Lucky me that I have brother, though at the beginning our relation was rough. Now with time and distance which sets as apart, brotherhood which I wish everyone.
Last but not least my brother is getting married, what a story and I am to be best man. Now only I need to pedal faster to be by the altar right behind my brother. Hence my trip by train to save some time otherwise I spent Christmas on the road. Interesting prospect, I need a spike winter tires. Just!
"Home sweat home" at my brother's quarter. My and Surly still are recuperating here well. For are start, delicious scramble eggs on the bacono. Yummy. Then small BBQ with my friends organised in a "fjosa" then we moved indoors. Delicious, mouthwatering grilled meat and just symbolic amount of stronger stuff - vodka. Somehow I'm not keen on drenching, myself with "water of live", eastern European style. Surly not.
Car tours around Andoya, during which my friend Sylwester aka Sylwek showed me his "woods", the primary school, work place etc.
Met Lena, my friend's partner and I had a chance to chat for a while as guys went to work. Played with younger son Jurgen as the oldest son went with grandma to visit a relative. Funny story as I guided Lena and Sylwek, some decade ago through "Warszawskie ZOO". More likely Lena would have some photos from that time. Just ask:-)
Contacted my boys, they will pick me up along the way.
Why not meet somewhere interesting, hence klatrecafe in Henningsvær. Found some shelter in a local shop as the heaven started to sprinkle everything around. Sent dozen of postcards, would send more as they were so beautiful, just my address book run out of new ones. When cafe open at 6pm I just moved in. Funny, somehow I understood that was hiking shop, cafe and school all together and opening time was slightly strange was for me. Local business pattern, saying that I was lucky to find this cosy place open as I travel out of the season. Tell me more.
Matteo, who run this evening a catering side of the business offered me a traditional fish dish. Could not resist as the warmth from a fire place was highly influencing my mood:-)
Then my boys arrived and we chat for a while while trying my first local beer. Packed my Surly and set off. Direction Saura.
For some time as I cycle, especially when I pass this roadside stick, I have this thought of winter, and cycling throughout and my chances of survival. Norwegian are gearing up for winter. What about me?
I strongly believe that thin line exist between bravery and stupidity. Strongly driven I decided to reach "Whale beach" in my sandals and when I reached the ridge and lost my bearings. It hit me! I crossed the line, which in my case was red thin line as my body was trying to tell me something by splashing red Dullux on my face. Lucky me.
I had done my descent which was a challenge on its own rights then soldier on in my sandals through marshland to the mountain hut, where I left Surly. Adventurous, yes. Though, at any point there was no need to scramble a rescue helicopter team.
The day has not finished for me yet, decided to reach with Surly, yet another sandy beach. Where I could play with refreshingly cold water, have a strawberry jam waffle right on the beach and scribble some notes on postcards. My play time was cut short when I look over two bridges and off you go. The weather had changed rapidly, ominous clouds, gusty wind, patchy rain. At some moments it was so hard to move on, as I need to pedal on the way down. Luckily managed to post my cards and reach my camp, where at least I new someone and could ask for help if need it. Lucky me.
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Thought of that day: you need right tools for a job in that case boots, Danek boots! Good guide is welcome too:-)
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PS It was good walk for my sandals as I washed them thoroughly:-)
I left heavy and rainy clouds behind me and cycled along 815 what a wonderful ride it was. At some point went out of beaten track as you do when exploring the surrounding area. I pushed my friend up the hill, cycled through rocky path to find view spot. The place was beautiful to stay overnight, just that draft on top of that hill. I pedal on. Found yet another interesting camping spot. On rocks, shelf like, overlooking fjord and last but not least no wind. At night from time to time full moon gave me company. In the morning, low flying jets created such a boom that I couldn't resist and wake up. What a tranquil view, sunshine, autumn in full swing.
Carried on along 815, at some point I noticed bicycles repainted and attached to lamp posts. Then close to the road on the backyard behind trees was a silhouette painting I suppose. I cycled by. Then after some distance I had decided to go back and check it out, as excuse I would asked for a tap water as I indeed was running low. To my surprise my host and his "guard" dog let me chat for a moment, then my bottle came back full and as extra my host brought a tin. Which I tell you, was consumed with the pleasure and strawberry jam too. Definitely I need more iron:-)
What a start. Johnny Cash on the local radio:-)
What you need more? Sunshine, radio and your 2 wheels all in the living room. Getting spoiled:-) :-) :-) :-)
