29) Skrova to Trollfjord

The forecast was for gentle southerly winds, good for a sail to Trollfjord. So the genakker was hauled out from the depts of a cockpit locker and rigged. A bit of a process with its ropes having to be in the right pulleys and places to avoid poggles. On the way out of Skrova harbour we met Per coming in, so we hurriedly stopped for a chat, gently heaving in the rollers. I reiterated my appreciation of his help and advice.

Goodbye Skrova. That blue sky looks promising!

Out into the Vestfjord there was a southerly wind, but it was too weak to sail, so we motored and hoped for the forecast increase. A steady stream of a variety of boats heading out from Svolvær came past us, going north, almost certainly for Trollfjord. After the shallows at Øyhellesund, well marked and with a strong current, and back in more open water, the genakker was unrolled and we sailed, gently northward. Bliss! The mountains on both sides keeping the wind constant in direction. Rolled the sail in to make a stop at Digermulen, to the shop on the quay to buy fresh bread. Had to wait a few minutes as it was really fresh out of the oven. Then back to the last stretch, sailing, to the entrance to Trollfjord. Motored gently the rest of the way in to the west end, to anchor off the outlet of the small river. (68 21.8 / 014 55.8). The river water, being sourced up in the melting snows, was crystal clear and very cold, 8 degrees, the lowest yet. That swim seems ever further away. A peaceful evening, reading in the sunshine, until the sun hid itself behind a towering mountain to the west, clouds collected, whereupon the temperature fell rapidly.

Entertainment in late evening, the coastal steamer “Trollfjord” came, turned around and departed. You can see the narrow entrance to the fjord. The steep mountainside on the left has had lots of ships names graffitied on it but they have obviously been erased by ice and water, very few remaining.

Had hoped for a sunny awakening this morning, but no, low clouds covered the sky and swirled around the mountainsides. Forecast more of the same, so I think I will up anchor and leave for Svolvær. No wind here, but maybe some out in Raftsund. We’ll see.

Alls well.