Unnspoiled Wonderland

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From the approach to Kristiansund Airport you knew this was to be a special place. Clear blue skies and clear deep blue waters was our first invitation to the pristine rocky shores of the southern coast of Norway. We were met by Pieter and after a brief drive back to Arundel, we met up with Inger and her son Nickolai.

My initiation to Norway the following morning was a traditional Morganbad or Morning Bath. The water temp was 16 Celsius and I didn't stick around long enough to observe all the sea life.

It amazes me as to how many boats ply the frigid waters. There is a continual parade of boats going here and there across the bay and around the island. It seems like everyone has a boat.. From small 9 HP 10 footers that children are allowed to navigate, to large well appointed cruisers and sailboats. Pieter has made arrangements with his friend Søan to go for a two hour boat cruise later this afternoon in a small mahogany wooden craft. So after hiking into town, stopping for a Norwegian coffee (champagne) at Søan's beautiful home, we make our way into town via a forest hiking trail and a pedestrian only, short ferry ride. We eventually reach the harbour of Arundel for a delicious lunch of fresh shrimp and bread. Eating by a waterside pier restaurant, local beers were the order of the day. I keep doing conversions of the Krone to the dollar in disbelief at how expensive food and drink are. I better keep drinking and not think about it.

We ply the waterways, passing lighthouses and campgrounds while waving to fellow boaters as we navigate the numerous buoys that keep us on track.  Meeting up later with Ingrid and Nickoli who joined us on the boat, we are dropped off at a seasonal , casual waterfront restaurant for a delicious, though expensive (keep drinking don't think about it) buffet dinner.

I am struck at how few international tourists we seem to have come in contact with. Local tourists are however keeping the economy robust. No Americans or large Japanese tour buses in this southern part of Norway, just the locals from Oslo, here for a week or weekend getaway. Clean and unspoiled seems to be the mantra here. Skål!!