Josin's 2025 cruise

The inner Hjørundfjord.

Having dragged the bike out of its storage space and unfolded it, discovered that the tyres sorely need air. I have two pumps, one at home and one on the boat. Bother, both must be at home. Refold bike and back to storage. Find and extend walking-poles.
There are several marked trails in the valley, plotted in on a large map of the area outside the local shop, (closed indefinitely), with incomprehensible local names, to the outsider. However, the trails were marked in colour and I picked mauve, the shortest, mentally noted its name in the local dialect, and sett off, all optimistic and inquisitive.
Turn right, over the bridge over a fast-running and incredibly clear-water stream/river, from melting snows from higher up.

and then the first anomaly. Very long, low, sheds, obviously neglected and getting rusty. Ex mink farms apparently. All such were forcibly closed down several years ago, after intense lobbying by animal rights people over the farming methods. It must have been quite an economic and cultural shock for the community to lose an industry. Back to farming.
Much activity at this time of year to get in the spring harvest of hay, and “tractor eggs” in abundance. Modern method of preserving hay for later winter fodder.
Up the hill to a crossroads and trail signs. Why didn’t they continue with the colours? Chose what I thought meant shortest, turned to the left and into the valley. Firstly tractor-suitable road:

then gravel footpath, then grass footpath, then er, well, rather overgrown footpath, not very walking-poles-friendly. Beautiful spring flowers though.

finally a view of that mountain-top, Slogen 1564 m, very majestic and distant:

I think this must also have been the end of the trail, or at least the used bit, so I found a way to get in the direction I thought it went, back over the stream/river on a suspiciously rusty bridge, (that water looked intensely cold), and up to the road and plod homeward.
Past the famous and unique Union Hotel:

and back to Josin. My Apple watch tells me that I had taken 10 442 steps and covered 8,2 km. Not bad, eh? Well-earned rest.
Next day, more sunshine, and having “done” the valley, puttered off to investigate the other arm of the fjord, south down to Bjørke, (62 06.3N / 006 33.0E), right to the end, surrounded by high, impressive mountains.

then retraced our steps to about the only place where there was shallow water, (fjord being mainly over 300 m deep), and anchored for the night, under the threat of a sharp-toothed mountain top:

Next morning, overcast and utterly still, I disturbed the peace with the whine-loud anchor winch hauling in the anchor, and motored away at slow cruising speed back north, hugging the western shore to look at the few and mainly isolated places on the way. This one apparently only accessable by boat.

Finally tied up to a pontoon at the Ålesund Sailing Club’s island of Gåsholmen, just south of Ålesund town. The sun got hidden by spectacular CuNb thunder clouds and they did their grumbling thing later that night. Lots of rain in showers, sufficiently heavy to wake me up. Calm again this morning.

Alls well,

FinishedtouristJohn

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

From Måløy round Stad, to Larsnes and beyond.

Forecasts were reasonably correct, and three other sailing boats must have read the same, as an hour after leaving Måløy they appeared from other harbours, all heading north to round Stad. (62 12.2N / 005 5.6E).
Stad is notorious for confused winds, currents and waves. Especially in winter and for commercial traffic it is a problem. So much so that there is a plan to bore a tunnel through the peninsular further inland. Crazy idea? Makes sufficient sense however that plans have been drawn up, proposals made and finance is in now place for a serious project. It will be an enormous undertaking. For those interested, try google “skipstunnel.no” and wikipedia “Stad ships tunnel”. It hasn’t been in the news recently, so the timetable has almost certainly slipped. It would have been quite an experience to go through in Josin, but I’m not convinced that it will be ready in time. Whatever….
Anyway, this time round was windy, luckily following, and large, confused seas. Very roly-poly-up-and-down. Because the land is high and near-vertical, down to an undersea ledge, ocean waves get raised up by the ledge and then get reflected back out to sea again. The result is as described.
All four sailed round in good time, waved to each other goodbye from our fleeting wave-tops and went our different ways. We headed 90 degrees east, oddly enough with still a strong following wind, to Larsnes (62 12.4N / 005 34.1E), a familiar harbour. But Lo! it wasn’t familiar at all. The guest harbour as I knew it, shared with the ferry, was now occupied by an enormous barge with everything needed to make a new something there. It was by now very late evening and no one in sight to ask, so I tied up to something solid and hoped for the best. (Left very early next morning, before work started again. It being a saturday, perhaps it didn’t).
Under threatening black clouds and drizzle, we motored off to find a place where we could anchor up for a night or several, as the forecast was just gloomy-and-rain depressing.
On the way, it gradually became absolutely flat calm, no wind, no waves, and no rain, and an excellent opportunity to try and reset the electronic compass and autopilot, as although they functioned, the display showed we were crabbing along about 10 degrees to starboard. Irritating, but not dangerous. A long process, with imaginative re-readings of the instructions which I happened to have on board for an earlier model, resulted in success. Observers, mostly patient gulls (who concluded we were fishing as we were going round and round in circles several times), and human ones, who could have begun to think we were in trouble. No, all turned out well. And no more crabbing. The instructions, in paper form, were stowed just before it started to rain again.
After nosing in to inspect possible anchorages, we ended up in a tight bay on Eika (Oak) island, (62 14.6N / 005 53.5E) and intend to stay safe here until the weather improves.

