Waking up to 10ºC and (some) sunshine

 Our cruise towards the Lofoten has finally started, but not without some surprises. The twice weekly flight from London Gatwick to Ålesund leaves on Mondays and Fridays. Having opted for an ‘empty’ flight on Bank Holiday Monday (27^th of May), we discovered that there was also a Bank Holiday (Whitsun) in Norway. That meant that were no buses/ferries from the airport to Ulsteinvik where we left our boat for the winter.

We must have looked somewhat lost and stranded with our three large bags (60kg). A very kind Norwegian couple living in Ulsteinvik had pity on us and took us directly to our destination. Again many thanks to Lars and Bjørg who also provided us with a glass of absolutely delicious blackcurrant jam!

Magnificent scenery from Ulsteinvik Marina

Visiting the boat yard next morning we were very pleasantly surprised that ER was clean, serviced and basically ready to go! Thanks to Østein and his efficient crew! We will be back in August for the next winter.

Arrived in Ålesund

Leaving on our wedding anniversary on the 29^th must have softened the weather gods and we had a wonderful first day’s sail, goose-winged most of the time in a gentle south-westerly breeze towards Ålesund. This brought us back to ER and sailing.

The scenery too is magnificent! The low lying hills appear dark purple and rusty red, with glistening dark blue wet rocks. The slopes are speckled with fresh light sap green tufts where new leaves are starting to grow on the small trees and shrubs. In the distance the high mountains are still covered in lots of snow.

After the unique warm weather last year we did not quite realize that the mean temperature in May in this area is about 10.9ºC. Someone in a shop told us today that it had been the coldest and wettest May for a very long time. Even leaving the butter outside the fridge did not make it easier to spread. Thermal underwear and hot water bottles kept us warm and snug (so far).