Halaien,
I have been back in England for all of two days so I thought I should really fill you in on my last few days in Stavanger, and what my plans are now.
The day after our fishing adventure we went for a hike up to the radio tower, just on the mountain/hill on the opposite side of the fjord from Vegards house. The original plan was to go to kjerag, another pretty famous rock landmark in Lysefjord; however, due to very strong winds, cold temperatures, and even predicted snow I believe, we decided to give that one a miss. So we hopped on the boat, crossed the fjord, and started the climb, stopping periodically to play on rope swings, rock climb and enjoy the scenery. The hike wasn't too long but I was pretty tired (I blame this on the walk from a few days before!). We reached the top, took some standard jumping photos in front of some fantastic clouds and waved to Vegards dad who could see us from the house with the telescope.
I have been back in England for all of two days so I thought I should really fill you in on my last few days in Stavanger, and what my plans are now.
The day after our fishing adventure we went for a hike up to the radio tower, just on the mountain/hill on the opposite side of the fjord from Vegards house. The original plan was to go to kjerag, another pretty famous rock landmark in Lysefjord; however, due to very strong winds, cold temperatures, and even predicted snow I believe, we decided to give that one a miss. So we hopped on the boat, crossed the fjord, and started the climb, stopping periodically to play on rope swings, rock climb and enjoy the scenery. The hike wasn't too long but I was pretty tired (I blame this on the walk from a few days before!). We reached the top, took some standard jumping photos in front of some fantastic clouds and waved to Vegards dad who could see us from the house with the telescope.
The following day (I think I have this in the correct order anyway), we went on a lil road trip to Kvitsoy and karmoy - two islands north of Stavanger. The weather wasn't great but we had a damn good time anyway. The highlight was perhaps our ferry adventure - we were up at the lighthouse on Kvitsoy when we saw the ferry come in that we were supposed to be taking. After Vegard spoke to the lighthouse keeper, we said we would never make it in time. Us being young and foolish, thought the man was wrong, so we sprinted to the car to try and make it. Our first challenge was that Rogier couldn't open the gate for us to get to the car. Second challenge - there were loads of cyclists immediately after the lighthouse blocking the path. Third challenge - a big lorry nearly blocked the road. However, after Vegard driving pretty damn fast through this little village, we reached the ferry before it left! WOOHOOO! We got on and the car was facing the opposite way to everyone else; Vegard started a 3 point turn, and whilst this was going on, the ferry driver person started lowering the gate thing to seal us in - the massive metal gate nearly closed on top of the car! Luckily Vegard moved out just in time! That was our adventure; I probably didn't describe it very well but it was bare hilare (or bare-a-licious as Vegard now says)! Good times!
On our final full day in Stavanger we went on a sailing trip on the boat of a friend of Vegards dad; it was a 40ft Beneteau if that means anything to anyone - very posh! We had to earn the trip so spent about 45 minutes polishing the boat. After this, we prepared the sails and after a pretty major problem of the front sail getting stuck, we set off! I was pretty much handed the steering wheel (if it's called that on a boat) straight away which was very scary! The wind was very strong so it was actually really difficult. I would like to say we took a nice stress-free sailing trip but that wasn't the case - we were very hands on, pulling the ropes, takking or something so we (well except Melinda who was taking it easy as she is off sailing the English/French channel this week) were constantly moving. We stopped to have a nice lunch on an island, played some Frisbee golf, before heading home. I bloody loved it and definitely want to go sailing again; it was so much fun (although knackering)!
We got home about 10pm, ready to join the family party in celebration of the summer solstice (a few days early) - or as the Norwegians call it - the midsummer party! We enjoyed a nice BBQ (there was some chicken bought especially for me), a bonfire and a good ol' sing song. A lovely end to a perfect day!
Melinda and I left the next day for England. I was sad to leave Stavanger as I had such a fantastic time but I'm sure I will be back someday. As I mentioned, I am currently in England but leave for Oslo again tomorrow. I then fly up to Svalbard on Thursday! Whilst at the IPY conference we met the organiser of the field school I went to last year; she is basically running the course herself this year and said that she may be looking for some help....well Sean and I instantly volunteered our services so we are going up together to help out (videoing, helping with the group posters, organising social activities etc) - a free trip to Svalbard, what more could you want!
I will try to update whilst on Svalbard but we shall see!
Hade!
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