Yesterday we realised that it had been more than 10 days since we stayed anywhere for more than one night. The great little free camping spot in Sommaroy has lovely views, good walks and loads of birdlife, so we decided to stay an extra day.

Sommaroy

Today the weather started where it left off – wet. The cloud has lifted much higher so the mountain tops are now visible, but as we got up there was still a light drizzle. That stopped fairly quickly and the rest of the day has seen the skies slowly clearing, although it is still a chilly 11 degrees celsius or so. Tomorrow promises to be sunshine and up to 20 degrees – hooray.

Early on Sarah spotted the chance to take the space of a departing motorhome and park Basil nose first against the fjord and so all day we have had the most splendid views across the fjord to the mountains on Senja island, where we are heading tomorrow.

After breakfast I made our first batch of Basil made bread. I only allowed the dough to rise once and Basil’s oven is as predictable as a panicking reindeer, but nonetheless the result made a pleasant change, given that there is nowhere to buy bread here and the only alternative is packaged quick bake bread which we keep for emergencies.

After that I got my birding lens on and went in search of the myriad of bird species we have already seen in the area. There is a big colony of Arctic Terns and Common Gulls just 100 metres away from us and I spent an enjoyable time photographing them and in the case of the Arctic Terns, their chicks. In addition to Arctic Terns and Common Gulls, today I’ve seen Redshank, Oystercatchers, Eider Ducks and Cormorants, in addition to more common inland species including a Magpie being mobbed by Arctic Terns. Having been dive bombed by the Terns every time we go out for a walk I have a little sympathy for the Magpie, although it was probably after their chicks.

Arctic Tern with chicks

Artic Tern with fish. I don’t know what type of fish but whenever I see a photo of Puffins with this type of fish they call them Sand Eels, so we will go for that!

Common Gulls

Redshank

Oystercatcher having a bath

In the afternoon Sarah, the dogs and I had a nice walk around Sommaroy, which is surrounded by picturesque small sandy coves, but at the same time is a working fishing port with large trawlers mored up.

Summary

We’ve even been sitting out in our comfy chairs, albeit in our coats. I don’t they have been out of the garage since we crossed into Finland. There is no restriction in Norway on getting out furniture or erecting awnings when wildcamping.

Summary

The idea for tomorrow is to catch an early ferry to Senja island and start our journey down through the northern islands.

As I finish the sun has finally got it’s hat on – hip hip hip hooray and Sarah’s talking about eating outside. I’m not so sure it’s quite warm enough yet!