Today was a day primarily concerned with getting the ferry across the North Atlantic Ocean from Sweden to Norway, so we could continue our adventures.

Also doubling as a ‘rest day’ as there was not a lot of cycling time available without pushing boundaries either end of the day.

We also like to make sure we leave plenty of time to get to a ferry in case of a mechanical issue, or medical as it turned out today.

Tony was feeling quite dizzy with vertigo after breakfast and we decided to maximise the time in our room until check out time of 11.

He slept and felt even worse when he woke up.

I transferred all our gear and bikes to a place we could assemble them, and checking out asked for a large taxi.

I waited and spoke with the lovely taxi driver explaining. He loaded the bike and took Tony to the ferry terminal. He also removed the bike from the van saving Tony the effort.

I then rode departing the pirate park.

I only needed to ride 5 km without Tony but it felt strange.

I had an hour to get there so stopped to take photos of this area we really rate highly.

Well perhaps not this guff, but the hotel was great.

This is what I’m talking about. Lovely coastal scenes, gorgeous little homes and fishing huts.

Interesting information de the Kosterhavet National park, one of Sweden’s most popular holiday areas.

North and South Koster islands have been added to my bucket list of we return.

Just a beautiful region.

I found Tony sitting outside the terminal, pleasingly looking a bit brighter.

I tried to check in but needed to go and line up elsewhere with the motor bikes.

Eventually our ferry arrived, dwarfing the surrounding islands.

It is quite a narrow passage and the ship reversed in, to the left of this photo.

The most incredible line up of assorted vehicles left the ship over two levels. The capacity is significant. We got very cold standing there with the biting headwind lashing us. All our warmer clothes were on.

We were the very first to enter the cargo hold, cycling to the far end and strapping our bikes to the side. The motorbikes and then buses followed.

The first things we noted on board.

I had purchased a lunch package with our ticket, and lined up behind the bus tourists at the buffet, to be told ‘oh no, you’re booked into the elegant restaurant on level 8’.

So up we went, in our cycling gear, and here we sat for the duration, enjoying the views in a restaurant with only three other guests! Nice meal too!

Some of the views from the Sweden end. I think you can see why we rate the Bohuslan archipelago highly.

The ocean swell was considerably larger than our crossings over the Baltic, and was glad when Tony put his head down, and fell asleep.

The crossing is 2 hours 30. Our first views of Norway.

Drivers were called down to the cargo area 20 minutes before docking.

Standing down there, amongst the high trucks and buses is a funny feeling. It’s also extremely noisy and you cannot be sure what is happening outside.

This ship has perhaps the cleanest hold I’ve seen, the floor is shiny and spotless.

Lots of cables and piping, again all looking pristine.

Finally the sirens start and the hydraulics open the hatches. Nearly out. Two buses and a motor home went out, then us.

We were shocked how cold it was and even windier!!

Our accomodation is in an Air BnB only one km or so from the terminal.

After checking in, we walked into town, with Tony feeling heaps better.

Our ship was just departing, slowly reversing out. The nose of the ship had lifted when we arrived but we’d entered via the rear hatch.

I had trouble getting up onto the big chair for this photo. It is very large!

This lovely old building was a health retreat and spa in the late 1800’s. The area is setting up for a music festival in the surrounds, hence all the tables.

The Viking ship is regarded as one of the most important contributions from Norway in world cultural heritage. This region was once one of the most famous areas for building Viking boats.

The skill is being taught again on this site.

I saw the boat and called out “Floki!”. Floki was a famous Viking boat builder in the TV show Vikings. He had a wicked laugh.

The Hvalfangstmonumentet (yes that is just one word) is a bronze memorial statue that rotates. In English that translates to the Whalers Monument.

It took the artist 7 years to complete, with the big unveiling in 1960.

We are hoping for good health and the winds to ease tomorrow. The latter looks unlikely but let’s see what the day brings.

Thanks for reading.

😊❣️🚴💪