BLOG FROM THE NORWEGIAN COAST

THE LAST DAY!!!

Fri, 4 Sep 2009 20:21:40 +0200

Akerøya - Strömstad
The night was rainy and windy and we almost thought that we wouldn’t be able to paddle the next day. We were just twenty kilometres from the border so it would have been a shame to not be able to continue when the target was in sight. The alarm rang in the morning and the wind during the night had sounded worse than it was. We ate our gruel with a sandwich in order to celebrate the last day. Everything was as usual except that it was the last time we did everything. The feeling was still nice and pleasant. We packed together the tent and dressed ourselves in those wet clothes for the last time. Dragged the kayaks from our beautiful island and paddled away to Sweden in sight. It was blowing a bit but it didn’t matter. We sat most and enjoyed the feeling of the wind and the waves that broke easily over the sprayskirt. The discussions were mostly on to praise ourselves and all the tough days that was forgotten. It was an indescribable feeling to cross the border. We cried some happy screams like Ronja Rövardotter. We glanced toward Svinesund which was our starting point four years ago when we paddled around Sweden. Powerful feeling. The Paddling into Stromstad was fast. When we arrived the family was waiting for us. It was difficult to know how to feel and react. The whole situation was unreal and hard to describe. We cried a little but laughed the most.

We would now like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us both before, after and during our journey. Thank you to all sponsors who made this expedition possible. Without you, two poor students had never been able to do this. Thank you family and friends who helped us with everything from weather reports to the warm words. Thanks also to all help the Norwegians who have opened their doors to us. Without people along the way who gave us good advice, we had to fight even harder.

Oddane - Akeröy

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 23:25:59 +0200

What a day!  We came quickly away in the morning when there was so many mosquitos. Usually we eat wholemeal gruel for breakfast, but because of the mosquitoes it was sandwiches with cream cheese instead. Paddling went well until we ended up in the middle of a huge thunderstorm. It is very unpleasant to be out at sea when the flashes and thunder is right above your head. We sprinted to an island for protection. There we waited until the worst of the storm was over and we called the meteorological institute. They are very good and can make very precise predictions. After that, we continued on towards Tjøme which is the last outpost before the Oslo Fjord. There, at Verdens Ende, we took a break with mackerel and sandwiches before the fjord. We had decided to cross the fjord at the widest point, which is 25 kms, if the weather would stick. We were a little nervous when we paddled towards something that we did not even see. We sat course 120 degrees to hold a little of the southern wind. Over the fjord was some small ships, but no danger. At one point, a large Yougurtburk sailed straight against us. Evelynn waved with her yellow Tranøy southwest and Klara held the paddle high so that they would see us. Instead they thought that we needed help and slowed down and checked us out, or maybe they wondered two kayaks were doing in the middle of the Oslo Fjord. Otherwise, the Oslo Fjord exceeded expectations and we are now on a beautiful island in Oestfold. Strömstad is now just 20 kms away ... Yes, it's with an odd feeling that we now enjoy the last evening.   Distance 60 km

Oil Area

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 23:25:58 +0200

Today has been a little more of unprotected paddling. We have for the most paddled headland to headland. At the end of the day we came into the oil field and we saw the ship that was due. The black oil is located amongst the rocks and stones. It is very sad to see the consequences.   Distance 50 km

Bjoröya - Gjevingen

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 12:34:36 +0200

Sunny paddling  Today we had a Fantastic paddling. It has blown easternly. We decided to sail in the protection of the many islands that exist here. It has been a hot and sunny day, which we are happy for. All day, we have paddle past the one dream house after the other. Norway is very beautiful.   Distance 50 km

Årosveten - Bjoröya

Sun, 9 Aug 2009 12:34:35 +0200

Northern Course  Today's paddling reminds of yesterday's kayaking. We began by passing Kristiansand, where we saw a submarine. Other than that, there was no major traffic. Then we started to set a northern course. As the archipelago is inhabited in large part, it is a bit difficult to find a tent site, therefore we are forced to camp in people's gardens. When it comes to the oil spill outside Kristiansand a few days ago, we have not noticed anything except some emergency boats patrolling. However, we think about since we do not really know where the oil is located. We hope it drifts out to sea for several reasons. Now, we will soon creep into the tent we have got from Bergan. It has worked without any problems. We also have our country clothing and equipment from Bergans, which we are very fond of.   Distance 50 km