Florø

I’ve got in a bit of a muddle, with drafts written and not apparently sent, (the internet connection has been very erratic), which have then disappeared, so,here is an update.

It is friday, the sun is shining hard in a hazy sky, and I stopped here for fuel for both me and the boat.

Yes, I did sample the hamburger in Bekkjarvik, it was very good indeed, price thereafter. McDonalds will never be the same again.

Motorsailed on to Strusshamn, (pos: 60 24,17 / 005 11,48), a few miles west of Bergen. Been there several times before, a well-sheltered harbour, with shops just up the road. Spent a lot of the next day travelling by buses to Bergen and beyond to buy an FM/DAB radio, same as the one which succumbed to the wetness some days ago. Very efficient bus service. Friendly drivers, willing to help this poor questioning ‘foreigner’, punctual and frequent. Stopped in the center of Bergen on the way back. Lots and lots of people. Three gigantic cruise ships in the harbour, and their passengers wandering around, hoody jacket up, (no, it was not actually raining yet), map in hand with pointy fingers at the next ‘sight’. The trendy young carried a shoulder bag, smart phone in the one hand and a rolled-up umbrella in the other.

Nostalgia crept in. It is almost exactly 60 years since I was in Bergen the  first time, early June 1956. Passage from Newcastle in the fog, summer and sunshine from Haugesund to Bergen. Wow-factor high. Newly in love and on my way to unforgettable days in Hardanger. Sigh!

From Strusshamn, the inland route northward, to Kirkeholmen,(pos:60 41,76 / 005 04,76), a mini-jetty only two tractor tires long, just right for a Josin-sized, where we stayed two nights, the weather deciding. Installed the new radio and read the instructions.

Onward northalong, to Skjerjehamn, (pos: 60 56,58 / 004 57,31), for lunch. The restaurant there has a reputation, and the Cæsar salad was excellent. (Still haven’t found out how to include pictures, sorry, as a statue of the old King commanding the fairway was duly photographed). Lovely weather, but still wind on the nose, so all motoring further, to a natural harbour on the south side of Svanøy, (pos: 61 28,67 / 005 05,92), where we anchored. Long day, over 60 nm altogether, so a quick meal and sleep. 4 am and the wind suddenly blew from the south, waking me up, and I had to find another spot. Back to sleep.

Just for the record, I’ve had a dip almost every morning recently. Temp still not above 14. Brr, but good.

And today, another scorching day and northerly breeze. Having sent this off, we’ll be heading north again. The forecast is for strong northerly winds for the next few days for the famous Stad peninsular, ie, don’t hurry, as we will have to wait, either in Måløy, or somewhere closer to Stad. I have never had to wait for the weather before, although last time northward was well bumpy and wet. Not again thank you.

All’s well