Runde

29 July 2019

When we arrived at Runde there was too much wind for bird watching. We decided to sail to Ålesund where we spend the night. During the night the wind died out, so we left very early in the morning for Runde. Luckily the swell was much less and there was almost no wind. Perfect weather to get close to the cliffs and spot the birds! And it was like if he knew we were coming as there was one puffing swimming around. We were happy it was at least one as this was what we were coming for!

The wind forecast was not favourable at all. Little wind from the northeast and that is exactly the direction that we are going. So, we changed the plan and sailed into the Romsdalfjorden to Åndalsnes. We spend a day there to explore the surroundings. A few guests took the train through the Romsdal, others climbed a mountain and saw the surroundings from up high.

At five everyone was back on board and we left. The plan was to search for a nice bay to anchor and BBQ. But there was so little wind that we did not anchor but barbecued along the way with a changing view during dinner. The sun was setting, green mountains with spots of left-over snow, waterfalls, churches, all that while enjoying a freshly grilled meal. It was just like a holiday 😉

Because the wind was not in our favour again today, we sailed to the islands of Grip. There you can find the second highest lighthouse of Norway. We dropped anchor at the only island with houses and spend a few hours walking around in this tiny town. The biggest attractions was the church that was built in 1470. The altar piece was built in Utrecht in 1520 and was brought here. And there was more Dutch craftmanship as the pipe organ was made in The Netherlands as well. And in Grip the story is that they have the world’s smallest fire truck. And we think they are right as the average wheelbarrow is bigger.

Unfortunately, the wind was still not there so we went looking for sea eagles in the surroundings of Veiholmen, but we did not spot any. Luckily the wind was slowly increasing so we could set sail and tack into the night. Tomorrow the wind will shift to the right direction and we will leave the sightseeing for what it is to makes some miles towards our goal: Bodø.