Departure from Bliksvær was significantly delayed. Engine startup produced hiccupping and coughing noises, and not much go. Filter blockage probably. So, changed both the primary and the secondary. Both difficult to get at, of course. Normally a routine job every autumn at lay-up time. Either I forgot last autumn, or I have filled up with some very dirty fuel. Anyway, after spilling the absolute minimum of fuel, caught in rags and a breakfast cereal bowl, (only thing small enough to fit under the filter), and priming with squeegy pump, the engine burst into its normal song. Maybe a task for the winter is designing a non-dripping, filter-changer device. Breakfast museli with diesel aroma is not the best.
So, we didn’t get to Støtt, too far after the late start, so we stopped at Sørfugleøy, (67 03.1 /013 46.5) instead. No sailing wind. Small guest pontoon, space for four boats, Josin, fifth, at the end. Amusing entertainment on the way was to watch a gull dive-bombing an eagle sitting on the top of a small island. Each time the gull dived past, the eagle did a two-flap-hopp almost into the air. Again and again and again, until I was too far off to see. Why didn’t the eagle just stay calm, instead of reacting? The gull was never closer than half a meter.
Sørfugleøy has some very impressive mountain formations, difficult to photograph. Several hundred vertigal meters, and some amazing tops.
Morning “dawned” calm and sunny, (well, about 6), and I was tempted to have a dip and inspect the propeller. Down the ladder as far as my knees, no, too cold. No further. No prop inspection. Hot shower instead.
Sunshine didn’t last long, clouds thickened and lowered and started to leak. Any wind was much on the nose, so motored all the way, trying to keep dry by huddling under the sprayhood. Past Støtt and its restaurant, to Rødøy, to Klokkergården, where there is another restaurant, where I have just had a very enjoyable fishy dinner. Chefs artistry and exquisite tastes. Very busy restaurant, and well deserved.
Tomorrow? Need to sniff the weather in the morning and judge the forecast before deciding.
Alls well
Josin's 2025 cruise 