Norway 2005

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" rowspan="2" width=210 BGCOLOR="#99CC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0408dfc3.jpg"> <div> <A HREF="id195.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Adventures"><U><B><IMG SRC="5838c370.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A><B> </B></div> <bR> <div> <B> <TABLE BORDER="0" CELLPADDING="2" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="156" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#C0C0C0" BORDERCOLORDARK="#808080" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 70 ><NOBR><div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Keelby Village located in North East Lin"><U><B><IMG SRC="5768c370.jpg" border=0 width="140" height="55" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></U></A></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="150"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="150" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 WIDTH="150"><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="1x1.gif" HEIGHT="16" ALIGN="bottom" WIDTH="150" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></tD> </tR> </TABLE></B></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B> </B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B>DFSDS Ferries</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Tel:  08702 520 524</B></I></div> <div> <I><B>Tel:  0044 1255 240 246</B></I></div> </td> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=82 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0418dfe1esnpes.jpg"> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#336666" FACE="Arial" ><B>Keelby Village located in North East Lincolnshire,  England </B></FONT><B>     </B></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=398 colspan=2 BGCOLOR="#CCCC99" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="0418dfc3.jpg"> <div> <I>Norway 2005</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Last December I took a trip down to Morocco with a view to camping out </I></div> <div> <I>under the stars under a cloudless night drinking Jameson's whisky whilst </I></div> <div> <I>camping in the Sahara desert. That trip turned out to be absolutely fantastic </I></div> <div> <I>and I'll always remember it.  So this year I decided to go to the top of the world </I></div> <div> <I>this time and enjoy another few Jameson's whilst camping under the Northern </I></div> <div> <I>lights at  NordKapp.   Although realistically it is going to be a little to late in the </I></div> <div> <I>year to see the lights due to cloud cover etc. So inside one year I'll have been </I></div> <div> <I>to the Sahara desert to the Arctic circle.   Deep Joy!!   Life's Great!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Below is a extract from my Norwegian adventure taken from my other website:-</I></div> <div>                        <A HREF="http://www.motorcycleadventures.co.uk" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.motorcycleadventures.co.uk"><U><IMG SRC="b5ba2960.jpg" border=0 width="162" height="150" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></U></A></div> <div>                    Press button for more details.</div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="93b5a910.jpg" border=0 width="346" height="401" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> The route up to NordKapp by road and back by</I></div> <div> <I> The Fast cruise ferry down to Sandnessijoen .</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 1               Monday 5</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005-09-22</U></I></div> <div> <I>Miles at the start of the trip bike ODO 7486 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>10:30hrs       I departed from home on a lovely late summer's day for Newcastle </I></div> <div> <I>full of excitement for another biking adventure along with perhaps a little hint of </I></div> <div> <I>trepidation. A feeling not to dissimilar last year's Moroccan trip.</I></div> <div> <I>13:30hrs       I arrived at the DFSDS ferry terminal, being joined by  seven other </I></div> <div> <I>bikers on route to various   parts of Norway and a few returning home after their </I></div> <div> <I>personal biking adventures to UK. I sometimes take it for granted living in UK, </I></div> <div> <I>that it is a lovely country with a beautiful landscape which some people ride </I></div> <div> <I>across Europe to visit.   I bumped into Mike Counter a friend from work who </I></div> <div> <I>was on route to Gothenburg for a kayaking trip.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b5ae8ae0.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">   </I></div> <div> <I>Posing in front of the ferry, another adventure starts.</I></div> <div> <I>                   </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="958eaaf0.jpg" border=0 width="234" height="175" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">                            </I></div> <div> <I>Fancy meeting you here,  “Mike”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="959ebb00.jpg" border=0 width="235" height="176" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">                     </I></div> <div> <I>The bikers awaiting “boarding”</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>15:45hrs       Ferry departed late for Kristansand, and then </I></div> <div> <I>later onward to  Gothenburg.</I></div> <div> <I>14:50hrs       All showered, changed out of the sweaty biking </I></div> <div> <I>gear and into my drinking gear, first stop into the duty free </I></div> <div> <I>shop for a couple  litres of Guinness to see me through the crossing. </I></div> <div> <I>I was laid back on the aft. sun deck with a couple of the other bikers </I></div> <div> <I>watching UK disappear under the horizon whilst the back of my </I></div> <div> <I>eyes disappeared under a horizon of Guinness</I></div> <div> <I>20:00hrs      Buffet lunch, with Chris, a GS rider on route to Oslo</I></div> <div> <I>for a romantic liaison. </I></div> <div> <I>21:30hrs      After lunch,  into the bar for the evenings entertainment </I></div> <div> <I>and belly full of an assortment  of waterery cocktails. The </I></div> <div> <I>entertainment was not too bad, a combination of cheap Eastern </I></div> <div> <I>Block bands and a dance troupe. </I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  150miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  7636</I></div> <div> <I>Today  150 miles.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b50e8ae0.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>All secured for sea and ready for the Off!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 2                 Tuesday 6</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <div> <I>03:00hrs     Back to bed after a late night in the bar, trying various </I></div> <div> <I>cocktail mixes with Chris, the GS Rider.</I></div> <div> <I>07:30hrs      Up and about with a hangover and wondering how far </I></div> <div> <I>I'll make it down the road before I have a siesta and where I'm going </I></div> <div> <I>to sleep my first night in Norway..</I></div> <div> <I>09:30hrs      Into Kristansand, slightly late. (local time is one </I></div> <div> <I>hour ahead of UK)</I></div> <div> <I>10:15hrs     All of the bikers departed in convoy, but I pulled </I></div> <div> <I>over at the first garage to loose the group and stop for fuel </I></div> <div> <I>and eats.  The weather is lovely and  dry, good for a ride </I></div> <div> <I>on the E18 towards Oslo. The scenery along the south coast </I></div> <div> <I>is spectacular with all the lakes and rocky inlets and fjords. Unfortunately </I></div> <div> <I>the road is littered with speed cameras “automatic traffic control” </I></div> <div> <I>and the speed limits are generally 10 miles lower across the range</I></div> <div> <I> that UK which at time seems painfully slow. This unfortunately </I></div> <div> <I>distracts you from the stunning views.  To make matters worse </I></div> <div> <I>the km markings on the Honda Speedo are grey against a black </I></div> <div> <I>background which makes it very hard to read and impossible in the rain.</I></div> <div> <I>I'll have to use my Garmin GPS  system to display the speed in km </I></div> <div> <I>to try and keep  under the speed limit because the fines are into the </I></div> <div> <I>high hundred if you get pulled over by the Police.</I></div> <div> <I>of pounds.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b59daa30.jpg" border=0 width="218" height="163" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Paused for a rest on route to Oslo</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> Unfortunately I arrived in Oslo at rush hour and I got stuck </I></div> <div> <I>in the cueing traffic in one of the tunnels under the city. </I></div> <div> <I>My journey nearly came to an abrupt ending in one </I></div> <div> <I>of the tunnels with the  engine getting very hot under the collar. The </I></div> <div> <I>temperature gauge was in the red, maxed out and the electric </I></div> <div> <I>fan was struggling to keep up. I managed to get clear of Oslo </I></div> <div> <I>around 16:30hrs. The roads north of Oslo are quite fast compared </I></div> <div> <I>to those coming from Kristansand with the motorways speeding </I></div> <div> <I>the traffic away from the city to the north. This put me onto the </I></div> <div> <I>E6 which runs right up the center of Norway all the way to top at </I></div> <div> <I>NordKapp and is the road I'll be following most of my route. </I></div> <div> <I>17:30     As the dual carriage way peters out just north of Oslo </I></div> <div> <I>airport I start looking for a camp site to stay the night.