Day 8: Oldefjord to Alta

114 km and 1087 m climbing

I wake up from the heavy rain on my tent. Time to practice ‘Procedure Rainy Day’. I dismantle and pack the tent set-up from the inside out, to safeguard important items like my sleeping bag to get wet. And I take out for the first time the thermal underwear and wind and water protective clothing.

While having breakfast in the kitchen, i have a coffee chat with a German man who is also bikepacking. He came all the way from Hamburg with his bike. And today will be his last day to the Nordkapp. He has to fly back. So while drinking coffee we discuss the returning topic of a proper box.

After 20 km, i stop at the only shop on my route today. The small shop of a petrol station, with almost everything to survive here. I buy my daily apple, two banana’s and new earplugs. The shop owner looks at my choice and enthusiastic yells out, ‘one apple a day keeps the doctor away!’. And a banana will fuel me over the hills, i conclude.

With the mist, rain and straight roads through the hills, some distraction of the mind is welcome and proper working earplugs are convenient. I just finished ‘ A promised land’ from Barack Obama, as such the word Democracy still burns in my ears and apparently damaged the first set of plugs. I switch to a new book ‘Never split the difference’ from Chris Voss, a former FBI hostage negotiator. Which was advised to me by a former colleague who masters the skill of effective negotiations. It kept me entertained and educated in the heavy rain.

I passed many cyclists today, all packed for long trips. They all are heading in the direction of the Nordkapp. Everyone greets enthusiastic. It are the only people you see her.

On the top of the mountain, one cyclists seems to doubt with an old fashion map and looks helpless. I ask if everything is ok, and he turns to me ‘ is this the top, or is there more climbing ahead?’ he asks a bit worried. I confirm and ask if he is Dutch. ‘yes, how do you know?’. After 15 years in the Netherlands i know how to spot a tall guy.

He cycled all the way from Amsterdam to this point, close to his target Nordkapp. It took him only 1 month, via Sweden, a 2900 km trip. This road seems to be a highway for those type of people.

The Hero’s Journey

Before departure, i got a link to a short movie from a colleague named Kris. A movie describing the universal elements of every Hero’s Journey ever written down. With the note that she is looking forward to see me again at 12 o’clock.

I had to smile while watching it. I recognize the pattern even from my own earlier adventures. And at least this movie gives some structure to my journey. Reading my own blog post back, I believe I start to move from 4 o’clock to 5 o’clock. At least, that how i summarize the day.

Alta

The rain makes the downhill parts tricky things, i control the speed as the rain forms small rivers on the road.

When i arrive in Alta , i experience a kind of culture shock after one week i am back in a real town. With houses, cars, shopping malls, etc… It feels crowded. However, i just read that only 21.000 people lives here. Everything is relative.

Alta Strand Camping & Apartment

As the rain will continue till tomorrow before the sun will pop up, i am looking for a small cabin. The first camping is sold out. Luckily the next one has one available. I Learn that a big cycling game will start tomorrow, that’s why its so busy.

The cabin has a bed, a heater, a water cooker and a fridge. So much comfort!