SY Hullu Poro – Boating & Biking Adventures

🚴‍♂️⛺️…Kalvehageneset…⛺️🚴‍♂️

On July 23, 2026

Another overnighter was high on my priority list and the weather came in handy for Titti, Unna and myself to get out into the rocky woods of Kalvehageneset – a “fjell” into the sea. Based on my spec (evening & morning sun, no moskitos, etc.) the hint for this place came from Sander being not only the harbour master of Lillesand but also a native of Homborsund, a friend.

Pitching freestanding Unna on boulders went well, the unblocked view towards Homborsund Fyr was granted for free.

After decent sleep ensured by my 25+ year old Therm-A-Rest unmatched inflatable sleeping pad, a pleasant wake-up morning walk took me along the hiking trail, before breakfast. Nice, diverse, changing as you stroll along, Dolly already being up as well. Very nice little hike, well marked. The sun was out as expected, framing the scenery, no clouds.

Breakfast was served on a bench in front of the nearby Homborsund Landhandel.

This outward and return biking journey on a light tailwind made paddling easy but I need to work on my load distribution concept and packing list. The new frame bag is useful. So is the SOTO gas stove.

Let’s plan for the next overnighter.

Fair winds…

PS This summer turns out to become as nice as the last winter!

…Blindleialøpet…

By Bernd

On July 18, 2026

In B(H)iking, Kayaking, Norway

I learned about the Blindleialøpet while chatting to a couple, who came out to our pontoon for a cool down splash into the sea like many others do nowadays. The jellyfish is gone now and I jumped in myself a few times by now. Scandinavian summer going strong!

There was no reason not to get out on the bike to the starting line in Brekkestø joining the crowd. Although it is very much a fun event, all participants seemed to be very eager to win price money and/or award, recognition.

Fair winds…

🛶…Saltholmen Fyr…🛶

By Bernd

On July 15, 2026

In Kayaking, Norway

After Susan pushed me and Lille Poro off she went to catch the Badebåden to Saltholmen Fyr, where we reunited and booked us in for the night.

Our welcome from Asne, Berit and Hans Christian was typical Norwegian, warmhearted and friendly. Also delighted due to the interest we had in their passion operating this magical place of Norway’s heritage under a foundation arrangement with some twenty plus volunteers. The lighthouse was lit first time on 11 November 1882, hosting one family at that time.

The impressions from this overnighter will last long as a one-off experience. Not only taking Lille Poro to the edge of the ocean but also the enthusiasm to preserve the history of Norway, which we have experienced multiple time by now. Kayaking back to Lillesand via Grunnesund became a highlight in itself.

The point I cannot get my head around is, that there are not many arrangements around, where you will, while staying at a house constantly see the sea, whatever window you look out. It does not matter you look through the window from the kitchen, living room, bedroom, toilet, etc., you will be facing the sea. Saltholmen Fyr is one of them.

A place to return on a Southwesterly gale force blowing day/night…

Fair winds…

PS: Hans Christian recently returned from Svalvard and did not miss to bring a bottle of Svalbard Aquavit, a spirit only being sold up in Longyearbyen. We got a zip on our tongues and felt much closer than ever to the glaciers of this particular archipelago.

PSS: My relationship with jellyfish remains as ambivalent as it could be. Pain at one moment (cleaning seacocks), pure pleasure at the next (video above from Salthomen Fyr).

Eikelandsknuten Hill

By Bernd

On July 13, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

Another early morning ride took me out to the backcountry of Lillesand for a bike & hike session. At 200moh, Eikelandsknuten was the highest hill discovered so far after a 500m final hiking approach. The climbing tower “Over Agder” brings you 100m up, if you do not end up in the robes before that.

I am impressed how good the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel Hard Terrain tyre copes with the ongoing abuse it gets from the harsh gravel roads within these backcountry roads. It is a perfect tyre for the Allroad Chiru X-Root hybrid bike as it is also going very fast on solid tarmac.

Fair winds…

Sweet Water Beach

By Bernd

On July 12, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

Today’s Sunny Sunday Ride took me to another freshwater beach similar to Lundesanden Beach the other day at lake Syndle. Roresanden Beach is nearby at lake Rore. Both are connected through a canal, which makes this water reservoir huge, popular for kayaking.

Both beaches have a totally different character. While the privat beach of Lundesanden is open for motorised vehicles and camping, Roresanden is under municipality order and does not allow neither nor.

Before calling this ride off, I could not resist to stop at my favourite swim stop for a cool down splash as the sun started to get into force.

What a pleasure to be here.

Fair winds…

🛶🏕️…Skauerøya…🏕️🛶

By Bernd

On July 10, 2026

In B(H)iking, Kayaking, Norway

Lille Poro, Unna and me were out for an overnighter on the municipality owned island of Skauerøya. This overnighter was for long on my wishlist and now was the time. Skauerøya is well known within Lillesand and beyond. It made it under the Top 10 in one of the articles published in Yachting Monthly magazine for the Southern Norway Coastline. A boaters & hikers island.

Unna is new to the team and it has itself more than enough depth irrespective you take the Sami or Swedish meaning.

I enjoyed this trip and will work on my setup as it should not have been a one off adventure. Going forward, it will opens up additional, more isolated places hard to discover by other means of transport.

The hike itself around Skauerøya was pleasant and gets three out of five stars under my personal ranking. It’s remarkable what a municipality can offer to its inhabitants and guests.

The three of us will remain in the starting blocks scouting for future adventures.

Fair winds…

Outport of Kjøpmannsvik

By Bernd

On July 9, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

Today’s morning ride took me through the heart of the Blindleia to Kjøpmannsvik, another outport like Brekkestø. Although smaller and less famous, it is as beautiful as its counterpart and for sure less touristy.

A turn now and then took me to some other remarkable spots, some framed by the waterlilies now presented with maximum splendour.

Not running out of biking ideas, we are rather thinking of returning next year.

This area has really taken us both in for the moment.

Fair winds…

What a gem…

By Bernd

On July 8, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

With a measured ambient temperature of 28°C today it might have been the warmest day of this summer, let’s see, it’s not over yet. After just a five minutes bike ride, there is this beautiful tiny swim spot, by far my favourite of what I have seen so far around Lillesand. It ticks all boxes you could think of:

Easy access, sand and rocks, clear sweetwater at 21°C, a shallow area for kids and a deep water area for headjumps from the springboard, shade and sun, scenic view, clean due to the litter box in place, perfectly embedded in the beautiful lake and last but not least: A duck family swimming next to you not being afraid of human beings. Otherwise I had it for myself in the morning, while it was a bit busier in the afternoon on my second cool down splash of the day.

Will not be my last visits. The summer goes on…

Fair winds…

🇳🇴…Dinghy Dock…🇳🇴

By Bernd

On July 7, 2026

In Norway

Grimstad & Henrik Ibsen

By Bernd

On July 7, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

It’s was a straight forward morning spin from Lillesand towards Grimstad, the neighbouring municipality of Lillesand, all on excellent tarmac.

The dagsturhytta over there caught my attention, especially its location just next to the ocean.

After 30min taking in its splendit and tranquil atmosphere, I push back for a late breakfast. The short hike the bike section to get to the hytta was more than paid off. Incredible spot.

This hytta is named after Henrik Ibsen’s poem Terje Vigen, written in 1862. As per the extract, its themes of hardship, resilience and the impact of historical events on indivivuals’s lives remain valid until today, I think.

A nice ride to an even nicer location.

Fair winds…