Our first week in Viking country

Thirty four hours and 198 miles saw us arrive in Norway, a whole different landscape and culture from the Shetlands. We are also back on the east side of Greenwich for a while (same as NZ). It was an easy overnight sail, the ony action was passing the oilrigs and being asked to change course to give a drilling rig 1 mile clearance. Sailing wing and wing, I did the best I could but got a second call saying it wasn't enough. By then we were well past, so I got back on course and carried on through the night which was as bright as daytime. We had to motor the last 20 miles and anchored in a sheltered harbour south of our intended destination of Alesund. It was just as we imagined it would be!

We have no understanding of the Norwegian language but as we anchored beside a bridge for lunch I thought that the sign "Gjesterbregge" looked like Jester Bridge so that was the name I entered in the log but we later learnt that that meant "visitors berth".

Alesund was our first big town and where we were able to get our passports stamped. It was all very casual and we had to wait until Monday as the police station wasn't open on Sundays. We tied to the wall right amonsgt the action for a few hours and then anchored outside in the cheap seats which was fine except for the wake from the ferries and power boats. It was a stunning town. Having had a

    major fire in the early 1900's it was rebuilt with a lot of character.

Things have changed a lot. Gone are the fishing boats and now yachts and power boats are tied alongside enjoying being in the centre of town.

                        

From there we have been visiting islands on the way to Kristiansund. Navigation is interesting, winding our way between rocks and small islands. Most of the houses are now just used in the summer . People are friendly and we are pleased that English is widely spoken.

The people of Bjornsund were only moved off in the 70's because there was not enough water for the population of 700. It was originally a fishing community. Fishing from rowboats, it made sense to live out there. There was plenty of activity the days we were there with ferries coming and going, people fishing and waterskiing, everyone enjoying the sunshine.

         These two statues were memorials to the fishermen who were lost at sea and their women.

                                   Phil cadged a ride on this tourist boat.