Maybe some more weather (ish) pics from a deep fjord. The squashed rainbow was in another direction.

Alls warm, dry-ish well.

WaitingJohn.

Hardbakke to Måløy. (61 55.9N / 005 06.8E)

A fine welcome!

The wind blew again, strongly, and we made such good progress that we just had to carry on past Florø, which was plan A for the day, and all of 62 nm to Måløy. Almost all the way was in protected waters so no waves and no problems keeping a straight course which was a relief. Sailed with just the genoa, slightly rolled in, which gave more than enough speed and easier steering.
Much ships traffic in and out of Florø, including these fast ferries doing 25 knots and more, which are there before you know it. Lookout almost continuous therefore.
The weather forecast had said showers and this time it was correct. The clouds scudding across the sky would occasionally grow fratricidal and together deposit a lot of rain, very cold too. Then the sun would reappear and dry us quickly out again. Repeat.
The most interesting bits of the trip was in the long fjord after Florø, where firstly this suddenly appeared:

Looks like a very local shower was illuminated by a narrow shaft of sunlight. Squashed rainbow!

And secondly the winds blowing along the fjord forced-guided by the high mountains on both sides competed with the fall-winds from the winds over the mountains at another angle. Made for sudden and large changes in windspeed and direction. Never a dull moment. Quite energetic in unfurling then furling the genoa in a hurry.
Round the “U” turn at the end of the fjord, dominated by the near 1000 meter high wall of Hornilen mountain, which caused complete confusion in the winds, so we motored the hour for the rest of the way. Including over 3 kn current in the narrow Skatestraumen, fortunately going our way. (Quite unplanned!)

I had to struggle to tie up in Måløy’s guest harbour as the wind was blowing hard, of course away from the pontoon, it was also raining just then so all help was sheltering down under. I made it at the third attempt just as there was a lull and the rain stopped. Phew!
11 hours, a new max for the trip, and very satisfied, but somewhat weary.
Did one tired-stupid thing though, about half an hour before arriving, and I forgot to re-hang the fender which covers the cabin-heater exhaust when in cruising position, before turning the heater on. Exhaust hot. Plastic melts. Fender deflates and is uselessly sorry-looking. Saved by helpful lady in the boat-things shop on the quay, who found an identical one and inflated it.
Although the guest harbour is surrounded by pontoons and should be calm, those fast ferries drag their significant wake when they slow down at the last minute before docking, close by. Then the pontoons and all us poor boats dance and roll for a few seconds. Fenders vital!

Showers (lots) and Bright Periods, (few), continued unabated so a rest day yesterday, and most other sailboats stayed put too, awaiting weather more suited to rounding the peninsular at Stad, always a weather challenge. My several weather forecasts agree that things will calm down later this morning, (more BP and less S) and further into the afternoon and later, so I plan to depart after lunch, (it is friday), leaving some artistic Måløy walls.

Alls well, form a well-showered JosinJohn.

to hardbakke, (61 04.4N / 004 50.2E)

Monday 3rd June. A very windy day. All my sources of weather info, YR.no, Windy, and the Coastal Radio got it a bit wrong, timewise. All predicted a South Westerly gale, and gale there was but it arrived while we were out sailing, and not later. Ah well, another confirmation that both Josin and I are capable of handling a gale with aplomb.
The first hour or so was in the broad fjord, protected from the rollers from the North Sea and local wind-blown waves and we made excellent progress in 15 kt wind, thinking that this was going to be a fun day. But later, outside the fjord and exposed to more weather, it became rather tivoli-like in motion, but still with full sail. Still fun. Then the gale arrived, what? Already? 25 kts steady and much more in the gusts, so I reefed both sails, two in the main, and about half the area in the genoa and settled down to a helter-skelter ride downwind to Hardbakke. Not quite so much fun! But quite OK. There were a few sunny spells and short, sharp rain showers, but not enough to feel cold. Watching the clouds being torn across the sky was quite an entertainment. Glad I’m not in the least exposed to mal-de-mer!
Amusing to see a few ships going in the opposite direction rocking up and down in boffing clouds of spray. For most of their journeys these are coastal vessels and they sail inside the islands so do not experience waves.
Arriving in the very well-sheltered harbour at Hardbakke seemed quite an anti-climax, and almost idyllic, and plenty of places to tie up:

The motorboat in front of Josin was surprised to see us, as he had tried to go south and had returned chastened.
Look at those mountain faces behind the harbour! Can’t you see all the trolls that are lurking there?

