Day 43 14/08/2018
I got on the water at Lødingen. This wasn't so easy. I had to climb down the rocks to get to the water which wasn't so easy with my kayak and gear. I think I went up and down six times; and I'm no rock climber so it was some warm up.
Eventually I'm safe in my kayak. I planned to get on the water at its lowest. Easier with the kayak as there was some mud at low water but mostly to paddle with the tide through Tjelsundet where I followed the north coast.
I didn't stop for lunch as I wanted to stay in the flow. But it was luxury to sit in the flow and make progress while I ate my sandwiches.
I was starting o get tired after five hours of paddling and soon being high water it was time to start looking for a tent spot.
All of a sudden, me paddling in my own world; Teo cars came past with kayaks on the roof. Beeping and waving. I paddle to shore and it was Kirsti and Trine who I had met at the Arctic women's playground symposium. They had seen I was in the area and had come looking for me. It was lovely to see some friendly faces and welcoming the offer of a shower, dinner and a bed.
They soon had my kayak on the car and me and all my things inside. I think I was stunned it all just happened while I'm standing there in misbelief.
I had a lovely evening sight seeing around Harstad and lovely company chatting about all sorts.
Thank you ladies for coming to find me! Really one of the biggest highlights of my trip!
Day 44 15/08/2018
I had stayed the night with Kirsti and had decided to take a relaxing morning. We went for a walk up Audfjell and I learned some history and tales about the area. Very spectacular views.
I then joined Kirsti for the evening paddle with the club. It was lovely to paddle with people. Lovely evening and social paddle around litje and store Rogla.
Day 45 16/08/2018
After another lovely evening with Kirsti but it was time to get back on the water. She kindly drove me to the ferry where I had decide to catch the ferry and get on the water at Sørrolnes. Skipping the crossing from Harstad.
I got on the water at low water expecting to have the stream with me. I had head winds which were slowing me down. And once out of the wind the paddling was very slow. I had lunch at Hamnvikbut no good camp spots so I decided to continue.
I stopped eventually at Kråkrøhamn and went to the nearby house to ask if I could camp. No problem. Arvid the man I had asked kindly invited me in for a cuppa. Was lovely to have company after a hard days paddling.
Day 46 17/08/2018
I had a lovely send off from Arvid who had come down to wave me off.
It was wet and foggy but no wind to start the day. I get on the water, my body feeling tired; I now start to look forward to reaching Tromsø.
I paddle along the coast in the mist and as I got to Mjøsundbtua Arvid was there again to give me a wave. He had said he would keep an eye out on his way to the shop. Motivating to have someone cheer me along.
On the other side of the bridge the wind picked up but it wasn't long before I got into Dyrøysundet where I had the wind and water in my favor.
I got on land at Dyrôybrua where the sun came out to dry all my stuff.
I had made camp on the beach but as high water was creeping in so was the water getting close to the opening of my tent. In the end I had to move.
Day 47 18/08/2018
I started the day with a sleep in which was relaxing. Low water was at 13:00 so there was no rush for catching the flood.
I met a few locals who were interested in talking about my trip and telling me about different things that the community do in the area.
I slowly got on the water. Southerly winds and sun. It was beautiful paddling Solbergfjorden.
I crossed over to Nordhamnodden and decided to cross again to Finnsnes. There hadn't been any traffic all day. Then there I a, right in the middle of Finnfjorden looking through the middle of a catamaran. I took a few seconds to think which way might it be going and decided to make a dash for the direction of Finnsnes and it passed behind me. Just getting out of the shipping lane the fast boat going in the other direction passed swell. Obviously I couldn't have picked a better time to cross.
I got on land at Finsness but didn't find much to pitch my tent so I found a spot on the jetty.
Jan Erik popped by to say hello. We worked together a few years ago at UWC. Was lovely to have a catch up.
Day 48 19/08/2018
I woke up after a good night sleep on the jetty. And again had a slow start while the sun was shining.
Paddling was fairly flat and calm. Nothing too exciting. Tried to find the flow to get the most out of the day. Any little help is a bonus.
I had lunch at Gibstad and continued to Storviknrset. The end was in sight!
Day 49 20/08/2018
Being so close to the end I was excited to finish. I woke up at one in the morning and couldn't get back to sleep.
I had planned to be on the water at 0400 so in the end I got up and was on the water at 03:00.
I originally wanted to follow Senje to Hekkingen lighthouse and cross to Sommarøya from there. But the weather forecast was strong northerly winds at 08:00. So I decided to take the shortest route.
I crossed over Malangen following the coast of Brenholmen and over to Sommarøya.
The conditions were flat calm and not another sole in sight. It did hammer down with rain though.
I paddled with a smile and happy to reach my destination.
After a few hours sleep and relaxing day I packed my bag with stove, dinner and little goodies people had given me along the way. Beer and chocolate and I wanted to climb the hill behind and have victory dinner on the top of Nordkollen. But after scrambling to the top it was wet and windy so I waited until I got back down before opening that beer.
It's a few days until my flight from Tromsø so the adventure hasn't finished yet. Perhaps a few day trips in the area.
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