Sat 31st: Eidfjord

So today, is a rest day. What will we do? Easy enough it is a short walk to the Eidford Norwegian Tourist Information which being situated in reputedly one of Norway's most picturesque villages would be a mine of information. Well only if it was open. It doesn't on Saturdays apparently. Obviously, Norway doesn't get tourists on a Saturday…

However, it gets more surreal. There is a number for a boat company that does a trip from here around the fjords. So I call the number. After many rings, I hear a voice but hard to make out as a police siren, or something is going off in the background. I wait a little to let the noise pass but it does not. So I ask if he speaks English, standard phrase for us Brits abroad. "A little" is his reply. I ask about the boat trip, siren noise still loud in the background. He says, and try a Norwegian accent, "I am in a ambulance right now, can you call back in a couple of hours?". I check the number and yes it is the number of the boat tour company! Was he the driver, a passenger or even a patient!

So with no prospect of a trip we head over to the Coop to buy our breakfast, lunch and dinner. Little more than a frozen lasagne, some bread, cheese, ham, 4 cans of Norwegian cider (delicious) and a jar of coffee…. Guess how much? Go on have a go… Well first in Norwegian Kroner… just under NK500… so what is that in old money… try £50!!!!! And this is us trying to save money.

After breakfast I decide to refuel the bikes and let dad enjoy the heat, in the sun by the wild river that flows just feet from our lounge. When on the second bike, I notice a boat coming into the harbour. I ride down, it looks like the trip runs after all, so I ask a Danish woman to hold the boat while I get dad. A mad rush later and we are sweating on the back of a Catamaran as she blasts up Eidflord, and then on to Sona Fjord. These are both the most easterly and most impressive arms to Hardanger Fjord. A will let the pictures do the talking on that one.

(Very expensive frozen lasagne and cider for tea!)