</I></div> <div> <I>18:00     I arrived at a lake side camp site called Hersjoen </I></div> <div> <I>close to village of Herlige (Morgeina Campsite).  I noticed that </I></div> <div> <I>most of the campers seemed to be local workers from the airport .  </I></div> <div> <I>I had a quick run into the local village for the cash point, as I had </I></div> <div> <I>drank all my money on the ferry last night.  The campsite only </I></div> <div> <I>cost NKR 60 for the night along with 5NKR for the shower.  I </I></div> <div> <I>managed to get the tent up and my gear stowed in about 40mins. </I></div> <div> <I>The petrol cooker worked wonders with a tin of Irish Stew which went</I></div> <div> <I> down well.  When I fell asleep it was a lovely evening but the </I></div> <div> <I>clouds where moving in which unfortunately was an example of </I></div> <div> <I>the weather to come.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b51d19d0.jpg" border=0 width="209" height="157" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> night camping, nice and dry for bed</I></div> <div> <I>awakening to the rain</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  413miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  7899</I></div> <div> <I>Today  263 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 3                 Wednesday 7</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>07:45     I woke up feeling rather refreshed and alcohol free, after a restless </I></div> <div> <I>night it looks like rain again. As it started to rain I realized that I should </I></div> <div> <I>have woken earlier and I would have had packed away all my gear in the </I></div> <div> <I>panniers before it started to rain. There is a moral to that story but what the </I></div> <div> <I>hell it's a holiday.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b58cf9b0.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="155" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">              </I></div> <div> <I>Not a bad view from the shower block</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>09:00hrs      I finally got back on the road after waiting a while for </I></div> <div> <I>it to stop raining, in the end I just packed my gear away wet. I </I></div> <div> <I>continued on the E6 north but the going was slow due to the </I></div> <div> <I>abundance of speed cameras but the views helped to focus the </I></div> <div> <I>mind. Lake Mjosa was absolutely stunning and seemed to continue </I></div> <div> <I>forever eventually ending just below Lillehammer, the location of the </I></div> <div> <I>1986 winter Olympics. The views from the hillside around Lillehammer </I></div> <div> <I>where absolutely stunning.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b57ca970.jpg" border=0 width="202" height="151" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Welcome to Lillehammer</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b56cb980.jpg" border=0 width="203" height="152" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Looking south along Lake Mjosa</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b55c9960.jpg" border=0 width="201" height="150" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A rainy day in Lillehammer</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>18:00hrs     I booked into the Halland campsite about 80km south of Trondheim</I></div> <div> <I>After last nights camping with rather damp departure I decided to go for </I></div> <div> <I>a log cabin instead. These are great value at NKR300 for a 4 person cabin </I></div> <div> <I>c/w heating, fridge and a double ring hotplate.  The showers where only </I></div> <div> <I>5 KNR for 5mins and the dryer was free, great valve.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="95bcf9b0.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="155" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Log cabin for the night, lovely and warm!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b54d1a20.jpg" border=0 width="209" height="162" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Drying the tent out, whilst warming another</I></div> <div> <I>tin of Irish stew.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b53d0160.jpg" border=0 width="208" height="278" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Bunk beds,  great for hanging your riding gear to </I></div> <div> <I>drying your gear, just like Offshore!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b52d41a0.jpg" border=0 width="212" height="282" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Not to bad, good enough for my cooking skills</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="95dd5a00.jpg" border=0 width="213" height="160" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>What a view.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="95fe7ad0.jpg" border=0 width="231" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Not bad for just under £30 a night.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  670miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  8156</I></div> <div> <I>Today  257 miles</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I><U>Day 4                 Thursday 8</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>07:30hrs.     I'm trying to get into the early start routine to get to NordKapp before the </I></div> <div> <I>weather turns for the wintry worse. I managed to get away about 09:20 after all the mornings </I></div> <div> <I>ablutions and filling up the flask with coffee to fend of the cold.</I></div> <div> <I>10:10     I'm making my way around  the Trondheim by-pass perhaps I'll get time to see this historic </I></div> <div> <I>town on the way back. As I appeared  out of the tunnel on the north side of Trondheim I get a shock </I></div> <div> <I>which made me realize just how big this country is, another 900km to Narvik and that's only about half the </I></div> <div> <I>remaining distance to NordKapp. This fact quickly fades away as I start following along the coast </I></div> <div> <I>roads which now start to follow around the edges of the Trondheimsfjorden. This puts all this into </I></div> <div> <I>perspective when one thinks about the power of the glaciers that forged these breath taking landscapes </I></div> <div> <I>that unfold in front of you as you ride forever north.</I></div> <div> <I>     As you pass Snasa, the coastal view disappears and you enter a dense forest landscape with an </I></div> <div> <I>even sparser population than the pockets of houses that cling to the edges of the fjords.  After a while </I></div> <div> <I>fuel becomes a concern as there petrol stations are few and far between in this area.</I></div> <div> <I>     I reached Mosjoen on fumes and I'm a very happy teddy bear to get a break, fuel and a snack. My </I></div> <div> <I>staple traveling diet seems to be dictated by the available Petrol station snacks, mainly a coffee and </I></div> <div> <I>a  hotdog wrapped  in bacon with dried onions, lovely and not to fattening by my usual standards..</I></div> <div> <I>It's back into the saddle again and off towards the town of Moirana, still on the E6 but I'll probably stop </I></div> <div> <I>just short of Moirana at last light as these forest hide some very large Moose which have a habit of walking </I></div> <div> <I>in front of oncoming headlights which would certainly stop my adventure brutally in its tracks. Part of the </I></div> <div> <I>road is closed due to a rock fall so I take the opportunity pull off the road at Korgen for the night. The camp site turns out to </I></div> <div> <I>be on the inside bend of a fast river which seems to be in flood. When I check in there is an honesty envelope </I></div> <div> <I>to place your NKR400 for the nights stay, which I do and then move into a cabin overlooking the fast flowing </I></div> <div> <I>river and the mist covered mountains.  Fantastic..</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b5cdba40.jpg" border=0 width="219" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>What a view, the mist covered mountains with a </I></div> <div> <I>lovely hint of snow!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="964dda60.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>There is my lovely trusty steed getting another </I></div> <div> <I>wash in the relentless rain.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b5de4ab0.jpg" border=0 width="228" height="171" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Motorcycle gear drying everywhere again</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b5ee5ac0.jpg" border=0 width="229" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Another culinary delight, fried </I></div> <div> <I>mackerel in a curry sauce, yum-yum. