Ålesund to Kristiansund

Ålesund to Kristiansund

Day 20 22/07/2018

Rest day in Ålesund. After having a long and late paddle day the day before Tobia and I decided it was time for a rest day. Enjoy the luxuries of the city. A few coffees and filling up on food.

We camped at a small park on the coast near the Aquarium. Where there are hikers going by. One lady traveling and camping out of her car for hiking had seen our tents and joined us for the night. Thought if we stayed any longer we could open a camp ground.

Day 21 23/07/2018

Windy start to the morning. It was blowing straight into the bay. Feeling a bit stiff after a rest day this meant a slow morning. We were only paddling 4 km into Ålesund to pick up a map but if felt like 10. After a short stop the wind dropped down and we proceeded north.

The paddle wasn't the most exciting. Just transport days. Big open fjords with not so much to see. Although we did see the Hurtigruten pass and had a great camp spot in Eljasvika.

Day 22 24/07/2018

Another day of transport from Eljasvika to Kvalvika. Luckily we got on the water before the rain started and it rained! We did cross over to Midøya and went through Midsund to make the day more exciting.

The wind started picking up towards the end of the day. We love headwinds. And we also manage to miss a bridge and did some extra kilometers around an island but at least we got some conditions on the outside.

Day 23 25/07/2018

More of an interesting day from Kvalvika to Storviktaren. We paddle on the north side of Otrøya. We had the wind behind us in the morning which meant a few hours of fun surfing and crossing over to Aukra we had some interesting islands to explore.

It had been raining when we packed in the morning but luckily by lunch the sun had come out which we had been lacking for a few days so it was nice with sunbathing and kit drying.

We camped on a quiet beach just 7 km south of Bud. Perfect for an evening swim.

Day 24 26/07/2018

We first had a short paddle to Bud. Paddling through small sounds filled with wooden boat houses right on the water.

We landed in Bud and spent some hours looking around. The area has a museum which we visited. Very cultural afternoon. The coastline is covered in Batteries from World war 2. Here they had restored it and made it a museum.

In the afternoon the wind had picked up to force 5 north easterly. Yes the direction we were going. We managed to find all the shortcuts and hide between the island leaving tobias and I with enough energy to have a little head to head at the end.

Beautiful bit of coastline.

We landed on a lovely beach Breivika and had a great view of the sunset.

Day 25 27/07/2018

One of the sunniest hottest days, almost thirty degrees… In Norway. Tobias and I spent the morning walking out to Nordnes where you could see the lighthouse. We then slowly got packing in the sun to get on the water.

Just as we were getting on the water there must have been an incident at the beach. Two ambulance and a helicopter. Which landed very impressively.

We had a beautiful paddle towards the Atlantic Ocean road. Many islands to paddle between. We got to the road in the see and it was pretty cool! I wanted to drive it when I lived hear but just one of those things that never happened. Very happy to have paddled under it.

We got to a island Håholmen for lunch. Looks like an interesting place. The island was a hotel with bar and restaurant and huts to stay. But not for us so we paddled on.

Luckily we met some paddlers shortly after getting on the water who gave us tips to a public bay Orøya, that we would find a place to camp. When we got there it seemed we landed on the wrong side. With rocks and long heather. We set up camp to find there was easier landing on the other side where there were others with the same idea as us. Oh well I was in my sleeping bag by now.

Day 26 28/07/2018

We planned to take the Hurtigruten from Kristiansund on Sunday evening so today was just to get to a camp spot close to the city. Again another boiling hot day where everything goes slowly. But we had plenty of time.

We paddled through Sveggesundet and stopped at a cafe for ice cream and coffee.. Well we are on holiday. Then continued in the sunshine.

After an hours paddling I was really desperate for a pee. 10+.. Almost had to jump in the sea. But we found a small beach to land on. And just as I get on land a man starts walking towards me making conversation. Luckily Tobias took over the conversation while I could run for the bushes. In the end he invited us for hot dogs and bbq with his family sitting not so far away, so we did indeed join them.

We then continued to a sandy beach just 5km paddle from Kristiansund. There wasn't much of a beach but we got our tents above the waterline. But the winds started picking up and the waves crashing in. Tobias more nervous than me had woken up in the night when it was really blowing to say my tent was just half a meter away from the water. Life on the edge. But it would have at least washed all the sand out of my tent that then wind had blown in.

Day 27 29/07/2018

There had been a good deal of wind and rain in the night and some to come in the day. Luckily the weather predictions had been good. So we had a 30 minute window of no rain to get our kit in the kayaks and westerly winds at 11 to push us over to Kristiansund.

