Checking out Balestrand

 Tuesday

24 September 

Day 86

10 to go

Another early wake up call and it was action stations. We had breakfast, packed up our things and then made for the Norled ferry parked by the tourist information centre. We boarded at 7.40am. Found comfy seats by the window and settled in. We were still waiting for news from home, the baby is on her way.

8am and the boat began to move from the dock and out into the harbour. We left behind the colourful buildings and started navigating between large ships, until it was open water. The ferry then powered up and we were off travelling between the various suburbs that sit on the islands. 

We ferry captain let us know there would be a number of places where he would slow the boat to enable passengers to get out and view the landscape. On the first power down there was as rush for the upper deck and the viewing platform, however people didn’t stay too long. We withstood the cool, before walking to the front of the boat, just as the power was turned up, my eyes immediately began watering from the blast of cold wind. You had to really anchor yourself or you would be blown over.

We returned to our seats, only to yo-yo between them and the upper deck, as the views presented themselves. At 10am we entered the Sonjfjord. This is the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, being 200km in length and at its deepest point 1300m.

We song the next two hours enjoying the magnificent views from the deck and our seats. There was an abundance of natural beauty to marvel at; waterfalls, autumnal trees, sheer cliffs and cloud cover, throw in the odd colourful dwelling and we experienced it all. 

We slowed in a number of spots, so everyone had the opportunity to enjoy the display. It was pointed out that some of the places were just Summer homes and were isolated, having access by boat or walking trails only. 

At midday we arrived in Balestrand. We made for the tourist information centre, collecting a map for the heritage trail and then started walking. He first point of interest was St Olafs Church. This is supposedly the inspiration for the castle in Frozen. It is a stave church, made from wood and consists of lots of interesting angles. We checked out the outside before making our way in. It was beautiful in an understated way. 

The trail had 17 points of interest for us to look out for. The route was only about 1.5km in length, so we were happy with a leisurely stroll.  We saw the Viking burial mounds, public beaches and interesting dragon homes, many owned by artists who enjoyed coming to Balestrand for it’s wonderful light. 

We had lunch overlooking the water, taking in the changing views of the fjord. We both remarked at how quiet and peaceful the place was. There were very few tourists about and the locals were hiding. 

I marvelled at the beautiful colours of the trees and the abundance of apples. Paul was happy to pick up those that had fallen to the ground and enjoy them. We reached the end of the trail and began the return journey. This time we followed the signs to the cider house. They had quite a selection but nothing for tasting. Paul picked up a couple of bottles anyway and then it was back to the trail. 

We still hadn’t had news from Jaden and were beginning to worry. I was able to get Meri, who let us know they had had to go to the hospital, as things weren’t progressing as hoped. We contort walk towards town. We found the beautifully ornate old hotel Kvixxxx to walk around. This then lead us back to our starting point for 3pm. 

We had an hour and three quarters to entertain ourselves. Between internet surfing, walking to different vantage points and just enjoying the ever changing scenery, we managed to see it slowly tick away. In the last 30 minutes it began to lightly drizzle, so we had to seek cover under a veranda, but it wasn’t a big concern. 

The boat arrived for 4.45pm, and a bus load of tourists swept out, so it was relatively quiet when we boarded. We found 2 seats right at the front and settled in for the 3 and a half hour journey back to Bergen.

We heard from Jaden, things hadn’t gone to plan and Ren was going to have a c section, so we would wait to hear more news later on. We watched the familiar landscape flow by the window.  I was happy to stay indoors, rather than brave the cooling air. I did step out a couple of times, when it was required.

We watched as day turned into night, with the sun slowly setting and leaving a beautiful sunset behind. Plenty of pinks, oranges and yellows to paint the skyline and the water. 

We heard from Jaden at 8pm, Bub, Jarrah May was born at 11.58pm. Everything went well and they were now resting after an epic 40 odd hours. We look forward to pictures. 

We drew ever closer to Bergen, our pep up and gone and were keen to get back to home soil. The lights of the town, harbour and bridge were twinkling their greeting to us, as we finally made it, docking at 8.40pm. We made a quick line for the Vietnamese restaurant again, enjoying another magnificent meal. We then returned to our room for 9.40pm, ready to put ourselves to bed.