We arrived wet and dripping in Stavanger! For the last 3 hours we had ridden through heavy and torrential rain; by the time we arrived Colin could wring out his gloves!
The day started well with a leisurely lie in safe in the knowledge that our ride today would be 3 1/2 hours- how wrong were we?
The first difficulty arose as we came across a road block of 2 elderly gentlemen, complete with deck chairs and flasks, turning all the traffic around to return 10kms back the way we'd come for a diversion. The diversion then took us over an hour only to drop back in the main road having cut less than 15 miles of our journey. Never mind though as we visited a shut art cafe but admired the marble statues by the fjord and then we discovered an old woollen mill which still produces authentic Norwegian blankets and wool. We arrived just before 1 o'clock to be told that there was an English speaking tour about to start; we were the only two people!
The girl tour guide learnt as much from Colin as we did from her!
We had done all of our route planning via google maps but what the site omitted to tell us was that the national speed limit is 40mph!! So our journeys that we have estimated 3-4 hours are more than likely to be 6 or more!!
We also suspect that the fine and penalty for exceeding the limit is immense, as no one went over the limit!
We are having to re think the journeys!!
Stavanger is an old port with many of the sea mans' cottages and warehouses remaining, although most of the warehouses are now bars and restaurants. We had a lovely traditional fish supper recommended by the receptionist, but once again,because I feel unwell,plus it is tipping down, we have returned to the hotel for warmth and a beverage.
Colin is sure that he can take some good photo's by leaning out of the bedroom window later - I presume he means, when the lights come on the old buildings and the waterfront fountain!!