And yes it all went to plan. We surfed over the fjord and into Kristiansund just for the rain to start and the wind to drop.

Luckily the sun came out in the afternoon so we could spend time drying and moving our kit and kayaks to the terminal.

Tobias had to eventually go back to work so he got on the Hurtigruten south to Bergen and the I north to Brønnøysund.

Thanks for joining Tobias!

Paddling with Emma!

Paddling days with Emma

Day 17 19/07/2018

Emma joined us today. Lovely to have new company in the group. We had a good send off from Kristin at the beach, Emma’s mum. Good with a nice easy start so a 1hr 50minute crossing over to Stadlandet it was! Not such a bad crossing, luckily not much boat traffic and light side winds.

After a short break we cross over Hoddevika and landed in Ervika. First beach landing of the trip. I think I clocked 5 knots surfing in and not being so quick to get out ended up with a cockpit full of water.

We sat on the beach for a bit decided to paddle on or not. In the end we got back on the water. Now surf landing are fun, launching into the surf with a fully loaded boat is maybe even more fun. So we all take a different approach. Tobias launches of the sand, Emma gets her boat completely in the water and me somewhat in between.. Having so much stuff in my cockpit ment getting my feet in wasn't as efficient as normal and oh yes who ends up with a boat full of water.. Me! Good for Tobias though; he got some extra training towing me while I pumped out the boat.

The next bit was coming around Stad. Now we have all heard the stories of how dangerous it is and on my map it stands in big red letter ‘Dangerous Waves.’ So we did approach with care. But just approaching slack and nice weather conditions there wasn't anything dangerous to be found. We will have to go back when the weather is worse to find out.

Day 18 20/07/2018

Good start to the day. Light winds and sun. We crossed over from Stadlandet to Kvamsøya, about a two hour crossing; but we were entertained by dolphins along the way. I also had my radio on, in case of any boat traffic. The coastguard was sending out some weather warnings and on channel 16 gave a message to go to the working channel. I listened to the announcement three times and not once did they say what the working channel was. Luckily it all worked out with the weather.

We had a lovely lunch spot on Kvamsøya with sun bathing. There was also a kayak on the beach full of equipment. We heard from some locals it was a French man kayaking along the coast and had also paddled around Stad the day before. Unfortunately we didn't find him to say hello.

After lunch not the most exciting paddling through the fjords, but good company and we found a good campspot where we could watch the sun go down.

Day 19 21/07/2018

Only 40km to Ålesund. Could we do it in one hit. Emma was keen to catch the Hurtigruten that left at 0200 in the morning so we had enough time. A little tired in our bodies but we got our heads down and got paddling.

We managed it. With a few well earned breaks along the way we made it to Ålesund by 2000, in time for Emma to take the ferry home.

We had our last dinner together, we splashed out and got kebab, followed by a more classy beer.

Luckily I had a small trolley with me so we had some fun getting Emma’s kayak from the guest marina to the terminal. It wasn't far. We waved Emma off and Tobias and I got back in our kayaks to find a tent spot.

Not bad for a days paddling.

Going North...

Going North

Day 10 13/07/2018

Friday the 13th. Today was the first day being just myself and Tobias. Our plan is to paddle as far north as possible. Tobias having three week and then I'll continue when Tobias has to go back to work.

Still a northerly wind but the weather forecast for the following week was looking good. Southerly winds and sun.

We got on the water quite late at Stolene in Solund. And a long few hours against the head wind. Not my most favorite wind direction. Head wind. But we pushed on and made a stop on Færøyna to collect water. We met a couple who live on the island so we stopped to chat to those. Our camp spot being on the north of the island we had decided not to stop for lunch but continue.

By the time we got to the camp it was 1600. Too late for lunch; that's dinner time. The landing was on a beach and the tide was out so just mud. The clips had come loose on my boat so I just wanted to get on land and fix the problem. So I had taken my boat apart and carried it up the muddy beach in time for Tobias to walk around and come back just to say.. It looks better to land over there. Well I wasn't getting back on the water and I wanted food. So while Tobias landed on the rocks I had emptied my boat in the mud and he came back to help me carry the three piece over the long grass and rough terrain to the better landing and camp spot.

I did have two dinners to overcompensate for the lack of lunch.

Day 11 14/07/2018

Waking up to wind direction in your favor you sometimes think it's a dream. But yes gentle breeze from the south. Perfect. We had in the back of our minds England were playing Belgium and there was a put on Atløy so maybe we would make it there today I time for click off.

We paddled from our camp spot to Aralden for lunch, just under a two hour crossing. From our previous day's experience, lunch was an important spot. As we paddled into the bay at Aralden I could hear exhaling behind me. Surprised to see a seal was on my tail.

