Day 13, Thank Skrova That’s Over!

Early start for us this morning; it was going to be a big day! We were up at 7.30am and walked the 10 minutes or so into the centre of Svolvaer ready to meet our kayaking trip. Already the little gremlins of doubt were playing in my mind…..was I dressed warmly enough? Would I be too cold? Would I be able to get into the kayak easily? Would I be able to get out?? Yes, we had done kayaking in Stockholm, but this was to be a very different type of trip, as it was a guided one, along with another 10 people. It’s ok looking stupid when it’s just me and Lyn (he’s used to it!) but this would be very public! Never mind, out of my comfort zone again, and no where to hide.

We met up easily enough and were soon on a little boat heading out to sea for 15 minutes or so to the island of Skrova. This was to be my first challenge; stepping down off the high jetty into the boat. Not easy with little legs, but I did it. Hey, I may not have looked elegant, but I was in the boat, in our individual swivel chairs and with our life vests on.

We got to Skrova, and were met by our two guides; an amazing Australian woman and an equally amazing Malaysian man. They talked us through everything we needed to know, and quickly worked out Lyn was the tallest person, so guess who was in the biggest kayak? Yup! We tried it out on land, but there were still problems getting Mr Long Legs in the bloody thing; to the extent that he couldn’t use his legs to use the rudder. So, in effect we were going to be rudderless! This was not going to be an easy kayaking trip as the rudder steers the bloody thing! It would all have to be steered by paddling.

We got suited up, and my carefully chosen colour co ordinated outfit (all blues) was soon hidden beneath a bright blue spray deck, under a red life jacket and in an orange kayak. What can I do? ) One tries!

Next came the big hurdle; getting into the kayak off a jetty. Lyn was to be the rudder in the back of the double kayak, and I was the “engine” in the front. (Stop laughing!) I managed getting in easier than I thought. Yay for me!

We were soon paddling around in the protected calm bay, but then headed out to open sea. On the way there we passed through some amazingly shallow clear water. It was amazing to look down and see jellyfish. The guides pointed out dead sea potatoes and sea urchins, and we got to spot two sea eagles that seemed to follow us for our journey. Amazing.

The kayaking was pretty easy at this point, but we soon had to cross two open sea channels which proved a bit more challenging. One word; waves! Not your friend when you are in a pointy narrow little thing on the ocean. My arms were soon tiring, but we plodded on, and eventually reached a beach on the island of Litlmolle. Getting out was easier than I thought, even if it did involve a slightly wet foot!

We had chosen this trip because of what it promised, and it didn’t disappoint. This was the “little Hawaii” kayaking trip where we were promised deserted beaches and tropical blue seas. That is exactly what we got. It was absolutely beautiful; hence loads of photos. Sorry not sorry! We stayed about 30 minutes there and ate our lunch. Getting back in the kayak was easy, although I forgot our kayak had a mega pointy nose and tried to walk through it rather than around it! Mega ouch! I saw stars and have the swollen bruised leg to prove it.

Had guessed that going back would not be easy, and this was soon proved right, when our guide gathered us together to talk through the return using a piece of seaweed to represent the wind, and a shell to represent the waves. It all sounded rather complicated. The waves were going to be sizeable and coming from behind us, in a different direction to the wind. We were told not to “surf the waves” as we would shoot off like a rocket and the wind would turn us. We also needed to be not broadside to the waves or we would capsize. The instructions included a lot of instructions to back paddle at certain times, but I think I tuned out due to fear! Ignorance is bliss, right?? Of course we were at a disadvantage to start, with no rudder. OMG, what I have I let myself in for?

We were soon paddling across to the open channel. So far so good. Then we hit the waves. Bloody hell. Life flashed before my eyes. There was no time to think, or rest my tired arms. The little engine had to keep going, while Lyn tried to steer a straight line whilst keeping the correct angle to the waves. It was fraught at times, and we seemed to be paddling like mad, but not actually getting anywhere.

After an eternity, we got into the shallow waters again and breathed. We weren’t the only one struggling, everyone found it challenging, but the guides were amazing and we felt in safe hands.

We by passed the sea plane with my name on it, and we were back at the jetty, after 7 miles kayaking. Now for the next hurdle, getting out of the kayak when you have used up every last little bit of energy, and your arms and legs don’t work! I managed to get out and onto my bum, then struggled to get to my feet!

We had a ten minute walk to the boat to go back, through a tunnel in the rocks. Ingeniously they have lined the tunnel with old photos of the island and it’s inhabitants. It was fascinating. Skrova is only reachable by sea, and it is one of the key places for fishing in the Lofotens. Rumour has it Skrova has the highest concentration of millionaires in Norway due to fishing! It used to have eight fishing factories but now only one. We could smell and see the cod drying from our kayaking dock. The guides told us of how children as young as six would spend their summer holidays in the factories cutting the tongues out of the cod; apparently it’s a delicacy?

We had an uneventful boat trip back to Svolvaer, and we soon back at the van. A quick shower and change and we were on our way up to Henningsvaer, where Lyn wanted to see the infamous football field, hewn out of rock at the end of the island. It was a busy drive; it is definitely a lot more touristy here with a lot more cars on the road. We saw the football field then drove back to find a camping spot for the night. Lyn used his magic powers to find another perfect spot, where we parked up to chill and watch the sunset. I was so knackered at this point I needed a nana nap, so spent a happy hour sleeping. The sunset views over the mountains is as spectacular as ever, but bloody hell I’m tired!