this, as you can snap away and look in detail later. The variety of colours, shapes and patterns on some of the smallest insects and plants is amazing, almost looks as if they were designed with precision tools. Take a look at some of our butterfly photographs for some great colourful images, or the Dragonfly page for some weird looking beasts. There are annoyances too though, the mosquitos are a big problem in the summer months, especially in the forest shade. They'll gang up on you and bite if you don't be careful. We've tried using garlic to warn them off, but they don't seem to mind it. Huge swarms of "midges" too, although they don't bite, it's not nice to get them in your eyes and mouth, and up your nose.
The main problem I (Seany) have is focusing, my eyes aren't the best, and it's also difficult to tell if a shot is perfectly focussed through a 
small viewfinder or display. If there is the slightest breeze it makes it difficult to snap a flower, or if it's a busy insect, it never sits still long enough! Still, patience is the virtue with a good photo, so if at first you don't suceed, try try again, and of course with digital, take more shots than you would normally to ensure that you get that perfect photo.
Another reason to wander the forest in the summer is the for the free food! Wild Strawberries can be found during June and July - the best spots to pick them are best kept secret - as they smell and taste wonderful, they also make a perfect jam. Blueberries are abundant, and available to pick during July, August and early September, as are wild Raspberries. Lingon (cowberries) are ripening towards the middle of August, and make the perfect jam for use on a huge variety of Swedish meals, especially with meatballs or bloodpudding. Blackberries, although less common can be harvested in the latter part of August, and are perfect for pies and juices. Red and black currants can be seen in many gardens, and growing wild too during August. There are others, of course, but these are among our favourite pickings.
Although we visit the lake regularly, to walk around the entire lake does take time (about 3 hours), and a lot of energy. It's not a difficult walk, although it's a little challenging in places, so best to wear some comfortable shoes and clothing. There are good forest paths most of the way, some a little steep, some a little overgrown, other parts not so obvious, however red markings on some trees and rocks should prevent you from getting lost. Don't be surprised if you have to hop over a tree which has fallen, or a muddy pool of water. Don't expect to meet too many people either during your walk, except for the area around the 
Körunda golf course, where rain or shine (or snow), you'll be sure to see a round or two being played. Shelter is sparce too, so take a look at the weather reports before you venture out, and take rain protection if needed. If you fancy a more leisurely walk, consider camping overnight. Although we can't recommend any specific spots, there are signs of campers throughout the summer months at a few spots around the lake. 
Check for ant nests (you can't miss these mounds), and signs of wild boar (disturbed ground) before you pitch your tent! As good campers, respect the area, take your litter with you, don't chop down trees (there are plenty already fallen), and light fires only where it is safe.
If you are a mountain biker, a ride around the lake is quite challenging, as the paths are bumpy from rocks and tree roots. Even the most experienced rider will need to hop off and walk on occasions. After really heavy spells of rain, the paths can become very muddy and slippery - oh and watch out for frogs!
The other nearest lake to us is called "Västra Styran". Hopefully we will be writing about this lake too soon, and of course showing lots of new photographs of the area too.
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