This morning, its Tuesday 4th june, I can confirm that the weather forecast was and is correct: Still a gale and rushing rain showers. Josin has a significant heel to starboard as even in this sheltered spot the wind is powerful enough and right on the beam. An inside day therefore. Heater on, things to do, books to read, food to eat, and snoozes too.

Alls well, from StayputJohn

Skudeneshavn til Haugesund til Bergen til Hardbakke.

Again fortunate with favourable winds and excellent progress. Am way ahead of schedule!

From Skudeneshavn the short distance (17 nm) til Haugesund was sailed with a fine beam wind sedately but fast enough in the calm protected water of the south/north Karmoy Sound. Ideal for trying out the wind pilot and it worked fine until other traffic and much navigating in the narrowing sound meant back to electronic autopilot. Only problem with the windpilot is that I have to stretch out over the stern to change the setting of the vane, which governs the course to sail. Must think up a way to do that with strings instead. Next winter’s project.
Haugesund has one og the most interesting shops for things boating. In several floors of an ancient building on the waterfront, structure made of thick logs, with natural-shaped trusses. Low headroom and narrow aisles and creaking floorboards. And everything, if you can find it. I had to ask for help, and a very kind assistant rushed off into the labyrinth and left me hurrying behind but quickly lost. Had to wait. He found me. Walked slower next time. Thankyou!

Early start from Haugesund, (07:15!) next morning to utilise the forecast wind, which was to gradually die away after a strong start. Check. Unfortunately the direction was right on the nose, NE, so we sailed close-hauled into the waves. (There were two other sailing boats ahead doing the same thing, so we couldn’t just motor could we?). Amazingly, with much careful trimming of sails in very small increments, and observing over time, we managed to improve the windward performance quite substantially over what I had deemed normal before. Pleasant surprise! (For the initiated: An improvement from 2,5 -3 knots in velocity to windward, to 3,5 to 4 knots). That ought to change our placement in the next tuesday regatta back home!
The wind died away just as we turned to the north into the next fjord, so we motored the rest of the way to a quiet anchorage at Orrøya, (59 51.5N / 005 13.9E).

Even earlier start next morning, 06:45, in flat calm and windless conditions and motored all the way north to Strusshamn, (60 24.2N / 005 11.5E), a few miles west of Bergen. Been there often before. The harbour in the center of Bergen is busy, noisy and unsettled. Tie up to jetties protected with large very black old tractor tyres, which leave ones fenders and hull black afterward. So I much prefer Strusshamn and a bus ride into town.

Bergen was looking its best in the late spring sunshine and all the many rhododendron bushes were in full flower.

Also a large cruise ship had disgorged its tourists so there were many milling about. A scene in the middle of Torgalmenningen had circus artists performing, so there was plenty to gawp at.

And there was Hanne and Sander! We met for brunch and then sat on a bench overlooking the water and fountain and the ducks and talked. Then took a bus to their flat, all very new for them and rather disorganised, with many layout plans and ideas. I’m sure they will end up with a very liveable space. More chat over several cups of tea from a large brown teapot and then time to bus back to the boat. Being sunday the bus timetable was a bit sparse, so I had to take just that one, or none. Shortened the visit a bit unfortunately.

As there was still much of the day left, I decided to head off and cover a few miles to a familiar natural harbour at Uttoska, (60 39.3N / 004 56.4E). Found a new pontoon to tie up to, instead of anchoring as before, and enjoyed a quiet night.

Next day, wind and waves and more wind and waves, to Hardbakke.
Pause for food.

Alls well.

Kristiansand

After the cruise ship had left, the town returned to apparent normality, and lived up to its boast being the sunniest place on the south coast. Pavement cafés were full and no one seemed grumpy. Shop assistants were smilingly helpful, and I found everything I needed, including sourdough!
And so to Bølgen and Kunstsilo: (No overview exterior pic as the only viewpoint is from the sea, these “buildings” being on the old wharf-front and backing onto a ridge).

Kunstsiloen. An ex-grain silo of enormous dimensions which has been gutted for much of its interior walls and turned into an art center. Incredibly imaginative. Most impressive. As you see, impossible to photo.

