Hardbakke to Florø

We waited until the forecast wind abated and the rain ceased. The sky was still overcast low and the wind chilly, 10 degrees, but with most of available warm layers on…… However, after about half an hour, the chasing black clouds overtook us and dumped their contents. Happily my new HellyHansen suit kept me completely dry, M sensibly down below. Gradually things got better, but the wind died away to motoring, all the rest of the way.

Florø was sunday-quiet and still so we could wander the town undisturbed from end to end in the sunshine. On the way in the fjord we saw, on the opposite bank, an enormous pile of planks and pallets, with a crane busy hoisting ever more on top. Yes, a potential bonfire. Later in the evening we followed the trail of people making their way out along the quayside, at the end over wobbly stones and waving arms for balance, we joined the throng just in time, 21:00, to see the first flames:

Lots of disciplined boats, of all sizes, watching the flames gradually devouring the pile. A pagan ritual surely, but of unknown origin. Did I hear someone mention witches and warlocks?

The warmth from the flames didn’t reach across the fjord, and the sun had lost its earlier heat, so we went back to the boat to enjoy the sunset at 22:20, behind the trees on the island with the bonfire.

Maybe Måløy tomorrow, with a stop on the way to see the ancient rock paintings at Vingen.

Alls well.