Heat

Well, it turns out that we have visited Norway during their coldest summer in 120 years. Who's stupid idea was that ? It was bad enough for those who stayed south of the Arctic Circle. Those who ventured North were reporting snow and freezing temperatures. There were also some dubious reports of elk being spotted. Team Trigger even had photos, but it could have been a cow with antlers photoshopped on. 

We departed the campsite at Alesund, with its rude and grumpy owner to head towards the Atlantic Ocean Road. It  meant taking the ferry to Molde again, my third trip on this particular ferry in 24 hours. 

We were travelling in convoy with Teams Milly and George (or should it be George and Mildred ?) until we got the pleasant and picturesque town of Bud. Gary and Dave announced they were in Central Paris, well according to their sat nav. They were taking it apart to teach it a lesson. 

The Atlantic Ocean Road is every bit as bleak and windswept as you would expect. Small granite islands are dotted off the coast and some scrubby vegetation cowering from the stiff breeze and rain. The cold, damp air whistling through the van was getting to us all. 

The road starts off with the iconic humped bridge. 

After that the road hopped from rugged Island to rugged island. I don't know if it was just the ridiculous amount of stunning scenery we have seen over the last week or just the cold and drizzly weather but I have to say I was a little disappointed with the Atlantic Ocean Road. 

Teams through the day had been checking in from Oppdal.

Team Olly had driven through the night to get there and we found them at the camp site wallowing in opulence in a log mansion. The Mowlams had a shed in comparison. As more teams drifted in, we congregated in the west wing of the mansion, with central heating, Sky tv and sleeping quarters for a full battalion. 

It wasn't just us making use of Team Ollys facilities though. Steve and Raquel ran out of fuel 3 miles from the campsite. A quick phone call and a limousine with fuel can arrived 10 minutes later. Now that's what I call Windy service. 

Such service. It wasn't long before we would need our own rescue by limo. But that tale can wait until tomorrow.