Sorry about the pause…..
Since Kari came on board and has been writing a daily posting in Facebook, I reckoned that writing anything here was a bit superfluous, and after Kari disembarked in Bodø, I rather continued the posting there. For those who have only this source of Josin-news, I apologise, and need to write an update.
From Selsøyvik to Bodø the weather was consistent and non-summery, and we motored almost all the way, boring really and not much to report. No windless opportunity to un-wuzzle the genaker, so the shame continued.
However, after a day in Bodø with various simple tasks, Kari took a taxi the airport early on the friday and flew home to warmth and welcoming Sirius the cat. It was most enjoyable having Kari’s company on board, and a bit empty and sad afterward. She left me with a pair of thick socks, hand-knitted under way, to keep my toes warm inside sailing boots. They have done!
Rather surprising, the weather forecast for saturday was promising, for both favourable wind direction and better weather, so I was ready early, but foiled by a last shower of rain. Pause. No point in getting wet at the start of a day’s sailing.
And sailed we did! All the way from Bodø til Selsøyvik, with a little help from the engine in contrary currents past Sørfugleøya after a couple of hours, and to Støtt. Støtt was first choice for the day, but there was plenty of the day left, the sun was shining and the wind was favourable, so we continued. And past the second choice, Bolga too. A fantastic contrast to days and weeks before.
And sunday was almost the same, with a bit more sailtrimming due to variable winds from around the mountains.
Last two hours needed engine as the course veered westerly into the dying wind. Ended up in the natural harbour of Hjartøya, my favourite anchorage in this area.
At last a very quiet evening allowed the un-wuzzling of the genaker, which is now properly hoisted and rolled in tight, ready for new use.
Yesterday, from Hjartøya to Vegstein, all motor with gentle wind on the nose, passed this incredible sculpture on a small island, rather far from any habitation. That has a long story, with roots in ancient history, but basically a fiery priest, Peter Dass, riding the devil in the form of a goat, to reach Copenhagen in time to preach the Christmas sermon. (Terrible lighting, sorry).
Now a day in Vegstein as its raining again. Brighter tomorrow morning, hopefully.
Southtalong John.
