From Eika to Ålesund to Mauseidvågen to Øya.
Yes it did rain, more or less, for two days, holed up in the anchorage at Eika. No activity, no disturbances, except one sailing boat, “Rose”, who pottered slowly round the little bay, sightseeing he said, and then pottered away.
But I was running out of food, so when tuesday dawned, with a forecast of cloudy but only showers, we up-anchored and headed up the broad fjord for motor towards Ålesund. Then a following wind came in, gently only, but it helped. Then the rain started, again, and not just a shower. By the time we tied up in the inner harbour (Brosund) in Ålesund, I was again longing for warmth and sunshine.
Ålesund is a popular port for cruise ships, especially the larger sort. This pic was taken the day we left, from the inner fjord looking north at the south side of town. The ridge, “Aksla” dominating, with popular restaurant and lookout post perched on the edge, overlooking the town.
Next day was a shopping day, for food and other things needed. Took a bus to Moa, a sprawling shopping center, (the locals call it the largest), where it is very easy to trudge and get lost looking for a particular shop. Lunch with friend Viel, who kindly let me later use her washing machine, as the one in the harbour facilities had gone. Then back to boat and hang up partially-dry laundry, in the cabin. (It was still too wet outside!).
Next morning, as you can see from the above pic, was calm and not raining, so we set off on the short distance to Mauseidvågen, where Josin had spent a winter a few years ago, and where she was going to wait for me while I am away south to meet brother Peter and Marion on their brief visit to Oslo.
On the way there we took a slight detour to see the tower of pallets, erected by students, to be burned on Midsummer’s Eve. Lighting a bonfire is a carefully maintained tradition on Midsummer’s Eve, over the whole country. This one is it quite a sight. “Slinnings bål”, if you want more info.
Then away south, down the loooong Hjørundfjord, again with a motor-helping breeze, and turn left into Norangsfjord to Øye, (62 11.7N / 006 39.1E) right at the end.
On the way there, much majestic scenery, difficult to picture, but this one was worth a try, waterfalls everywhere:
About a half hour before arriving, the skies opened and everything got very wet. In-to-the-skin evidence that my sailor suit is no longer waterproof. Back to the clothes-drying process, inside.
Having changed, and eaten, I walked the short distance to the famous Union Hotel, (Union Hotel, Øye), to have a look and a coffee. Which was served on a silver tray, from a pot-bellied antique silver coffeepot. There i sat, under a panoply of ostrich feathers, lit by a glittering chandelier, feeling quite posh. Good coffee too.
But next morning, this morning, MAGIC! No rain, blue sky, and the most picture-postcard sight ever! Still chilly though, only 12 degrees.
I was here, maybe 30 years ago, and we climbed the local mountaintop, Slogen, 1564 m. Well, the other two did, but a knee which complained decided that 1300 m was enough for me. This time I shall admire it from sea level.
Plan to get out the bike and pedal my way further in the valley, but later. It is so restful to do nothing in the sunshine.
Alls well,
TouristJohn
Josin's 2025 cruise 