Day 21: Andenes to Sortland

110 km and 600 m climbing

The sunset in Andenes was phenomenal, this camp site is an unique place in the world. Worthwhile the stop watch the sea and let your thoughts wander.

The sound of the surf lulled me to a deep sleep.

The trip of today is a long connecting trip to reach the border of the Lofoten. I take the west side of the island, as indicated by the cycle route sign posts.

There is hardly motorized traffic on this small road. The coast is full of radar systems, some mobile and some very extensive full of wires and steel towers. Many mention a link with a space center and rockets. All mention that photography is strictly forbidden. I guess there is a military link as well. You dont have to be a great military strategist to understand the importance of this region in the defence of the country.

The landscape is flat as the Netherlands, and full of sheeps as well. A strong headwind feels like the Lowlands as well. The only reminder of Norway are the scattered mountains in the wide landscape. All the houses are in fact farms in this area.

A special view is a raining cloud over the lake in my right. Happy that we just bypass without meeting.

A pigs live in Norway is one with space, rest and a brilliant view. They all seem to smile while sleeping in the mud.

To reach Sortland, a final steep climb of the bridge is required while trucks are queuing at the speed o set on this narrow bridge. No pressure.

As in virtually every city near the ocean, some marine ships are present. Never seen so many marine ships in a short period as during this cycle trip.

There is only one camping in the wide area, and it had its best time long ago. Only two campers and myself are the guests for the night. Which makes that the service building is again mine.

However, not really a place to cook and it is raining. So I visit the city center for the evening to spent my evening in a Japanese restaurant.

Tomorrow i will reach the Lofoten and it will be the start of a new chapter of the journey.