From Vegstein to Hjartøy to Sandnessjøen to Selsøyvik to Sørfugløy to Bodø.
Nothing really eventful to report about sailing this stretch, as there wasn’t any. Sails have been up but help from the engine was almost always there.
From Vegstein to Hjartøy was in rain and wind against, but the anchorage there is one of the best, a narrow entrance to a lagoon completely surrounded by low hills. Sandymud bottom, perfect.
Next morning, quiet but chilly, and a motor the short distance to Sandnessjøen (66 01.4N / 012 37.9E), just to fill up with diesel, then on northward through what would have been splendid sailing, with wide fjords and calm water, but not this time unfortunately.
An interesting incident on the way: Suddenly the AIS system started shrieking with a blinking message on the screen showing “SART “and the exact position of an emergency. (Safety and Rescue Transponder). That position was close by. Oh, wake up! So, according to routine, we sped at full chat toward the position, to be of assistance. The position was from a salmon farm, but slowly moving round it. Odd. We got there to see that the signal was coming from the service vessel, and the crew were very surprised to be told! One rushed into the wheelhouse and came out bearing the culprit, a bright orange trophy-like shape. There followed an amusing sight of three crew members trying to turn it off. Afterward discussing how that could have happened. I said goodbye, as all was well, they thanked me and waved me off, to return to my voyage at normal speed. A new lesson learned.
There was plenty to see on the way, of Norway’s nature. Strange and sometimes beautiful mountain formations, especially illuminated by sunshine.
To the left is the “Rødøy Lion”, which is credible seen from the right angle in the right light, which wasn’t at this time of the morning, (leaving Selsøyvik early), with blue skies and flat calm.
In the middle, taken an hour later, the northerly wind had come in, but the clouds streaming from the mountain tops were being blown by a southerly. Meteorological oddity.
To the right is a long distance shot of the glacier “Svartisen”, which means Black Ice. Quite illogical to the foreign mind.
To the left, I would have called it the “Parson’s collar”.
In the middle, the “Guardian”, at Sørfugløy, looks as though nothing can pass it.
To the right a mountain with a scarf streaming from its head. (Still a northerly wind you see).
And then to Bodø, (67 17.0N / 014 22.3E), a few days early for the Event, which was the reason for this goal, because…..
Problems with Josin’s instruments. Specifically the one for indicating how deep the water was, but a few others as well, had been bothering me for quite a few days. Conversations with “help” services. Many suggestions but no solutions. Conversations with the helpful people at the company where I bought them. Same. Conclusion was that the chart plotter was defective and should be returned. That would have seen the whole cruise out, so I bought a new one and got it sent to Bodø. Gave me a couple of days to fix things before the Event. Needed only a couple of hours to install it and go through the whole start routine until all systems go! What a relief. Plague over. Relax.
Actually Bodø has been at its absolute best, sunshine and gentle breezes, (still northerly) all day and every day, so lots of people wandering about and savouring the summer.
Another Event was happening. Young gymnasts from all over Europe were here in Throngs and country-specific coloured clothing. Suddenly practicing their routines where they stood, to the public’s entertainment. Amazing what could be done with a skipping rope for instance. It is part of what is called rhythmic gymnastics I believe. Serious competitions over three days, which I didn’t watch.
Tomorrow the Event. The Coastal Society, Forbundet KYSTEN to give it it’s proper name, for the preservation of coastal culture and traditional boats has a gathering every year. This year in Bodø. (I was here their last time eight years ago). Thus tomorrow, Thursday 18th July, gather several teens of boats, from rowing to coastal steamers. All old, but cared for. Many sailing boats with viking-ship lines are my favourite. Keen and interesting people who keep their vessels and their traditions alive, and spread their knowledge to the younger generations. Also lectures about boat design and construction, building them, sailing them. Handwork of various sorts all being demonstrated. I’m looking forward to the smithy. And lots more. For three days, ending in a grand dinner on saturday evening.
Bedtime now. Alls well.
TraditionalJohn
Josin's 2025 cruise 