Day 23: Sandsletta to Valberg
95 km and 670 m of climbing
This night I felt cold during the night for the first time, even with my super sleeping bag. Autumn is knocking on the door. In the morning everything in and outside of the tent is wet of the dew. The sun is playing with the lowhanging fog. The morning light is reflected by dew droplets on the grass and in the many spider webs which seemed to be built overnight.
Most important, there is no wind nor rain, and the sun shows ambition. It will become a beautiful day to explore the Lofoten, in my opinion one of the most beautiful places in the world. Once again, I am lucky with the weather.
Svolvær
Svolvaer is an important hub on the Lofoten, with an own airport and many ferry connections with the mainland. I just have a short stop at a supermarket for a refill. In the end I need my daily apple and three banana’s.
Henningsvær
On advice of my youngest brother who is well-travelled, I decide to make a 20 km detour to Henningsvaer. Which is a fishermen village attracting a lot of tourists due to the architecture and atmosphere of the village in a magnificent surrounding.
It became world famous because many amateur drone pilots made pictures of the Henningsvaer Fotballbanen (football pitch). And the European football organisation, UEFA, made here also some movies.
A brilliant place for a pic-nic. And for sure I am now a figurant on multiple drone movies.
I am enjoying just sitting in the August sun and watching the people passing by.
In a small park I discover a world famous Belgian look-a-like. Not sure who actually is the copy-cat of the two.
There are famous walking paths and Instagram worthy spots in the surroundings. However, if have to leave my spot in the sun if i would like to land on a campsite this evening.
Gimsøystraumen bru
The Lofoten is a group of islands, and many bridges are connecting them. No hills on the coast line, only steep bridges.
The tides create strong currents and swirls in the dark blue water under the bridges.
Valberg
It really feels like an Indian Summer today. Over the past 4 weeks i could observe the entry of the color yellow in the otherwise green landscape.
From Kirkenes till here, I crossed hundreds of times this board. Del veien, or Share the Road. A sensibility campagne to create awareness for the cyclists on the road. And it is really impressive how the Norwegian people take this serious. All Norwegian car drivers are overtaking cyclists completely on the other lane. Even if they have to wait minutes till the other side of the road is free. Everywhere, always. If someone is passing by on the same lane, you can be sure it is another nationality. It gives a safe feeling and makes cycling in Norway very convenient, thanks to the good behavior of the inhabitants.
Brustranda Fjordcamping
The campsite where I will end my day, is a kind of settlement on it’s own. It is a small island in a bay, with an own harbor and no neighbours. A small cafe where they provide a local cod fish dish. Again, I am the only tent on the campsite.
Tonight I will share the grass field only with some sheeps.
