Stongfjord to Selje

We had spent almost 2weeks in Stongfjord and it was time for us to move further north. The pontoon owners had been very kind and we had really enjoyed exploring the area, very peaceful.

Our fuel trolley made the dinghy return much easier!

A RIB all the way from Bergen, our neighbour for a few nights

The disadvantage of using our outboards is that at under 6knots we really have to choose our weather, sometimes that means we have to get up by moonlight and untie heading to sea at 3am! So waving goodbye to our home of a couple of weeks we went west out of the fjord as the moon disappeared and the sun began to rise. 

Journey scenery

Floro Lighthouse, A house on a rock...

Varde, navigational aid

The Hurtigruten, which goes from Bergan on the South West to Kirkenes in the far North calling at 35ports

Fjord scenes

With some swell and waves remaining we had a rolly start to our journey but the wind was set to stay low all day and so we soon found ourselves in calmer seas. The calm waters most noticeable as we headed in the shelter between islands and along the fjords. 

and still 100+m below us

We again couldn't believe how quickly the land shelved away meaning we could be a stones throw from the steep fjord walls and still have over 100m of water below us. 

No photos do the fjords size justice

We had decided to aim for Selje, an island we had particularly liked in 2014, and a convenient waiting place for rounding the notorious Stadt. 

Much calmer amongst the isles

Maloy

We arrived in Selje about 12 hours after leaving Stongfjord and tried our luck at fishing in the bay, almost catching a big fish 4 times, having never actually managed to land the thing I'm afraid you will just have to take our word for it!! 

Stopped in Selje

Having had a long day we went for an early night with plans to remain in Selje for several days we would explore further in the morning. 

Jet trails above us

Askvoll

Yesterday the surveyor made his way from Oslo and has now had a chance to look over the engine. Over the next few days we will know more and let you know as and when we do. 

Today we headed in the dinghy to the same area we anchored in Eidsfjord, from there after a choppy ride we walked the 6+km to Askvoll, the neighbouring town. 

We were on a mission to buy a fire extinguisher which we hadn't been able to find in any of the smaller village shops and having used them all up on the crossing we felt uneasy without ones aboard. 

We managed to find one, albeit a 6kg one and so the walk back to the dinghy was a bit of a challenge! We spoke to the friendly cashier who recommended we stopped by the Lofoten islands when we are North, something we have been told many times now so we will have to add them to the list! 

Unfortunately as we had suspected the weather meant it would be an uncomfortable journey back and instead we attempted to load the dinghy and outboard on our backs and walk the remaining 7km. With Daniel weighed down with fire extinguisher and outboard, Amanda dressed in two jackets, two buoyancy aids and with a dinghy strapped on her back we must have looked quite the sight!! 

Being a few gym sessions short of the level of fitness required to carry on with the endurance trial we had to give in. Leaving the dinghy for collection with our fuel trolley (thanks David!), an easier lift! 

We got back to the boat around 10pm and bumped in to a group of friends who have been diving in the area for the past few days, they must have been out for about 10hours today, a bit cold for us to join them! They are technical divers and have been down to around 150m! They are staying in the accommodation of which the marina is part of and have a very nice 7.5m RIB moored next to us!
Over the next days we are forecast a colder, windier period so we will likely have to stay in one place until early next week.