I took the lift up to the top, panorama view, slightly dizzying, and worked my downward. the top floors were either intact, or admin, but floor 5, “Kunst i kuling” outside platform, (slightly less vertigo), one item there:

Floors 4, 3 and 2, surrounding the central Hole, with all forms of art, each with its own section. Something for everyone, you see what you like.
The Hole is guarded by substantial glass panels, (no vertigo), and suddenly, there wafted up choir music, un-accompanied, and eeriely enthralling, from down below. (I’ve got a video, but it refuses to be included here, a pity, as it was a bit special).
Many impressions later, and a coffee, out into the fresh air at ground level and the broad promenade, with places to sit and think, and wonder, and feel weary:

Looking the other way, “Bølgen”, the concert hall and stage. Wonder what the acoustics sound like with that construction. Pity that there isn’t an outrigger platform so that one could get a more distant and direct view of these two remarkable buildings.
Kudos to Kristiansand!

Then the short walk back to the boat, viewing more art on the way, (think maybe some idiot had squirted som washing-up liquid into the water).

Goodbye Kristiansand!
Many positive memories and only one negative one, a heel-blister.
And back to sailing.

Looking back on the last few days since leaving Sandefjord, I have been incredibly lucky with the winds, in both direction and speed. Six sailing days with wind aft, max boat speed, and many nautical miles. As we rounded “the bottom corner”, Lindesnes, (57 58.7N / 007 3.2E):

and changed to more northerly directions, the wind stayed aft, blowing us forward in roly-poly waves, first to a quiet anchorage at Skarvøya (58 03.8N / 006 54.3E) for a night, then on to Egersund, (58 27.2N / 006 0.0E), a familiar place, and always worth a stopover.
A late start next day while waiting for a front to go through and take the rain with it, then off again, to increasing waves and wind, yet again aft, blowing us all the 51 nm to Skudeneshavn (59 09.0 N / 005 15.4E). Some maritime traffic on the way, me trying to keep out of the designated “roads”, until we came to a roundabout, clearly marked on the chart, and as no-one was looking, we went round it the wrong way, as it was shorter to our goal.
Rest day today, as yesterday was long, energetic and wearying. Opportunity to deal with the nasty smell in the drinking-water tank. Never happened before, so a bit uncertain if domestic chlorine, the only stuff to hand, will do the trick. OK, (I’ve got bottled water from the shop).

Alls otherwise well,

R&R SailorJohn

Kristiansand. (58 8.6N / 008 0.2E)

Idyllic evening in the guest harbour Must be the biggest cruise ship in Norwegian waters

From Lillesand to Kristiansand, evening 22 May.
The forecast said that the small gale would abate in the late afternoon, and it did, but it turned out to not be quite as much abate as predicted. However, the direction was still north easterly, which was just fine, so we set off out into a 2 meter heavy swell, going roughly in our direction, to 25 knots of remarkably warm wind. And we sailed! Had to zigzag tack downwind as the wind was otherwise dead aft and it was much more comfortable to have a bit of an angle. Those who follow Josin’s path on MarineTrafikk must have thought it a bit odd.
But the speed! Gilbert noted max speed on MT to be 8,2 knots. Quite incredible, helped by a strong current in our direction. Not so often that happens. A rolypoly ride with the seas all to ourselves. Not another boat in sight. Lovely evening.
We arrived in Kristiansand exhilarated and hungry. Oh? Yes, hungry. Embarrassing. Had made sandwiches to eat on the way, cooking dinner in those seas being quite out of the question, and had put them in the washbasin where they were handy and wouldn’t stray if we rolled. But. I had forgotten that when Josin rolls to a significant angle, water spouts back up the drain and into the washbasin. Saltwater soused sandwiches are inedible. One learns the hard way.
Hunger was dealt with by a short and rapid walk to McDonalds, just up the road.

Slept late this morning, probably needed that, and after a leisurely breakfast, poked my head out to see that floating suburban block of flats, the cruise ship. And the un-ending line of people walking along the pathway past the harbour. They were probably on their way to the Art Gallery, in a much-modified grain silo. I plan to visit, it is quite spectacular and the collection of art is apparently of high quality. But not today.
So I went shopping, in thronged streets of other slow-moving cruise tourists. To maintain my particular habit, the hunt was on to find sourdough bread. Hearsay whispered “Odd Bakery”. Google Maps helped and on the northern end of town there it was. Small back street, inconspicuous. Sourdough only, and nearly sold out for the day. But there was one “Land Loaf” left. They close at 3.
Excellent exercise there and back, and hungry back on Josin, it being now past lunchtime, nearly half the succulent loaf was devoured. Yum!

