Midnight sun, a roller coaster ride, glamping, champagne and oysters. The hard life of long distance rallyists.
We were off to experience the midnight sun in a boat. We were issued with floatations suits, thoroughly wrapped up against the freezing weather and, in high spirits, climbed aboard three ribs for our journey out to sea.
I was at the front of our rib, astride a seat with a handle to hold on to. It felt like being seated in a roller coaster. The ride was like a roller coaster. Oh, the thrill of it! Unbelievably beautiful; minke whales; an eagle resting for the night; seals; freezing cold; ethereal light; midnight sun and a rising moon - the works.
When we arrived back on dry land, in broad daylight, obvs, we thought we were too invigorated to sleep. But, sleep we did. Until 0530 anyway, as we had an early start to get to the first of three ferries that we were catching.
As you would expect, Norway has an extensive inter-island ferry service. Fab views guaranteed. It was on the second ferry that we crossed back over the arctic circle with narry a bump. I took a rather poor photograph of the globe that marks that marks spot.
It was at the first ferry port that we met two shadowy figures who are following the rally, unseen except when they zoom past us at 100 miles an hour, and who are staying in different accommodation to us. Two of our charming rally companions, N and P, are in a modern car. Or rather, two modern cars - a new Ferrari FF and a DB9 Volante - very swanky! They interchange the cars, depending on the weather! At breakfast, in Henningsvar, N was asked if they were going to be in Ferrari as it was in the car park. N replied "no, it had just brought the clean laundry"! I love that more than I can tell you. It must be a first - a Ferrari FF laundry delivery service. However, I digress. The two mysterious drivers, who were lovely, finally got to talk to us, albeit briefly, before disappearing into the shadows again.
Our night halt was at a camping resort where we all had comfy wood cabins to stay in. More glamping than camping. Verity and Duncan had brought half of waitrose with them to provide a truly superb dinner for us all. The usual jolly time was had.
We had a bit of a scare with the car. We had just left the ferry port, were climbing uphill, when I saw a wisp of smoke coming through the gear stick accompanied by a burning smell. We screeched to a halt and waited for Charlie, who was only a few minutes behind us. It was the coldest spot in the world to break down and was actually hailing. However, after extensive investigations, Charlie proclaimed that we hadn't broken down! What he thinks had happened was that a little oil for the one shot oil system had collected in our newly fitted sump guard and, as we were on a steep incline, it had ran back over the overdrive wire, had hit the hot exhaust and burned off. Phew, I actually sound as if I know what I'm talking about don't I? Anyway, it was with great relief that we set off a again.
Another ferry, and lots of miles brought us to Mosjøen, a town of two halves, the modern, industrial bit and the very unexpected fantastic old bit. I loved it.
We are now on the island of Stokkya staying in Scandi chic beach houses overlooking a sandy cove with little slants dotted about. When we arrived, the sun was shining, the sea sparkling and it actually felt warm for the first time since leaving home. We were told that until we arrived it had been raining for a month! True to form, it's raining again today.
Still, we are happy. A rest day today in this beautiful place, fishing, boating, kayaking, walking on the beach, all in the gentle rain. No problem for we hardened rallyists.
We had an exceptional fishy dinner last night that would have won Michelin stars anywhere, preceded by champagne, oysters and smoked mussels on the beach. It's tough rallying.
Thank you for those crisp photos.
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