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!
Enjoying your blog. Keep enjoying yourself!
ReplyDelete