We continued on to Atløy where again we met more seal, lying on the rock and a more in the water. I haven't seen so many seals before in Norway. Curious creatures as they follow us for a little bit.

We made it to Atløy at 1500, yes in time for the football. But everything looked locked up. In the small villages sometime the pubs only open once a week or less. But we asked around and found we were an hour early. But enough time to wash kit and organize. Even in all that effort we still managed to miss the first goal. But after many days of cooking outside it was a luxury to have a burger and beer.

Day 12 15/07/2018

We set out from Atøy heading North towards Florø. A bit unsure of any places for landing and putting up our tents. We are now paddling an area neither of us had paddled before. The unknown. We first crossed over to Askrova passing a pod of dolphins along the way. This was our longest crossing so far and was happy to get on land for lunch at Askrova. Interesting bay with a draw bridge from one island to the other with a button to push up and down.

There were a few suggested camp spots on Askrova but in the end we decided to push on to Florø. I had seen there was a public beach next to the airport I'm sure for one night we would be fine. Being closer to the city for our shopping trip the day after.

Day 13 16/07/2018

After spending the night on the public beach we packed our kayaks and was on the water for 10. There looked to be a short cut on the inside of Florø so we head north east. I sa some kind of sign and was pretty sure on where the small channel was but Tobias has decided to go east and check. I kept going to what looked like a wall of seaweed. I was right, the tide quickly talking me down a small channel which felt like the entrance to a sewage pipe.. But where was Tobias. I had to quickly back paddle out of the channel to find him. We soon got to Florø, our first town in a while so we spent a few hours shopping, eating pizza and of course coffee.

Getting back on the water at 1530 our next goal was to get to Igland on Bremanger. So we head north. Florø was busy with boat traffic so we both were quite alert making the crossing of Frøysjøen. Luckily no boats. On the map it looked like we might be able to camp before we got to Igland but as we were getting closer the coastline was quite rocky and steep. We knew there was a campground at Igland so eventually we decide to push on.

First camp with facilities. Which for me was the first shower I have ever had on an expedition. And I must admit it was very nice.

Day 15 17/07/2018

At Igland I wanted to meet an good friend of mine Isak. This was the home of his grandad and where his mum had grown up. Beautiful place. So he gave me the tour of where they lived and along the road to the end where there were lovely beaches.

Tobias and I then enjoyed a cup of coffee and asked the locals for suggested tent spots and it sounded like Vetvika was the place to go. So we pack up out kayaks and head onto the water. Isak and his grandad had cycled down to wave us off.

The weather was beautiful but coming around the western headland on Bramanger was exposed. Big waves crashing up the cliffs and a tidal race at the headland. Nice with a bit of excitement.

We then rounded the headland and paddled north east towards Vetvika. About 2km off Tobias had decided we hadn't gone far enough and this wasn't the bay we were looking for it was further along. So we paddle to the next headland. Wondering why we could see houses quite far away; yes we had passed Vetvika and ended up turning around to go back.

The bay was beautiful and defiantly worth stopping for camping. Best view and tent spot so far.

Day 16 18/07/2018

Weather forecast was rain today from 1000-1800, so we had to make sure we were packed and wrapped up by 1000. We were pretty close and 10 minutes after being on the water the rain came pouring. Not bad timing. We paddled north toward Måløy, sky's grumbling above us.

Just as we rounded the corner to Måløy a car had stopped on the road with kayaks on top. Two women shouting and waving to us from the road. We waved and there were some signals to Måløy. Not being sure who they were we had our guesses. And yes it was Kristin and Emma who we had met in Solund and on the boat to Bulandet now again on our way to Måløy. Defiantly felt like we had some goupies. We met them at the shore in Måløy. We were kindly invited for dinner and Emma asked if she could join us for a few day,

So we paddled to our camp spot where Kristin would come and pick us up.

As we landed we were checking for tent spots p, when I turned around to find my kayak had gone for a paddle on its own. Ops.. First trying to swim after it the kayak had gone too far not to get wet, I quickly jumped in Tobias’ kayak and paddled after it.

Lovely evening dinner at Kristin and Emma’s place with their family. Excited to have a new member to the team.

The expedition begins

The expedition begins

Hallvard and I had been waiting a few days for Anne Dorthea to come home from her holiday before we could start planning the beginning of our trip. They had time to join me for one to two weeks; which I was very pleased about. It's always nice to have good company on a trip. Anne Dorthea had injured her shoulder so we went to the chiropractor to have it checked out before committing to anything big and she got the all ok. The original plan was to paddle north from Bergen but the weather forecast was saying strong northerly for the coming days so we decided to drive to Askvoll and paddle more of a round trip having the advantage of the winds.

