Monday 28 September 2009
Some company
It was great to have some company on the water. Too much of my paddling seems to be solo these days.
Sunday 27 September 2009
Goat Island
It was good to get back in the Carolina after the SOT that I paddled on my last stay in Norway. This is an excellent boat, although I prefer the expedition version that I have at home. It is reasonably fast, very stable, relatively cheap and is a great all-rounder. It can carry my bulk plus all of my gear for an overnight trip without any problems.
Since I am having to do at least one working day at the weekends, my aim was to get back from the office early on Saturday afternoon and then get out for an overnight paddling trip. The short return paddle, after camping on an island just beyond Hesnes, allowed me to get back to the office for 10:00 on Sunday.
The weather was fantastic. I have no idea why the beaches were deserted:
Since I am having to do at least one working day at the weekends, my aim was to get back from the office early on Saturday afternoon and then get out for an overnight paddling trip. The short return paddle, after camping on an island just beyond Hesnes, allowed me to get back to the office for 10:00 on Sunday.The weather was fantastic. I have no idea why the beaches were deserted:
Saturday 4 July 2009
The Third Way
My plan was to paddle to the beach just beyond Fevik and have a bit of a swim followed by breakfast. I could then drift back to Grimstad and go to the office straight after lunch.
In the end, I drifted in the other direction to explore lots of little channels and islands near Nedenes and didn't get back until late afternoon. I paid for the trip with a bit of redness of the skin from the sun and wind - my plan for a short trip meant that I hadn't bothered with sun block or a hat.
The swimming part of the plan worked. The beach was a little bit busier than last time I visited; six other people came down for an early swim. The water was reasonably warm and almost completely free of jellyfish.
I passed the beach again on the way back, stopping on the rocks for some lunch. The heat and the sunshine had brought out so many families that there was barely any sand to be seen between the towels and beach toys.
My exploration around Nedenes showed me a third way of getting through to Arendal; it's a slower route but very sheltered and might be useful in bad weather.
In the end, I drifted in the other direction to explore lots of little channels and islands near Nedenes and didn't get back until late afternoon. I paid for the trip with a bit of redness of the skin from the sun and wind - my plan for a short trip meant that I hadn't bothered with sun block or a hat.
The swimming part of the plan worked. The beach was a little bit busier than last time I visited; six other people came down for an early swim. The water was reasonably warm and almost completely free of jellyfish.
I passed the beach again on the way back, stopping on the rocks for some lunch. The heat and the sunshine had brought out so many families that there was barely any sand to be seen between the towels and beach toys.
My exploration around Nedenes showed me a third way of getting through to Arendal; it's a slower route but very sheltered and might be useful in bad weather.
Thursday 2 July 2009
Another hot day
I went straight out on the water after work, taking some food and drink. After an hour or two of nosing around the islands, I found a quiet spot to have supper while reading my book and listening to my mp3 player. Not a bad way to spend the evening.
A bit of rolling practice and general messing around at Groos showed that I need to do a bit of work on my left hand sculling support but was a very pleasant finish to the day.
A bit of rolling practice and general messing around at Groos showed that I need to do a bit of work on my left hand sculling support but was a very pleasant finish to the day.
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Paddling is cool
The current heat in Grimstad is too much for comfort when your apartment is on the top floor and catches all the sun. Getting out on the water is the best way to find some cooler air.
Sadly, it seems that the whole population of Norway has the same idea. The islands that I had all to myself in the winter now seem busier than Grimstad itself.
Sadly, it seems that the whole population of Norway has the same idea. The islands that I had all to myself in the winter now seem busier than Grimstad itself.
Sunday 3 May 2009
Fevik
An early morning paddle to take advantage of a break in the wind. It was absolutely still at times:
Grimstad looks rather nice at 0630 on a Sunday morning:
I followed the line of posts out to sea:
The sun was partially hidden by the clouds but still very bright:
The only greenery to be seen on the outer islands was the weed exposed by the tide:
Fevik from the sea:
Some of the many birds that I saw:
I also had to share the ocean with other boats, but not too many:
I was surprisingly close to the lighthouses that lead the way into Arendal:
I headed for the big beach to the east of Fevik:
There is a very nice "hut" with a fantastic view:
The little harbour to the side of the beach has limited access at low tide:
The beach is beautiful. I imagine that it gets very busy in the summer but I only saw a couple of other people during my breakfast stop.
Eventually I had to leave:
My guess is that this is an old pontoon:
There was time for a few wildlife shots, playing with the macro on my camera:
I reached Fevik just as the populace started to wake up:
As I headed back towards the Hesnes canal and Grimstad, I noticed a building that I assume to be a church:
Tuesday 28 April 2009
The furthest island
It was a nice evening and the sea was calm. There is an island all by itself about 4.5km offshore that needed a visit....
Sunday 26 April 2009
Saturday 25 April 2009
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