With a pinch of wistfulness we plan to leave Skrova/Lofoten tomorrow morning after some southerly swell from a low pressure beast further south has passed through here at our doorstep. On the positive side, it gave us two more days on Skrova, my absolute favourite island, just outside of Svolvær. A place to return.
A final fare well from the Liten Fiskerkona overseeing the harbour here on the island.
Fair winds…
After six month in Svolvær we have casted our 17 mooring lines (fixed to 6 cleats), which brought us safely through some memorable winter conditions. No regrets.
Nevertheless a weather window opened up to start our journey South before it gets too busy at this popular place on earth.
A short logistics stop on Skrova with a nut-cake trade-in against some fresh Skrei filets resulted in a yummy farewell dinner prepared by chef Susan!
We call it a day but might have to get up around midnight for another chance of highly active polar lights…
Fair winds…
After long, the low pressure systems are finally back on the highway from Southwest to Northeast bringing not only warmer air but also rain at sea level. Gales included. It was 2am when we both woke up not being used to 40kn plus of wind gusts getting The Lady back into some harmonic-swinging movements and squeaky breathing sounds coming from the lines and fenders. We wonder, how that is possible…strange.
The rain at sea level might turn into air born snow further up in the mountains but the beauty of the plaines and the winter wonderland are at risk. We are positively sceptical for the better, especially as the skiing season has just started and local opinion remains strong: snow will be in March! Tourist inflows are on the rise and becoming more diverse, Mandarin loosing its domination.
Have a great weekend ahead, if you get there!
Fair winds…
It‘s not over yet. An “Overnighter on Snowshoes” was long on my wish-list and now the time has come. With 15kg of luggage sitting on our backs we decided to take the bus to get a bit closer to the hut. In Normal snow conditions we would probably hiked over the lakes & trails but with that much new snow recently, we played safe and tested gear and guineas on a shorter trial during the first day.
Latest upon arrival on Madsvatnet our suspicion got confirmed. Not a single old trace crossing the lake at our entry point chosen, which normally becomes a spider-net of tracks especially after a weekend. We finally found and followed a short crossing just to end up in the bushes with steep up- and downhills ahead of us. After some staggering through deep snow while getting twigs out of the face, we got back to the XC skiing track which took us easily to the hut: Skihytta KS Ski Lofoten, booked for one night.
The forecast for Aurora was: 0% clouds, high activity, Kp Index 4 from 7pm onwards. Very good chance for a light show after dinner and it came true.
Skipping telly and table cleaning we were timely surrounded by mysterious wight leftovers and trolls everywhere under burning skies in all directions.
Pixelparty until my fingers became glassy frozen. It’s cold under the burning skies but worth the stitching pain.
Deeply impressive. Miraculous.
After a good night sleep and a decent breakfast our return crossing Kongsvatnet was fine and got framed by quickly changing weather conditions. The winter wonderland keeps us engaged.
A good trip leaving lasting impressions behind. Legs, back and brain need a rest.
Another pixelparty on Komoot.
Fair winds…
After getting another 10cm of snow during the early morning hours, we are now, based on official data for downtown Svolvær, sitting at 75cm total. More than enough and much more snow higher up the mountains. Avalanche risk sits at orange severity levels, first ones having reported within Lofoten.
By coincident, this ride falls on the day the ITI 2026 – also known as ITI Alaska – is going to be started. Its the only coincident besides winter and snow, not to forget both sharing amazing winter landscape. Crazy race, not for puppies.
My winter biking appetite is on the rise despite having been hit by a snow spell on the return. Gore, Woolpower, Sorel, Hestra and Rockbros keep me cozy.
Good stuff.
Fair winds…
Apart from shuffling snow we are enjoying some switched off, quite quality days. A passing through, chilling easterly gale does not get us outside for long and one more time our cozy tiny floating home provides all comfort needed.
It’s never boring, and we feel dragged between the fact, that these days will unfortunately come to an end and initial thoughts about planning the time to move on.
Fair winds…
After the snow is before the snow while the sun made it for a few hours in between. We got around 40 to 50 cm in the first batch over the last 24 hours. Snow removal is in full swing to ensure normal life routines are not getting impacted, e.g. the busses getting the Asian tourists to their waterfront hotels.
Its the time where our tarpaulin snow cover saves us a lot of work and keeps our tiny floating home in good order.
Fair winds…
No doubt, after six weeks of very pleasant winter weather, the turning point has arrived. We might not see the sun for the next seven days! Heavy snow has kicked in. Will be nice. No gales forecasted, at present.
Sailing to the sauna is a new to me.
Fair winds…
We were out today on a mission to find a historical Gamme, hidden within the Kabelvåg plaines. Its chimney looming through the leafless trees finally revealed its existence, accessible via a deep & steep snow powdered approach.
A very special place of retreat.
Fair winds…
Today’s grocery shopping took us on a detour around Gardsosen, one of the fjords cutting deep into Svolvær’s spread out community. It offers some aerial views over the city and the Vestfjord. A short hike, I did before, four month ago in autumn, now in winter, still imposing.
Time is flying by despite the days getting longer and longer and our focus remains on taking as many impressions in as possible. The day of leaving will come and it will be over…
Fair winds…
Powered by WordPress & Theme by Anders Norén