11th July 2023 (hot and sunny, drizzle late arvo) 0km

After getting a fan sent up to the room we both had a great sleep. Woke at 5am but fell back to sleep until 6.30am for me and 7am for Julia.  The thunderstorm that was supposed to hit yesterday, didn't arrive, although I'm picking if you were up in those mountains, you'd have felt the full force.

At the half way mark we are very pleased that we changed our plans from travelling North to South and did it in reverse.  We met a German couple yesterday who had started in Nordkapp the same day we started in Oslo.   We noticed how pale they were in comparison so didn't dare ask them what their weather had been like.  We have been extremely fortunate, with great weather on good roads, most of them back roads or cycle trails.

The odd time we've encountered the main E roads haven't been fun. Some people in vehicles need to realise that their two seconds of impatience can be the death of cyclists. To have to wait behind someone climbing a mountain pass, on blind bends, shouldn't be an issue.  You have a powerful engine and once passed, a foot on the gas will get you back up to speed.

To have cars or trucks pass when oncoming vehicles are approaching is careless and reckless because in most circumstances, we have nowhere to go.

This applies to the minority in general, but sadly over the years, that number, wherever in the world you cycle, is increasing.
It's the same situation, but much worse in tunnels.
Norway does a great job with not only the construction of these massive projects, but with how they provide alternative routes for cyclists.
However, sometimes that's not possible and you find yourself in a huge cavernous space, with sounds from both directions, bouncing off the walls.
Add fast moving vehicles, some truck and trailers and for a cyclist, you're wondering if this is the tunnel that you don't exit.

Of the many countries we've been able to see by bike, Norway is the most scenic. It is huge in the amount of lakes and fjords and in its mountainous areas.  Everyday the views are different and you never tire of them.

The ferries that transport you from one side of a fjord to another are unbelievable, not only in how reliable and precise they are, but how well built and maintained.
So, today we will get out and see more of Trondheim. It looks like a modern, busy, vibrant city.

But at 8am, the most important aspect of the trip so far.
Yes that's correct
How do the hotel breakfasts stack up?

To look at me, most people think I eat like a sparrow.
Let me remind those who don't know me, that I have put hotels out of business with my mid or end of trip breakfast habits.
Update to follow.
9.30am
Not bad. Certainly ate a sufficient amount, but not a huge selection of cooked food.
The usual European cold meats and cheeses with bread.
Today was hot.
The room without air conditioning (why would they, normal summer is only two weeks ) was stifling.
If it wasn't for the fan, I hate to think.

Love the flower displays and how they coordinate them with the surrounding buildings. 

The old town was very quaint and extensive and we managed to beat the hordes this morning.  These wooden buildings were built in late 1700s and we can't believe how many still exist.

After a wander around the town staying in the shade whenever possible, it was back to the hotel where both of us just crashed on the bed for an hour.  I have to say although the sleep was great, as it was last night, I'm waking feeling exhausted.

Got some more items washed and hung up before we went for a ride to pick up some camping gas at an XXL store about 4kms away.

Got a banana and an ice cream in the shopping mall where we thought the camping place was.....it wasn't........so, pushed on a couple of blocks.  Looked at some tents in XXL, but they were higher priced Norwegian ones.  So hang in there Vango. We've got just over seven and a half weeks to go.  You can dooo iiiitt. !!  Got some performance gas by Colemans, which is brilliant and the cheapest we've had.

Our shopping venture took us to the shadier side of town, but this shady place was very pleasant. 

Tomorrow, we think we'll check out later and take a camp on this side of the fjord by the ferry.
On the ride today, both of us were feeling even the slightest rises and although we are in a hotel, we're feeling a lot more tired getting up, than we ever do in a tent.

Whilst Julia attempted to book us a flight out of Tromso, I did some more of the blog.
Finally got through to Scandanavian airlines to ask why when Ju's made all the required steps, the final payment won't go through, hence no flight.
Thought we'd paid for it twice, so now need to check bank account in NZ tomorrow.
If you had someone you could physically talk to on the phone when you book, it may help.
But days of dealing with anything other than a voice recorded message are here to stay.
Very sad.
Went back to the same place we had dinner last night and met a girl from Newcastle, who came over during Covid.  Back to the hotel for a coffee and early night, preparing for the second part of our journey.