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b5fecb10.jpg" border=0 width="236" height="177" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>It's not much but its home</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  991miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  8477</I></div> <div> <I>Today  319 miles</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 5                 Friday 9</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I>07:30     After a restful nights sleep with the sounds of the river racing by, I awoke to a dry </I></div> <div> <I>and overcast morning. During the night I was pondering on which route to take north from </I></div> <div> <I>here as it all depends on whether I  plan return down through Norway or whether I go down </I></div> <div> <I>through  Finland to take advantage of the faster speed limits.  As I'm not sure of my </I></div> <div> <I>return route I'll take the opportunity to visit the Lofoten Isles on the way up to NordKapp </I></div> <div> <I>and stay in one of the old fishing cabins. </I></div> <div> <I>09:30hrs      I finally get back on the road, back onto the E6 going north and today I </I></div> <div> <I>should be entering the Arctic circle.  The weather is not too bad, but I'll stick with my </I></div> <div> <I>waterproof over suite as it helps keep the wind chill down.  Another morning of riding </I></div> <div> <I>through forests with the occasional lake, in the afternoon the scenery takes a change </I></div> <div> <I>to snow capped mountain ranges and mountain passes. After Krokstrand I enter a high</I></div> <div> <I> mountain plateau around 560m high and the scenery opens out wide with several miles </I></div> <div> <I>of relatively flat ground between the snow capped mountain ranges. This I feel would be </I></div> <div> <I>an ideal time to increase the speed but unfortunately the cross winds are rather strong </I></div> <div> <I>and I'm buffeted from one side of the road to the other. Even the train has wooden </I></div> <div> <I>tunnels to shelter from the wind and  snow.  Then one of those precious moments appear </I></div> <div> <I>when I'm riding along and there is a herd of reindeer running along side, well for about 100ms</I></div> <div> <I>off the road.  I pull over for a photo shoot as I'm approaching the Arctic circle but the wind threatens</I></div> <div> <I>to blow my tripod over.</I></div> <div> <I>          </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b60dba40.jpg" border=0 width="219" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The mountain plateau just south of the Arctic</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b61dda60.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </I></div> <div> <I>Last year the Sahara, this year the top of the world…Life's Greeeeeat!!          </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b62dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>One more for luck.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b63e1a90.jpg" border=0 width="225" height="169" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Polar Campsite </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b64e2aa0.jpg" border=0 width="226" height="170" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Best Shell garage that I've ever seen.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="b65dda60.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Polar tourist center.</I></div> <div> <I>               </I></div> <div> <I>                               </I></div> <div> <I>After the Polar Circle Centrex I pass through into the Saltijellet-Svartisen </I></div> <div> <I>national park, this seems to attract the local people onto the tundra with 4x4's and </I></div> <div> <I>various all-terrain vehicles. After that I continue up the E6 past Bodo and </I></div> <div> <I>after a few hours of following the coast roads around Fjords, more forests and </I></div> <div> <I>another fuel along with a hotdog stop.  I decide to catch the ferry from </I></div> <div> <I>Stutvik to Svolver on the Lofoten Isles. I detour off the E6 Ulvsag  arriving </I></div> <div> <I>around in Stutvik around 14:00hrs.</I></div> <div> <I>14:10hrs     I arrive in Stutvik about 4hrs early for the ferry so there is time to wonder around </I></div> <div> <I>take some pictures and have a snack in the pub.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b66eeb20.jpg" border=0 width="238" height="178" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Province of Stutvik</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b67eab00.jpg" border=0 width="234" height="176" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>I'm the 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> vehicle at the ferry by at least a couple </I></div> <div> <I>of hours,  time to shelter from the rain and eat.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="b68e6ad0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>  At last somebody to talk to.</I></div> <div> <I>     </I></div> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="b69e8ae0.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">          </I></div> <div> <I> The local fishing fleet</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b6af1b50.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The local fishing fleet</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b6bf3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Here comes the water taxi.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b6cf7b90.jpg" border=0 width="247" height="185" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Fishing boats.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b6df9ba0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="186" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>In the center there is a Viking longboat.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="b6ef9ba0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="186" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The final load.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b6f02c10.jpg" border=0 width="258" height="193" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Skutvik fishing huts</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9a300c00.jpg" border=0 width="256" height="192" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Looking back towards Skutvik fishing village</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b71f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Ferry does not hang around</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b72fdbe0.jpg" border=0 width="253" height="190" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>That wind sweep look again and yes it </I></div> <div> <I>is still raining.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b73f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Examples of local homes by the sea</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b74f1b40.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Local homes by the sea</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b75efb30.jpg" border=0 width="239" height="179" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>That was close enough!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b76f2b60.jpg" border=0 width="242" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> stop but nobody got on or off.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>20:40hrs      I arrived in Svolvaer and after a quick tour around the town I take the road </I></div> <div> <I>out towards the north. I try not to ride at night to often, as although I have fitted </I></div> <div> <I>the light converters I constantly get flashed by oncoming cars as my lights are slightly </I></div> <div> <I>high due to the extra weight on the back. This can be quite disconcerting especially </I></div> <div> <I>when it's raining and there is no street lighting. I continue to ride around the bay and </I></div> <div> <I>turn into the first camp site, containing a nice row of traditional fishing huts. I book one </I></div> <div> <I>for the night at NKR 500 for a full on suite unit. I bump into the German couple from the ferry </I></div> <div> <I>again that I met earlier on in the day at the ferry terminal. He came across for chat and to </I></div> <div> <I>see if I needed any help with the bike, as managed to get it stuck outside the hut on the wet hill.  </I></div> <div> <I>I invited them both around far an Irish coffee and a chat, a nice retired couple from Frankfurt.    </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1246 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  8733</I></div> <div> <I>Today  253 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 6                Saturday 10</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>07:30     Up and about ready to go, but I relaxed for a while waiting for the rain to stop.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b77c5070.jpg" border=0 width="197" height="263" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>My lovely dry traditional  fishing hut.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b78cb980.jpg" border=0 width="203" height="152" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The track leading up my fishing hut.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b79d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Ready to go again.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7ad8a20.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="162" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Kurt the very nice German.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7bdcaa0.