Hei Hei from Bergen

We've arrived in Bergen!! We can't believe it's all over!We've had a lovely three days coming up the coast of Norway, through fjords and keeping in more protected waters amongst the islands. Biding our quarantine time as we went. The fjords are not the hugely steep sided ones but stunning all the same.

The second night we came into the wee village of Sagvay. We had phoned ahead to see if we could moor up. The guy on the end of the phone said that was fine and somebody would be there to help. We were moored up alongside a ship/restaurant which was being restored.

We were just sitting down to some supper (ready made lasagnas - crew are a tad tired now!) when a man came and knocked on the door. He wanted to show us round the village the next morning. We were actually parked up in the oldest shipyard in Norway! The next morning Gerhard came and collected us and proceeded to show us the most amazing artisan boat sheds where old boats were being lovingly restored with the same equipment which had been used for years. He was rightly proud of all they did.

The following night we spent in Bekkjarvick. Again, we phoned ahead and booked our mooring. We found ourselves next to a restaurant, which thankfully delivered burgers to the boat! Great excitement was had by the crew. You'd have thought we had just been on and expedition with Bear Grylls, such was the pack of hyenas that descended on their food that night.

The next day we had lunch in a beautiful little inlet and then set on up to Bergen. We had to book a slot to order for one of the bridges to be opened because sailing boats are too tall. Then we arrived in Bergen. It rains here....and it doesn't stop. (The fourth mate is wondering why on earth she thought it would be a good idea to pack her bikini!) We were slightly besieged! The excitement of our arrival had spread like wildfire. We've just received photos, today, of our arrival, from an office window...on the other side of town! These pics were relayed to our next-door neighbours on the pontoon and they all came rushing to meet us.

In Bergen there are about 200 people who live permanently on their boats. (the fourth mate says, judging by the price of a bottle of wine, she's not that surprised!)

We are quite overwhelmed with their generosity and help. We are already on The Neighbourhood Facebook Group! With our quarantine now over, we've had drinks and chats and are hopefully going sailing in a couple of days.

The boys left a few days ago and the Captain and fourth mate are feeling a tad bereft. We miss their cheery banter, seeing them tucked up under their Tintin downie covers, their culinary skills, car discussions and the wonderful ability of being a fantastic 'hands on' and able crew. When times were tough and scary, they just got on with it.

It is at this point that the Captain and fourth mate would like to thank the lovely wives who supported this venture and put up with all the 'on's' and 'offs' of the trip. You are stars!

Meanwhile the Captain and fourth mate will continue to live on the boat for the next few weeks while engine service is carried out and repairs to the bow are done. Broadsword will then need to be winterised and tucked up until next year.

Thank you keeping up with our wee adventure. We've been delighted and overwhelmed with the feedback. A new year will hopefully bring new adventures.......any takers?

Captain John and fourth mate Lucy

xxxxxx