Polar winds

Finnmark Still snow on the tops

Leaving Honnginsvåg by ferry for a short crossing to Kafjord, we started the E69 south. The landscape was bare, the last remains of the winter snow still there and the road following the Porsangerfjorden with rather limited ascends and descends, which of course suited us well.

In good Norwegian tradition, the first day also brought us the first tunnel. I know, many will follow, but in this case, the Skarvberg tunnel, it was immediately a proper example. With its length over 3 km it was explicitly forbidden for pedestrians and bicycles. And the old road over the mountain didn't exist anymore. Well, the only alternative is a 2-3 day deviation. So, after asking at the Tourist Information, we got the message that the reason for excluding bikes is the danger of carbon-monoxide poisoning. But that in summer that danger was not so much there. So we put on the bright orange raincoat, attached an additional torch to the back of our bike and of we went into the dark. It all worked out well, no cars crashing into us and after 10 minutes we saw the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, the quantity of adrenaline was quite a bit higher.

Skarvberg tunnel

The villages here are tiny to say the least and separated well. Which requires good planning of campsites for the night and for buying food. Shops are not many, but often petrol stations also function as general stores.

The muscles still need to get used to their new task. The lack of specific cycling training before we started off, requires us to limit the daily distances, but that gives the chance to enjoy the surroundings and the at this moment beautiful weather. Some days, like at Skáidi, you are so lucky to arrive at a really nice and peaceful campsite. Traveling by bike doesn't give much choices in this respect so you must take it as it comes. But some days it comes better than others, reason to start a special "camping of the week" page on this site.

Reppar- fjordelva river Repparfjord camping near Skáidi