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="170" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The overcast view from my balcony </I></div> <div> <I>           </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7ce4ab0.jpg" border=0 width="228" height="171" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> The overcast view from my balcony </I></div> <div> <I>         </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7de2a90.jpg" border=0 width="226" height="169" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The overcast view from my balcony</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7ee5ab0.jpg" border=0 width="229" height="171" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The overcast view from my balcony</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>10:00hrs     After, a brief goodbye to the German couple, it is </I></div> <div> <I>back on to the road heading towards the North again, I decide </I></div> <div> <I>to take a lazy ride up the coast up to catch the ferry from Fiskel </I></div> <div> <I>over to Melbu on the island of Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9abd0150.jpg" border=0 width="208" height="277" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from bay on route to Fiskebo     </I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="9addda60.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from bay on route to Fiskebo</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b7fe2a90.jpg" border=0 width="226" height="169" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9b2e9ae0.jpg" border=0 width="233" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9b4e9ae0.jpg" border=0 width="233" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9cbefad0.jpg" border=0 width="239" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9b8ecb10.jpg" border=0 width="236" height="177" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9baf4b70.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="183" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The view from the viewing point at the bay</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9bcf4b70.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="183" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The best part is when the rain stops</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9bef8ba0.jpg" border=0 width="248" height="186" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Who could ask for more!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9c0f1b50.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The snow capped mountains on Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9c2edb20.jpg" border=0 width="237" height="178" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The snow capped mountains on Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9c4f4b70.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="183" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Awaiting the Ferry from Fiskebol to Melbu</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9c601c10.jpg" border=0 width="257" height="193" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Awaiting the Ferry from Fiskebol to Melbu</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9c803c20.jpg" border=0 width="259" height="194" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Awaiting the Ferry from Fiskebol to Melbu</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>12:00hrs     I depart  Fiskebol on the ferry, on route to Melbu on Sortland. The ferry </I></div> <div> <I>only takes about 30mins and then it's followed by a scenic ride around the south </I></div> <div> <I>eastern coast road on the island. After that it is over the Bridge onto the mainland </I></div> <div> <I>and through  more dense forests towards Narvik.  Just north of Narvik there comes </I></div> <div> <I>another reminder of how large this country is: another 1,000km to NordKapp. </I></div> <div> <I>It will be getting dark soon , so it's on the hunt for another place to stay. I stop at </I></div> <div> <I>another NAF campsite in the village of Skibotn on the E6. This site is on the main </I></div> <div> <I>road backing onto a lake overlooking snow topped mountains again!.  </I></div> <div> <I>You never get sick of these views. In fact the cabin is about 3m away from the lake </I></div> <div> <I>and the cold wind is blowing down from the mountains.  It seems that all the cabin </I></div> <div> <I>are full of travelers on route to the north, almost a cheep motel type accommodation, </I></div> <div> <I>that's why that they get away with charging NKR400 for the night.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b80e4ab0.jpg" border=0 width="228" height="171" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Departing Fiskebol for Melbu.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9fce6ad0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Arriving at  Melbu</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b81e7ad0.jpg" border=0 width="231" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>View of Ofottjorden Fjord from the main road</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b82e7ad0.jpg" border=0 width="231" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">    </I></div> <div> <I>View of  Ofottjorden Fjord from the main road</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9fdeab00.jpg" border=0 width="234" height="176" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Camping hut at the Skibotn campsite overlooking </I></div> <div> <I>Lyngen Fjord Notice that the hut is locked to the </I></div> <div> <I>bike, to prevent theft. </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9fec80b0.jpg" border=0 width="200" height="267" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Covered in motorcycle gear again.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b83d09c0.jpg" border=0 width="208" height="156" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>view from the back of the hut towards Lyngen Fjord.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b84cf9b0.jpg" border=0 width="207" height="155" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>View from the back of the hut to Lyngen Fjord.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b85ce9a0.jpg" border=0 width="206" height="154" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>View from the back of the hut towards Lyngen Fjord.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b88d09c0.jpg" border=0 width="208" height="156" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>View from the back of the hut towards Lyngen Fjord.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b87d4a40.jpg" border=0 width="212" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>View from the back of the hut towards Lyngen </I></div> <div> <I>Fjord showing </I><I>the local fishing fleet.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b89e0ad0.jpg" border=0 width="224" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The snowy mountain top over the other side of the Fjord, </I></div> <div> <I>there is more snow visible the more north I travel.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1508 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  8994</I></div> <div> <I>Today  362 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 7                Sunday 11</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>05:30          Today I'm going for an early start to try and get up to NordKapp today.</I></div> <div> <I>07:15     Another lovely ride, making my way around the waters edge of the Fjords.  </I></div> <div> <I>Amazingly I'm still on the main road, the E6, the best road scenery so far. </I></div> <div> <I>I nearly made a mistake, trying to get an early start on a Sunday as most of the Petrol </I></div> <div> <I>Stations are closed or only open at odd hours of the day. I managed to use my credit card in </I></div> <div> <I>an automatic station at Olderman and I bite the bullet and bought a 5ltr petrol can at petrol </I></div> <div> <I>station in Alta.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="9fffbbc0.jpg" border=0 width="251" height="188" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Nord-Troms province, top of Norway.</I></div> <div> <I>Notice the bullet hole through the “you here symbol”</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8af0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The snow line in the mountains is getting lower.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8bf1b50.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The snow line starting to reach the tree line.</I></div> <div> <I>    </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8cf5b80.jpg" border=0 width="245" height="184" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Yes I'm cold, very cold        </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8dfbbc0.jpg" border=0 width="251" height="188" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>There is NordKapp insight. </I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>14:35     I cross from the main land via a 7km tunnel from Kalfjord to NordKapp </I></div> <div> <I>island which cost me around NKR60 toll payment. Not to bad as it is the first toll </I></div> <div> <I>that I've paid to date. It was worth it to ride alongside the reindeer which inhabit t</I></div> <div> <I>he area.  </I></div> <div> <I>15:10     I arrive at Honningsvag just south of NordKapp, make a stop for fuel and </I></div> <div> <I>a hotdog and coffee. </I></div> <div> <I>15:30     I finally arrive at the wind sweep NordKapp visitor center and I managed to squeeze </I></div> <div> <I>in just before the place closes, get some pictures and having a look around. The weather </I></div> <div> <I>was too windy to use the tripod and people where few and far between so most the self </I></div> <div> <I>portraits where done with my camera on the ground to prevent damage from falling tripods.</I></div> <div> <I>16:30     I check in at the NordKapp camp site, they give me a twin room instead of a cabin </I></div> <div> <I>which was a nice change and it is just outside town. I shower and eat, after that it is into town for </I></div> <div> <I>some drinks. I decide to stay over an extra day to do some of the tourist stuff!</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a00d9a30.jpg" border=0 width="217" height="163" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Reindeer grazing by side of the road</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8edda60.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Reindeer grazing by side of the road</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a02e3aa0.jpg" border=0 width="227" height="170" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>At Last, “THE TOP OF THE WORLD”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a03e6320.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="306" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Nothing but the Barrent Sea and then it is over the top of the world.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a04e5b10.jpg" border=0 width="229" height="177" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Looking towards the West of a very windy NordKapp point.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a05e8b40.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Looking towards the east of the NordKapp point.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a06eab50.jpg" border=0 width="234" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The global symbol at the point</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="9fbe6330.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The North point marker.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a08df290.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="297" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">                              </I></div> <div> <I>The Friendship statue</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a0ad8a20.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="162" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Friendship medals.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a0cd8a20.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="162" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The main, freedom medal.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a0ed7a10.jpg" border=0 width="215" height="161" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The main, freedom medal inscription.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a10e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Reindeer on the road up to the North point Center.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a12e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Reindeer on the road up to the North point marker.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a14e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Tonight's accommodation. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a16f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Tonight's accommodation.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a18f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Tonight's lovely accommodation.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a1af0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Tonight I get a twin room for the price of a cabin.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a1cf0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Tonight I get a twin room for the price of a cabin.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a1ef0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The trusty stead locked outside my window.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a20f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The remains of the weekend birthday party.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a22f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The chocolate bears are very very Moorish!!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>                    </I></div> <div> <I>Today's riding stats  </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1857 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9343</I></div> <div> <I>Today  349 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 8                Monday 12</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005 </U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>          Today is a going to be lazy day, as I've decided to stay another night here </I></div> <div> <I>and get a ride into Honnisvag and do some tourists type stuff.  I'll  have a wonder </I></div> <div> <I>around the town, fishing harbor, have a meal and visit the local museum. The </I></div> <div> <I>weather is forecast for some snow which is the last thing you want on a motorbike. </I></div> <div> <I>I'm looking at maybe an alternative to riding back down south of the arctic circle and </I></div> <div> <I>I decide to take the fast postal ferry down the coast which will take down past most </I></div> <div> <I>of the Fjords that I rode past. This will give chance to chill out and  have a few </I></div> <div> <I>drinks at the port calls on route and get some more pictures.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b8febb00.jpg" border=0 width="235" height="176" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The NordKapp community.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b90f1b50.jpg" border=0 width="241" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Original Laplanders housing, used by the </I></div> <div> <I>local Lapland Reindeer farmers when </I></div> <div> <I>they travel up from Lapland during </I></div> <div> <I>the summer season to tend the reindeer.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b91f8ba0.jpg" border=0 width="248" height="186" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Honningvag fishing fleet.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b92ebb00.jpg" border=0 width="235" height="176" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Honningvag fishing fleet and a ferry.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b93edb20.jpg" border=0 width="237" height="178" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Honningvag fishing fleet</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a39f3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Honningvag fishing fleet</I></div> <div> <I>                                           </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a3af3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A traditional cod drying rail,  Honningvag museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a3bf6b80.jpg" border=0 width="246" height="184" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>An early fishing boat, made and used by </I></div> <div> <I>the locals Honningvag museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a34f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> kayak to arrive in Honningvag . It was used </I><I>   </I></div> <div> <I>by an Englishman  who rowed to Nordkapp.</I></div> <div> <I>Honningvag museum,</I></div> <div> <I>                        </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a3603c20.jpg" border=0 width="259" height="194" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> kayak to arrive in Honningvag.</I></div> <div> <I>               Paddled by an English man</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a3803c20.jpg" border=0 width="259" height="194" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The North east bound ferry in Honningvag </I></div> <div> <I>harbor.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats (same as the previous day, I stayed another day!)</I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1857 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9343</I></div> <div> <I>Today  349 miles</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 9                      Tuesday 13</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005</U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>04:45hrs     A very early start today to catch the fast cruise ferry down to Bodeo. </I></div> <div> <I>The check in is at 0530hrs and the boat sails around 0630hrs if she is on time. </I></div> <div> <I>It is snowing when I leave the campsite but its only a 10minute run down the </I></div> <div> <I>hill into the town so I'm there in plenty of time. I bump into a German cyclist </I></div> <div> <I>who is waiting the ferry and is jumping off at Hammerfest,  the second stop.</I></div> <div> <I>06:45hrs     The ferry departs, I check into my cabin, shower change and it its</I></div> <div> <I>down for breakfast.