Day 26 Gimsoy to Svolvaer



Breakfast was not included with last nights accommodation, so we showered and left.  As we headed off, we were stopped by a couple of girls, who were moving horses from one paddock to another across the road.  Just as well she stopped me, I didn’t see the rope she had put across the road until I was almost on it.  They had put up ropes to act as a temporary fence and guide the horses straight across the road.  We weren’t going very fast, so I would have been able to stop in time, but it was still a bit of a shock.  While we waited, about 30+ horses trotted across the road in front of us.  They operate midnight sun rides on artic horses, and I guess these were being shifted to fresh grazing after the evening’s excusions.  They were lovely animals, very stocky with long hairy manes, and flicking tails, followed by a cloud of flies.  

You can see how I almost drove through the rope



We continued on our way to our next and final destination here in Lofoten, in Svolvaer where we arrived a few days ago, and also leave from tomorrow morning.  It is the largest settlement in the Island chains, with a regular population of about 5000.  There is a mall of sorts, and about 3 different supermarkets.  There’s quite a big marina, where they run fishing trips and boat trips to one of the local fjords.  Around the marina are various lodgings, from old converted fishermans cottages to a few multi storied hotels/apartment blocks.  The wharf itself is lined on one side with restaurants, definitely cashing in on the tourist $$.  





J spent an hour or so at the WWII museum, which focussed on the German occupation of the Nordland area of Norway, and has some interesting exhibits – Eva Braun’s handbag for example.

  

And with that, the town was pretty much covered, so we hopped in the car and drove north for a bit to check out some more fjords, because we haven’t seen enough of those, and then mooched back into town, refilling the car with gas on the way.  Then it was time to schlep everything from the car to pack it ready for our flight tomorrow morning. 

We’ve thoroughly enjoyed our time here, such beautiful scenery at almost every bend in the road.  And we are sad that our visit to Norway is coming to an end. 

Except for our wallets.  I know I’m beginning to sound like a cracked record, but tonight’s dinner cost $50, for two very ordinary hamburgers with fries, bought from a food cart in the town square.  Hardly fine dining for 50 bucks 😉
 Tonight’s digs, the Fast Hotel Svolvaer.  Everything is automated, including checkin.  When your room is ready, they send you a text and an email with a six digit code that lets you in the front door, and via a keypad into your room.  Breakfast is included, and apparently it's left in a cooler bag hanging on your door handle in time for breakfast.  We await this with great anticipation.


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