Day 1 04/07/2018

We spent the day packing up the car to travel north to Askvoll. Three kayaks, three lots of kayak equipment and three people in the car.. Not much space left for anything more.. We were on out way. Road trip! Having used to live in Fjarler it was nice to take the road to Askvoll bringing back the old memories from traveling this road. Once Joakim and I drove it to the paddle festival and one of the sensors for the door wasn't working so we had a beeping noise the whole way to bergen and back. A four hour journey or longer this got quite annoying, it ment loud music to cover the bad noise.

Anyway day one we get our kayaks on the beach in Askvoll ready for packing at 1900 so not a long paddle. For me it was a challenge to get everything in my kayak. Winter kit for the north, food for 30days, and only wearing shorts and t-shirt. It was a struggle. As we wasn't going far I wasn't too fussy and ended up with my shoes loose in the cockpit along with a fair amount of food and all the water. Just enough room to squash my legs in.

We found a lovely beach just a bit west of Fure, looking out to the west. Good start to the trip.

Day 2 05/07/2018

The aim for the next camp spot was Aralden, one of my favorite spots. We paddled west towards Lamutun against the westerly winds and then through the sound south to the little village where we had lunch and a stock up on anything we had forgotten. Great to have the feeling of being on an expedition.

We then paddled west and started crossing to Aralden. The wind in the face and fog creeping on us quickly, we made it just before the land disappeared. Beautiful place for camping, you can find shelter and a beautiful view of Bulandet and Geite lighthouse. Eventually the fog lifted and we could go for a walk around the island. At the hut on Aralden there was lying two kayaks, one was a Greenlander pro.. It had written 02 on the boat number.. I can't imagine it was the second made but maybe. Still wondering who the owner is. Great to see these boats are all over. Beautiful views from the top of the small hill.

Day 3 06/07/2018

Crossing over to Bulandet. We have paddled in Bulandet many times together at the stormsamling organized by Njord, but never had any of us paddled over. Usually in September when we are normally there the winds are strong and it wouldn't be possible. So with a north westerly breeze it was possible. We crossed from Aralden to the south east point of Værlandet and paddled between the small islands on the south side before reaching the small Joker on Bulandet. Lovely lunch spot where we could fill up on water and have waffles. Our plan was to camp at the lighthouse on Sandøy but with Northerly winds in the upcoming days we found a sheltered spot on the north west side of Fedøyna. Connected to the main group of islands ment we could get to the shop and facilities and have more opportunity for exploring by foot if we wanted.

Day 4 07/07/2018

The sun as shining and a slight breeze from the north but nothing much. We had plans to meet Tobias off the ferry in Værlandet at 18:10 and then go onto Alden. Værlandet only being a 2 hour paddle we had a long morning. We went to the shop to get more supplies and got back to camp for sunbathing. As we were packing up Hallvard shouted over to me Stop! They wanted to stay. No problem. I unpacked my tent and we stayed. Hallvard went to meet Tobias from the ferry and paddled back with him to the camp while Anne Dorthea and I went fishing for dinner. Being unsuccessful from land we went out and fished from the kayaks. Anne Dorthea got one on her second cast, yum fish soup for dinner.

Day 5 08/07/2018

As there were strong southerly winds we had decided to make a base camp leaving all our things and spending a day exploring Bulandet. First we went out to the lighthouse on Sandøy which is the western most point of Bulandet. Very beautiful views. Then going through the small islands to the cafe for lunch. We spent the afternoon surfing with the wind in our backs. The weather was pretty grim bringing rain which ment a nice long day on the water until the rain stopped.

Day 6 09/07/2018

Northerly winds of 12m/s ment we had a rest day on land. Enjoying some lovely walks around Bulandet. They have decorated the village with colorful flowers and art work which was nice o look at. We also went to the northern lighthouse to measure the winds. Having to hold my balance in the wind on foot ment a good decision to stay on land today.

Day 7 10/07/2018

The winds had dropped but still from the north so we took the opportunity to cross south to Solund. First we paddled east to the south of Værlandet before we made the crossing. Very enjoyable crossing of 5km with a gentle breeze in the back. We then continued south and found a nice camp spot on Hågøy Kalven where we all went for an evening dip.

