Day 22: Sortland to Sandsletta
114 km and 670 m climbing
When I went to bed, it was heavily raining. The only lamp on the camp site was a old street lamp which was mounted on the service building. It set a spot light on the rain droplets and the overflow of the roof. The image is a good summary of the day.
The morning starts as well with heavy showers, which will continue the rest of the day till i reach the next camp site. Part of the journey, in this way I will appreciate the sunshine which is predicted for tomorrow.
A long and steep bridge brings me to Stokmarknes.
Due to the rain, i decided to the take the main road to the ferry of Melbu instead of the scenic cycle route around the island. As the scenery is mainly hidden in any case due to the dense clouds and rain.
Just in time for the 12:30 ferry. I enjoy the 30 min of warmth and shelter with a coffee. And i tried for the first time the typical Norwegian hot dog. Which seems to be the national dish.
The ferry brings me to Fiskebol on the Lofoten. The typical mountains are covered under clouds. This time I do take the scenic and narrow route to Laukvik which is my intended end point of the day. The path circles along impressive bays and through deep green forests.
However, when i arrive in Laukvik i noticed that the camp site is more dedicated for campers. There is no grass, only concrete plates or rough gravel. The location is the end point of the harbour. Not a convenient place for someone with a small tent.
In the local supermarket there is WIFI, and luckily i found another camping 10 km further down the road. Some climbing and another set of rain showers later I arrive in Sandsletta Camping.
The sun pops up, which is after 7 h of heavy rain a welcome relief. I bought a t-shirt in the camping shop, as i belief i earned it in the meantime.
All of sudden it sounds like thunder, when i look up two big military airplanes are crossing at low altitude. Wherever you look in Norway, the military is always visible nearby with heavy equipment.
There is a sauna at the campsite, at the lake. The view is impressive. I decide to submerge myself completely in the Scandinavian way of life and give it a try. It is fantastic! After a whole day of rain, i feel revived. Sitting in the chilled water and watching how the night falls.
