A long, motor slog into the wind and waves. Not much to look at or entertain. Rather tiring. During the afternoon I was abruptly dragged out of a torpor when the engine revs suddenly dropped, and a serious vibration shook the boat. Wake up! Grab engine control. Neutral. Peer over the side. Nothing. Gear in reverse and some power. Still vibration. Forward again. Less vibration. Ah. probably weed. So little ahead, then little astern repeated, and suddenly a large clump of weed appeared aft.
Resume normal progress. Thankfully! I didn’t relish the thought of having to don full wet suit and go overboard and clear things.
Only sight of anything was a south-bound Hurtigrute, (Coastal Steamer), seen against the backdrop of Store Molla island, on it’s way to Svolvær.
Bit of close navigating around and into Skrova harbour, a very well-protected place, only exposed to direct southerly winds. But where was this mooring Per said I could use? Nowhere fitted the description. Confusing. Guest pontoon over-full. So we motored very slowly further in and found, one among many small ones, a pontoon below a row of houses, or rather holiday cottages, which didn’t look occupied.
Still didn’t look occupied today either. Close inspection of very slack mooring ropes had obviously been dangling in the water for some time, they being well overgrow with weed. Didn’t get disturbed, although ready.
Today, out came the bicycle and I investigated Skrova from end to end, sounds energetic, but no, Skrova is small. There is a tunnel through the hill giving access to wharves for fish activities, and in this tunnel is an exhibition of historical photos, mostly of fishing activities of course. Life must have been very hard in those not-too-distant days. And on the side of the road there, hung on the fish-drying racks, a long row of very recent photos from Burma, (eller Myanmar if you prefer). Very odd to find that here, way up north. Told a tragic story.
Restaurant Skrova Brygge enticed with fish soup for dinner today. Can be very good, each chef proud of their own. It was good. Service very slow, so enjoyed it all the more.
Relax now. Maybe Trollfjord tomorrow, weather decides.
Alls well.
Josin's 2025 cruise 