31st July 2023 (sunny and warm) 28km

One thing we have noticed since we got to Lofoten, is the obvious lack of midges and mosquitoes.

Is it because we are four hours from the mainland, stuck in the North Sea and those horrible little creatures thought
" We're not bloody well flying that far.  That's iceberg waters out there, we'll leave it to something else to drive them insane"

At midnight, we were visited by a bunch of bikers on Harleys.
They are certainly not the only ones we've seen.  Touring on bikes in this country is huge.  However, as the ferry is right next to the campsite ( two hundred metres ) they must have caught the late ferry and decided to wake up the whole place, (except for Julia), with their loud grunty engines.  Then it was a matter of setting up tents as well.

This morning we were up by 6.30am having a cuppa, followed by breakfast, before breaking camp.

Today we had a leisurely 29km ride to Ramberg, further north..
But first, more photographs in and around Reine.

The wind was blowing straight into our faces from the off, but nothing we could do, so on we went.
The journey took us through some beautiful terrain and once more the camera was clicking away.

We see these circular fish farms from time to time. 

Assuming it's salmon farming, as salmon is the second biggest industry over here, after oil.

The only downside for me was the amount of traffic on the road and the chances they take in trying to pass.
It didn't seem to affect Julia, but because it's the only road available at present, we have to ride it.  Fortunately we have some side road options coming up.
Scenery, once again, outstanding.

Rode casually into Ramberg about 1pm, found the camp, right on the beach.
Julia could hardly contain herself, but we managed to pitch tent and eat some lunch, before a sunbathe and swim was on the cards.

Campground at Ramberg

Norwegians are much like other European nations. Including those who live on the Med.
They have an aversion to getting their head wet.
We sat on the beach people watching, most of whom weren't even going near the water.
The ones who were, would wander in up to their knees and just stand with arms folded waiting for the temperature to rise.

After twenty minutes of sun, we decided to show them how it should be done.
Ran straight in and under and spent the next 15 mins waiting for company.

Had an attempt from a Norwegian guy, who was carrying some insulation, but he lasted 5 mins, before he succumbed.
We both reckon the temperature was between 14 and 15 C.
The bonus was, no wind at all by now and full sun.
Plenty of jellyfish on the beach sunbathing, so, can only suppose they were finding it a little chilly, like the locals.

A stroll to the store for supplies for dinner and breakfast, after our showers, was followed by another walk on the beach.
Then pre dinner drinks and snacks over blogging, before getting stuck into bacon, tomato and avocado on baguettes.

By 9pm, with our bedtime looming, the tent area had filled up with a dozen tents.
Some bikepackers, but hikers mainly.
We were sandwiched , or should I say 'Baguetted", between a young Frenchman called Baptiste, now residing in Sweden and " un mise'rable couple d'humains" on the other side.

We have decided to stay another day here as well. The weather is expected to be around 24C so we may as well enjoy the "beach vibe".



, l