</I></div> <div> <I>     </I></div> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a4bf3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A very early start to catch the fast postal </I></div> <div> <I>cruiser south.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>  <IMG SRC="a4c04c30.jpg" border=0 width="260" height="195" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>  Dark o'clock.</I></div> <bR> <div> <U>M/S Finmarken south bound port calls</U></div> <bR> <div> Location:               Arrival time     Departure time</div> <div> Honningsvag               06:16          06:30</div> <div> Havoysund                  08:30          08:40</div> <div> Hammerfest               11:15          12:45</div> <div> Oksfjord                      15:45          15:55</div> <div> Skjervoy                      19:45          19:55</div> <div> Tromso                        23:45          01:30</div> <div> Finnsnes                     04:45          04:55</div> <div> Harstad                       08:00          08:40</div> <div> Risoyhamn                 11:00          11:10</div> <div> Sortland                      13:00          13:10</div> <div> Stokmarknes              15:15          15:25</div> <div> Svolvear                      18:30          19:30</div> <div> Stamsund                    21:30          21:40</div> <div> Bodo                            01:30          04:00</div> <div> Ornes                           07:15          07:25</div> <div> Nesa                            11:15          11:35</div> <div> Sandnessjoen            13:30          13:45</div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>  <IMG SRC="b94e8ae0.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>  The Finnmarken, the fast postal cruiser.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="b95f4b70.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="183" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> The Finnmarken, “TAXI”</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a4509330.jpg" border=0 width="265" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> The fast postal ferry route, I joined at </I></div> <div> <I>Honningsvag and departed at Sandnessjoean.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a4dfd740.jpg" border=0 width="253" height="116" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a4edfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The cabin</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a4ae6330.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The cabin.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a50e6330.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The cabin</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a52f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>MS Finnmarken</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a54f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The breakfast buffet</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a56f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The breakfast buffet</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6bf3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The breakfast buffet </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6cf2b50.jpg" border=0 width="242" height="181" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Those wind farms  get everywhere.     </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6df3b60.jpg" border=0 width="243" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6ef6b80.jpg" border=0 width="246" height="184" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The pool and one of the spa baths.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>                           </I></div> <div> <I>Our first stop was  Hammerfest and we had a 1hour of shore leave.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a6feeb30.jpg" border=0 width="238" height="179" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">   </I></div> <div> <I>The 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> stop was in Hammerfest.   </I></div> <div> <I>  </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a70f4b70.jpg" border=0 width="244" height="183" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">   </I></div> <div> <I>The 1</I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I>st</I></FONT><I> stop was in Hammerfest.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a64f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The German cyclist on route to Alto and a </I></div> <div> <I>flight down to Oslo 7,000km since leaving </I></div> <div> <I>home in May.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a66f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Hammerfest harbor.   </I></div> <div> <I>  </I></div> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a68f9bb0.jpg" border=0 width="249" height="187" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">                         </I></div> <div> <I> Hammerfest harbor.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a6af0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> Hammerfest WWII war museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a72ed3c0.jpg" border=0 width="237" height="316" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> </I></div> <div> <I> Hammerfest church.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a74e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Hammerfest harbour.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a76eeae0.jpg" border=0 width="238" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Northern lights that I was hoping </I></div> <div> <I>to see at Nordkapp.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a8de0a80.jpg" border=0 width="224" height="168" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">                             </I></div> <div> <I> More snow on the way  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a7ab6880.jpg" border=0 width="182" height="136" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="a7cb6880.jpg" border=0 width="182" height="136" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> More snow on the way, I'm glad that I did not ride back </I></div> <div> <I> down through the Arctic circle.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a7ef0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> We next stopped at Oksfjord but this was a quick </I></div> <div> <I> stop to exchange cargo without any shore leave.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>   <IMG SRC="a80e6330.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="307" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>  Oksfjord, see the loading ramps into the vessel.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>    <IMG SRC="a82e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>    The local Oksfjord ferry.</I></div> <div> <I>               </I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.  (same as the previous day, on cruise ferry)</I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1857 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9343</I></div> <div> <I>Today  349 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 10                Wednesday 14</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005</U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Another lovely buffet breakfast pig-out, I could get used to </I></div> <div> <I>all this luxury. Nest stop is Skjervog.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a84c0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="a86c0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A bad mosaic of Skjervog.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a88c0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="a8ac0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> A bad mosaic of Skjervog.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a8cf0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I>The Loading ramp c/w loading elevators.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a8ff0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The local square</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a91f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">  </I></div> <div> <I>Passing under another bridge.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a93f0b40.jpg" border=0 width="240" height="180" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>It is as close as it looks.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>     </I></div> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.  (same as the previous day, on cruise ferry)</I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1857 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9343</I></div> <div> <I>Today  349 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><U>Day 11                Thursday 15</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005</U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>During the night we had a couple of short port calls, in the region of around </I></div> <div> <I>30mins which where not really worth getting up for in the middle of the night. </I></div> <div> <I>I'd drunk a little too much anyway to care the night before. During the morning </I></div> <div> <I>we stopped at Harstad  but this was just a short port call without time to stop.