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Friday 13th July

Thursday approx. 48 miles to Erysfiord

Friday 57 miles to Tromso 


For the last couple of days I have been cycling towards Tromso. The coast of Norway is a mass of islands, so yesterday began with a cycle to Andenes, then a mornings' wait fot the 1pm ferry to the large island of Senja. Andenes, like all towns in Northern Norway, was built in the 1950's - 60's. The German army destroyed everything, I think, in Northern Norway; after they left, only 2 bridges remained intact. There are now a lot of bridges!
  So Andenes was fine- it has a lighthouse, supermarket, outdoor shop and various buildings housing fish related industries, like processing and boat repair. 

A longer ferry journey than normal because of leaving the Lofoton islands. I had liked the last island Andoya best, with its sandy bays, moorland and mountains. There are a lot of hikes here- good mountain climbing country. Oh yes, a couple of nature highlights today: saw an enormous eagle very close up on one of the cliffs (fish eagle?) and later on an otter's head popped up out of the water as the ferry was docking.

Then it was Senja, very rocky cliffs, the road hugged the cliff side. Then up a very long steep hill (had to push my bike), then down steeply and this included a 2km tunnel. I did not stop at the gorge viewpoint or I would never have got back on the bike.

A nice place to camp last night at a sandy bay. A place for walkers and cyclists, not an official site

Today a lot of tunnels on my route to the next ferry. I new it did not leave until 2pm, so no hurry. The small village from which it left had a shop and cafe, so I drank coffee and read my book - very relaxing. Ruined all that though by cycling all the way to Tromso in the late afternoon/evening. So am going to spend 2 nights here and explore the city tomorrow.







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