A new strategy

After the strenuous day yesterday, I only wake up at half past eight. Then I happily turn over again. In the meantime, I’ve decided to take a creative approach to this route. Wild camping spots are scarce, so a different strategy is required.

When I leave around noon, I choose the coast including shelter instead of the inland. That seems more beautiful to me, although I will never know what I missed. In the supermarket of Tønsberg, I strike up a conversation with a cyclist from Oslo. When I mention that wild camping is difficult here, he shrugs his shoulders. “Just ask if you can camp in someone’s garden; with me, it would always be allowed.” And to be honest: I have come across quite a few houses with gardens where my tent would completely disappear. I just have to get over the threshold to actually ask that. Another new challenge.

Lunch in the water

It’s beautiful walking along the fjord. This time, deviating from the route is an excellent decision. When I get hungry, I discover a picnic table with a phenomenal view over the water. A perfect place to cook. At least, that’s what I thought. Just before I unpack my things, it suddenly starts to rain. According to the forecasts, it was supposed to stay dry, but the forecasts and I have had a troubled relationship lately.

Long live the Norwegian bus shelters

Fortunately, there is a bus shelter two hundred meters away. My salvation. I think postponing my meal is not an option, so I cook a delicious bean dish there. Not bad at all. After more than an hour, the rain clears up and the sun appears as if nothing happened. Just a short intermezzo.

Camping? Bad idea!

I spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying the trail. It is truly beautiful here. Wild camping remains challenging, but I see plenty of houses with large gardens where a small tent wouldn’t bother anyone. That’s not necessary for tonight. A shelter is waiting for me. Nearby, there’s a campsite where I tap water and take a look around. Caravans are packed tightly together, and the prices are significant.

When I compare that to the shelter waiting for me… Right by the sea. Spacious. High. Quiet. Empty. I’ve got it all sorted out again.

Overnight stay: Skallevold