After a thursday of rain and wind, continuing into friday morning, a gradual clearance permitted an afternoon’s engine-running to Vegstein on Vega. Met by good friend Britt on the pontoon, at the end of which was one of these large, inflatable arches, purple in colour, marking a kayakking event the next day. (Thought it was a bit much just for me!).
Disturbed from my slumbers next morning by much activity on the pontoon, which culminated in flag waving and horn blowing to send off three female kayakkers who were going to paddle all the way round the island. No time for another zizz before the procedure was repeated to send three male kayakkers off on their round-the-island paddle. Not the best of weather, it being overcast and almost drizzling. Dedicated these paddlers, expected time, between six and seven hours. There was to be much kayak activity during the day, but I didn’t see it, being elsewhere.
Elsewhere being primarily a visit to the World Heritage Center. A very functional wooden building housing exhibits, film, walls and placards of photographs and text of the history of Vega. Very well presented and comprehensive. Felt quite replete. Later a visit to one of the more prosperous farms on Vega, this one primarily for pigs, and the produce therefrom, including several sorts of cured sausage. I bought the one with seaweed seasoning, after a visit to the cafe and consumption of the speciality carrot cake with a coffee.
Next morning dawned much better. The sun shone and the breeze wafted gently. Forecast was for a strong change in wind strength and direction in the late afternoon so I left at lunchtime, after having met Britt’s daughter and family who arrived for a visit in a rapid aluminium whizzer.
We sailed half of the way to Brønnøysund, until we met the change, much earlier than expected, after which it was splash and bash into the wind and waves. Brønnøysund proudly boasts that it is halfway in Norway: And has some interesting “maritime”sculptures here and there.
Next day it was still blowing hard the wrong way until late afternoon, the wind suddenly dying, so we set off south again. Past the famous Trollhatten mountain, (looks like a hat from afar), with it’s enormous hole right through it. Took these pictures to show the shape, but our course did not go where the hole was visible. (It is roughly in the middle).
Motored all the way to Vennesund, stretching the day. Got in at 20:50. Small harbour with a monstrous barge in the middle. Maybe for dredging and/or piling. The ferry occupied most of the rest of space. Quick dinner, then bed.
Hopefully more sailing wind tomorrow. Alls well.
Josin's 2025 cruise 