Day 8 11/07/2018

I had read on Facebook that my friend Robert and his brother was in the area by boat just 10km south. So I had sent him a message to say where I was and that we were leaving at 10:00.. I got a message back to say it had been a long time and they would be the 10:00 sharp and wouldn't keep us long. To his word he was there at 10. Unfortunately the island we was on was covered in seaweed and quite shallow which ment they couldn't get to land. But I wanted to say hello as its been a few years since we have seen each other so I stripped off my clothes and swam out to the boat. Poor Robert frantically trying to find me a towel as I climb on board. Bless! Lovely to see him even if it was a quick hello.

Getting back to my kayak everyone was ready to set off. We had planned to paddle out to Utvær the most westerly point in Norway. As we were getting further south there came a thick fog which was unexpected so we had to quickly make a new plan to paddle more east and skip the crossing to Utvær. As we were paddling past a small cottage someone was standing outside shouting to us. We waved. They then signaled again with a horn so we paddle in closer. Coffee? It was a friend Kristin who we had all met at the paddle festival. Yes we would love coffee so we enjoyed a coffee on the deck of the cottage with some brownies! Thanks for the hospitality!

We paddled to the small village of Hardbakke for more water and supplies, sun shinning so enjoying a sunbathe. Getting back on the water was quite late and paddling against the wind. We got recommended a camp spot in the north maybe 10km by some impressive rocks. So we paddle on. Once we get there finding s camps pot in this area is always a bit tricky with the landscape but Anne Dorthea had been on land and said yes it's fine. So we get all four fully loaded boats onto the beach, as we were all a bit wet and cold we got changed and warm. Then the sudden smell of Victorian poo was in the air, not good. Then camps spots were few and far between. We then made  join decision to move the camp over to the stones. Paddling with all my clothes on and trying to eat my dinner was a bit of a challenge but well worth it to find a better camp spot.

Day 9 12/07/2018

Today agin strong winds from the north so Tobias and I decided to take a rest day. Anne Dorthea and Hallvard needing to get back to Bergen push north in front of us to get back to their cars. It was brilliant paddling together for the last week thanks to them both for joining!

Pre expedition fun in Bergen

Pre expedition fun

28th June flying to Norway

I always get butterflies in my belly before traveling. Excitement mainly. But this time a little bit of nerves too. I have travelled with a 3-piece kayak before and that went well but you know at some point there is going to be a door opening too small or a crowd of people you need to pass.
I was very luck to have someone take me to the airport. Mike was brilliant bless him. Drove me to Manchester with my kayak all ready and packed. When we got there he put it on a trolley and pushed it to the check in. This was through numerous door that were too small, through crowds of people and an elevator.
I had already checkedthe kayak in as extra bags, with SAS that was £23 per bag. I put each item on the belt to be check in.. Total of 70kg before having to then take it to special baggage. And it was away.
I was even luckier then to have Hallvard pick me up at the airport in bergen. The gate was broken which ment he could come all the way into the baggage claims where we stood waiting for a while. I got a message from someon I had met on the plane asking if I had forgotten my kayak. It had been going around a different conveyer belt a few times. Ops.
So we got it unpacked and onto the roof. Just a few bits of gelcoat chipped but nothing drastic. Brilliant to have a kayak you know and a good one at that.

29th June - Paddling old route with old friends

I had planned to be in bergen for a few days waiting for Anne Dorthea to join me for kayaking. So this ment I could spent a few days paddling the old routes and getting together with good friends. This day myself hallvard and Linn paddled out from Møvik and did the standard out to the west, had a lovely swim and lunch at Hissøy before going around Hissøy and back in.

30th June

Still in bergen I managed to get Tobias on the water. I have been asking him to join me for the summer. He had mentioned he hadn't been doing much kayaking but I had reassured him that wasn't a problem and I just wanted to have a nice time. So as soon as we get on the water; I am not thinking to be keeping a close eye on him but there he was in the water.. Keen to do a self rescue at the start of the trip or had he fallen in? Mm.. We crack on and have a lovely paddle around Lokøy. We got back to the car and packed up and was on our way. After dropping him off in town I had a message that he had left his paddles at Møvik and could we drive back out. He really was rusty. But luckily Jan Kåre living close by we could ask him to pick them up and we would then paddle out from Møvik again the next day.

1st July

Out of Møvik again as we needed to pick up Tobias’ paddles. This time Hallvard join as well. First we went to a secret beach on the south side of Syltøy before heading west. Then a lovely trip around Hissøy then out to Løno.

2nd July

Monday so everyone back in work I decided to take a trip on my own. Going out from Møvik again I hadn't yet been up to Algrøy. So I went north around algrøy and again out to Løno with a down wind paddle. Carried on around syltøy and back to Møvik. A beautiful areas you just can’t paddle there too many times.