The Full Monty: August 3rd 2015: Norway: Back to the mainland

Monty the Motorhome is parked up in the car park of Agatunet, a museum of old Norwegian buildings on the shore of Sørfjorden. The view is tremendous, with the fjord stretching away into the distance and neatly enclosed by snow capped mountains on either side.

We left Kvitsøy on the early morning ferry, just after Rachael and Ivar left on their sail boat. Our ferry overtook them just before coming into Stavanger - big waves were exchanged and then they were out of sight.

Our route took us through long road tunnels (longest today was 7.8 kms) and one ferry. I think this will be the pattern to come as we venture northwards and into fjord country.

Lunch was taken at Etne, a small town at the head of a sea fjord. Needing to replenish supplies we were on the lookout for a supermarket and this was the first place where one was conveniently close to the road. The view was so good down the fjord that we decided to stay and have an early lunch.

Then onwards to Odda - a town that definitely is very odd. Beautiful setting, but terrible industrial buildings that really spoil the landscape. Most are old and look semi-derelict. None are painted to blend in sympathetically and smoke belches out from some of the units. Talk about dark satanic mills!

The town is at the head of Sørfjorden, so we continued along the western side looking for an overnight spot. Spotting several motorhomes parked up at Agatunet we decided to stay. We were too late for the museum, but had a little walk around the surrounding orchards - the area is noted for fruit production.

Tonight’s meal was hot dogs again (Ruth cannot get enough of them), as well as some local cherries bought from a roadside stall.