</I></div> <div> <I>          </I></div> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a95dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I> Harstad port</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a97df290.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="297" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I> Harstad port</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="a99dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Harstad port</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="a9b86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="a9d86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="a9f86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A bad mosaic of departing from Harstad port.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="aa186640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="aa386640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="aa586640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A bad mosaic of one of the many bridges that I rode across on my route </I></div> <div> <I>towards the north, much better view from here today in the warm and </I></div> <div> <I>dry. The bridge runs from Sortland to the Andoya</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>The next stop was Risothamn which unfortunately was another quick stop </I></div> <div> <I>over without a chance to taste the local brew.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="aa7c9970.jpg" border=0 width="201" height="151" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Risothamn</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="aa9d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Risothamn</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="aab86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="aad86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="aaf86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A bad mosaic of t</I><I>he next stop which is Sortland. Another quick </I></div> <div> <I>turn around without shore leave.                </I></div> <div> <I> .                                </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ab1c9970.jpg" border=0 width="201" height="151" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortalnd</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ab3c0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ab5d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I><I>                     </I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ab7d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ab9d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="abbd39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="abdd39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Sortland.</I></div> <div> <I>          </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="abf86640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="ac1906c0.jpg" border=0 width="144" height="108" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"><IMG SRC="ac386640.jpg" border=0 width="134" height="100" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>A bad mosaic of  another bridge.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ad2dba40.jpg" border=0 width="219" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>The next stop took us in to Stokmarknes, where we had </I></div> <div> <I>about an hour to look around and be herded around like </I></div> <div> <I>tourists. I took the opportunity to see the Coastal cruiser </I></div> <div> <I>museum.  </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ac7e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> <IMG SRC="ac9e6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="acbe6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="acde6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes coastal ferry museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="acfe6ac0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="172" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes coastal ferry museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae1dea60.jpg" border=0 width="222" height="166" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes coastal ferry museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ad4d8a20.jpg" border=0 width="216" height="162" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes coastal ferry museum.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ad6d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes coastal ferry museum.</I></div> <div> <I>The Finnmarken, today!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ad8d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Finnmarken,  yesterday!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="adab4f00.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I>Ouch who stuffed me over. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="adcb4f00.jpg" border=0 width="180" height="240" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>It's behind me isn't it.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="adec4930.jpg" border=0 width="196" height="147" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes harbour.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae0c5940.jpg" border=0 width="197" height="148" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes bay, west.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae3ca970.jpg" border=0 width="202" height="151" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>M/S Finnmarken.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae5d6a00.jpg" border=0 width="214" height="160" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes bay, east.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae7d9a30.jpg" border=0 width="217" height="163" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Stokmarknes town.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="ae9dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Vehicle loading bays.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>               </I></div> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.  (same as the previous day, on the cruises  ferry)</I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  1857 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9343</I></div> <div> <I>Today  349 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>  </I><I><U>Day 12                Friday 16</U></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><U>th</U></I></FONT><I><U> September 2005</U></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Day 3 on the cruise ferry details to follow, the Fjord trip and the </I></div> <div> <I>run down the coast.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><IMG SRC="aebace60.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="230" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"> <IMG SRC="aedace60.jpg" border=0 width="172" height="230" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></B></I></div> <div> <I>Sailing in to the  Troll Fjord sight seeing trip, a quick 180' and out.</I></div> <div> <I>          </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="aefc0900.jpg" border=0 width="192" height="144" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     <IMG SRC="afac2920.jpg" border=0 width="194" height="146" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>     Aft view                                      Forward view</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>The ferry is due in to Sandessjoen at around 13:30hrs but unfortunately we </I></div> <div> <I>will be a couple of hours late.</I></div> <div> <I>15:15hrs     We arrive in Sandessjoen and I eventually get on the road for </I></div> <div> <I>about 15:30hrs and it is back onto the rainy roads again. I cut inland on the E17, picking </I></div> <div> <I>up the E78 and then back on to the E6. I manage to make it to Assen about </I></div> <div> <I>60km north of Trondhein for around 22:00hrs. Another  lovely cabin and </I></div> <div> <I>a lovely receptionist c/w jimjams. </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="af3dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Assen cabin, misty lens. </I></div> <div> <I>          </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="af5c2030.jpg" border=0 width="194" height="259" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Waterproofs drying out again!!.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b15d19d0.jpg" border=0 width="209" height="157" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Assen cabin.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="afedca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Assen  cabin.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b00dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The   Assen  cabin.</I></div> <div> <I>               </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b16e8ae0.jpg" border=0 width="232" height="174" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Assen  cabin.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b17dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Assen  cabin.               </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.   </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  2112 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  9598</I></div> <div> <I>Today  243 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Day 13     Saturday 17</U></B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U>th</U></B></I></FONT><I><B><U> September 2005</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>05:30      Up early ready for an early departure, hopefully before it starts to rain </I></div> <div> <I>again.</I></div> <div> <I>07:30     I managed to get away, just in time for the rain, after 2 hours of rain I </I></div> <div> <I>managed to reach Storen where I stopped to warm up and refuel myself and </I></div> <div> <I>the bike.  From there it was down to Berkak and it snowed for an hour and half. </I></div> <div> <I>Thankfully it never really had chance to settle as the roads where already wet </I></div> <div> <I>but now the race is on to get south below the snow line comes down to the roads.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b06dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b08d39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b0ad39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park, </I></div> <div> <I>      reindeer poo!</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b0cd39e0.jpg" border=0 width="211" height="158" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park, </I></div> <div> <I>1004m above Sea level.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b18daa40.jpg" border=0 width="218" height="164" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park.</I></div> <div> <I>.</I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b19dca50.jpg" border=0 width="220" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The Doverefill National park.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b1ae7ad0.jpg" border=0 width="231" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Cabin close to Drammen run by </I></div> <div> <I>the local Texeco garage</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b1befb30.jpg" border=0 width="239" height="179" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Cabin close to Drammen run by </I></div> <div> <I>the local Texeco garage</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.   </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  2548 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  10035</I></div> <div> <I>Today  436 miles.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Day 14          Sunday 18</U></B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U>th</U></B></I></FONT><I><B><U> September 2005</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>07:30hrs     Up and about, time to do some servicing on the bike. I've been feeling </I></div> <div> <I>guilty as the chain is showing signs of wear due to being loose and the bike is </I></div> <div> <I>covered with crap. I tighten the chain and generally give the bike some TLC and </I></div> <div> <I>have a lazy morning. I've only got about 2 hours to run to reach the ferry so</I></div> <div> <I> I can take an easy ride today and be a little fussy about the campsite.</I></div> <div> <I>14:00           I arrive at my last campsite which is only 30km from the ferry so another </I></div> <div> <I>easy riding day to come. The site looks lovely overlooking the river with the afternoon </I></div> <div> <I>pleasure craft lazing by. After unpacking the bike it is down to the local supermarket for </I></div> <div> <I>some food and beer.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b20de290.jpg" border=0 width="222" height="297" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b22dda50.jpg" border=0 width="221" height="165" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b24dfa70.jpg" border=0 width="223" height="167" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b26e1a80.jpg" border=0 width="225" height="168" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b28e2af0.jpg" border=0 width="226" height="175" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite hut.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b2ae5310.jpg" border=0 width="229" height="305" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite hut.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b2ce6ad0.jpg" border=0 width="230" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite riverside view</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b2ee7ad0.jpg" border=0 width="231" height="173" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite riverside view.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b30e1a90.jpg" border=0 width="225" height="169" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite riverside view.</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.   </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  2663 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  10150</I></div> <div> <I>Today  105 miles</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Day 15          Monday 19</U></B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U>th</U></B></I></FONT><I><B><U> September 2005</U></B></I></div> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>08:00hrs     Rise and shine, a lazy start as I've only about 20km to travel. I'll have </I></div> <div> <I>to get there at a reasonable time, as I have changed my sailing date over the </I></div> <div> <I>phone so I'd better arrive early just in case.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b96efb30.jpg" border=0 width="239" height="179" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I><I>   </I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite hut before departure.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b97edb20.jpg" border=0 width="237" height="178" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite diving platform.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b98f7b90.jpg" border=0 width="247" height="185" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite wildlife.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b99fcb60.jpg" border=0 width="252" height="182" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Maysand campsite wildlife.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>13:00hrs     I arrive at the ferry terminal a little early but it's a nice day. I bump </I></div> <div> <I>into Chris again, the guy on the GS from the outbound voyage, the romance in Oslo </I></div> <div> <I>never materialized!! We board around 16:00hrs ish!!,, </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b3e0fcb0.jpg" border=0 width="271" height="203" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Ferry terminal.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4016d00.jpg" border=0 width="278" height="208" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Ferry terminal, my bike at the front again.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4216d00.jpg" border=0 width="278" height="208" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I>Waiting to board.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>18:10          We depart on the ferry, slightly late again.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4420d80.jpg" border=0 width="288" height="216" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Bye bye Norway.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4620d80.jpg" border=0 width="288" height="216" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Bye bye Norway.</I></div> <div> <I>    </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4820d80.jpg" border=0 width="288" height="216" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>The sun going down on my Norwegian adventure.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.   </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  2663 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  10150</I></div> <div> <I>Today  105 miles</I></div> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <bR> <div> <I><B><U>Day 15          Monday 19</U></B></I><FONT SIZE="1" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B><U>th</U></B></I></FONT><I><B><U> September 2005</U></B></I></div> <bR> <div> <I>01:00hrs      Still drinking away all my Norwegian money</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b4ad1170.jpg" border=0 width="209" height="279" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">     </I></div> <div> <I>I've seen better cabins this trip.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>10:00hrs     Arrive in Newcastle.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b9ad9a30.jpg" border=0 width="217" height="163" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Hello Newcastle.</I></div> <div> <I> </I></div> <div> <I><IMG SRC="b9bde280.jpg" border=0 width="222" height="296" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0"></I></div> <div> <I>Another motorcycle adventure over.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>11:00hrs     Say bye to Chris and leg it home</I></div> <div> <I>13:20hrs     Arrive home. HOME SWEET HOME.</I></div> <bR> <div> <I>Today's riding stats.   </I></div> <div> <I>Digital trip  2861 miles</I></div> <div> <I>ODO  100357</I></div> <div> <I>Today  436 miles</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>A SPECIAL THANKS TO THE WIFE FOR MAKING THIS TRIP POSSIBLE!!</I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I>               </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <div> <I> </I></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>