Then the skies darkened, and darkened more, and opened, with earsplitting thunder and lightning uncomfortably close, and rain battering on the cabin roof to deafen the sensitive. And the drips appeared, as always. I’ll never find the source. Plenty of mopping cloths are the coward’s answer.

Tomorrow I will go see the Art, between the predicted showers. Forecast wind is strong and contrary, so no sailing, not even motoring.

Alls well.

John

Early morning quiet, 06:00, wednesday 22 May.

After two fast and bumpy sailing days, we are now in Lillesand harbour waiting for the wind to drop to something more comfortable. Even in this sheltered place riggings are whistling. So, what’s been a-happening?
18th May was spent anchored up in a quiet bay, (59 4.6N / 010 13.7E) just south of Sandefjord, fettling. No major things, just those that I’d put off before leaving, og forgotten, but quite a few small ones. Took time.  Lovely sunny day, no wind, perfect for fettling. Visits from swans, and ducks.
19th dawned with still no wind, but a little breeze came in in the afternoon and we motor/sailed to Stavern, (59 0.0N / 010 2.6E), where I visited friends Sven and Titten Rønne for a very pleasant evening.
20th provided wind! Plenty. From the north east, which was just what we needed, as we were heading south west. Plan A was to stop at Stråholmen, but half way there it seemed that further goals were much better, and we sailed, very fast but bumpy in the current-troubled waters, to well known Finnøya, (58.44.0N / 009 13.6E), home of the Risør Sailing Club. Two sailing boats there, both 40+-footers, and Josin seemed very small. Quite OK, as long as there is space for Josin.
A good night’s sleep, bright sunny morning again, measured the water temp, but no, not yet.
Then in to Risør town to shop before setting off out into the same bumpy seas and following current, and same strong wind which blew us all the way to Lillesand, (58 14.9N / 008 22.8E), a near 50 NM long stretch in only seven hours. Wheeeee!
Visited old sailor friend Svein Tangen, who no longer sails, but is always good company and keen to hear of my exploits. Coffee and biscuits. Svein’s daughter Elisabeth arrived and the evening stretched out.
Back in the boat it was now too late to continue to Kristiansand, which was the possible plan, before the wind was forecast to blow even harder. But no, better to relax.
And blow it did, still doing it (at mid day). Clouds (what are they now?) rushing past. So, blog and coffee time, then find the diesel leak (which prevents the cabin heater from working and diesel ends up in the bilge), then lunch, then more waiting. Book maybe? Considered taking the inner route, (Blindleia), to Kristiansand, but the very-detailed charts needed for the navigating-fascinating trip, (motor only), are at home, and I don’t want to hit something unseen and lurking.
Wind forecast to reduce to manageable late this afternoon, we’ll see.

Impatient SailorJohn

16 May. Cloudless sky. 20 degrees. Three smiling crew, Kari, Gilbert and Hanne. What more……? (Sorry about the half-faces, copying and inserting pics needs to be learned, but later).

All (!) the way from Tønsberg to Sandefjord, (21 MN). Very little wind unfortunately and very fickle too while in the inner fjord, and then a nice breeze but directly on the nose when out in the open. We did manage to sail the early part of the way, with an occasional gust to make Josin heel a bit, or a little help from the engine, enough anyway to be able to say that we sailed! But the rest was motoring.
We had planned to anchor up for lunch in Tallakshavn, a lovely sheltered bay about half way, but progress was initially so slow that we hungrily agreed that lunch now was better than waiting and Kari served up a very succulent and copious Caesar’s salad while under way. (Calm gentle seas, no problem).
We all soaked up the sun and the sea air and agreed that we had enjoyed the day immensely. Happy hugs all round.

And then the embarrasing bit: I had earlier discovered when installing the wind-steering gear that a vital bit of it was still in winter storage, nestling in a shelf in my workshop at home. So, kind Kari lent me her car and I did an evening trip to and from Kongsberg to fetch it. Actually there were several other things too, none important, which were still at home, so they got fetched too. Note to self: Find and update the “things to take to boat” list. Memory is obviously not reliable enough. (New news?).

Altogether a long, busy, summery, boating and enjoyable day. And was I glad to fall into my welcoming bed aboard in the end!

Written, with early-morning-cuppa, today the 17th May, Norway’s National Day. Woken by the oblicatory salute of three very loud gun shots from the top of the hill behind the town at 7 am to begin the day. Later there will be parades, marching with horns and music and drums, long procession of all the school children, much waving of flags, speeches and icecream. It will be fantastic!
Heia Norge!

Alls well, from: A slightly weary SailorJohn