Now in Norway

We did not get any internet access after leaving Goteborg, until now.  I am using a public library machine in Sandefjord, in Norway, so no pictures this time.  We got here by ferry from Sweden this afternoon.  Strictly, the North Sea route crosses into Norway by land, but this ferry ride cut a corner which we were told was not so attractive, saved about 200km, and may get us a bit more time in Stavanger-Bergen section which is supposed to be particularly attachtive, scenery-wise.  The lunch on the ferry was an "eat as much as you can" sort of affair.  So I did.  It was good!

Not sure if Katherine will try to write an entry as well as me, she is on the machine facing mine and is doing her emails!

The second part of Sweden was through lovely countryside, partly by the sea and partly through wooded, often remote, areas.  For us it was also characterised by wind (surprise, surprise) and hills, which were not long but often reduced us to walking.  The route was more on ordinary roads, after all Sweden is a bit country with a small population, so roads and tracks are fewer and further between.  Swedish people seem to like driving fast, but on the whole treat cyclist well, giving one a wide space when they overtake.  I had two bad exceptions to this and Katherine was almost carved up by a very large lorry.  Some lorries are huge, and wonders if they should have Aussie-like road train rules (not in urban areas, etc).  There was one gorgeous bit, yesterday, when we were running late and came to a bit of major road that was closed to traffic and being done up.  We cycled on the rough surface all by ourselves through really remote countryside.

This was after a visit to an area with stone/bronze age carvings in rock outcrops that we spent a bit of time seeing.  The outcrops are really quite smooth rocks, sort of low domes, and the carvings were indented into them, with fascinating figures, boats, animals, etc.  Maybe some photos later.

The day before we spent time at a place called the Nordic Ark, where they have a collection of endangered species of animals.  From our point of view, a sort of zoo.  But fun to see and in a different sort of setting.

Hope to fill in more, and I am sure Katherine will have her bit to add.

Tom