North sea to norway

One of our favorite anchorages--Paraket. It had an "S" curved entrance lined with granite walls. We had the place to ourselves. It was one of the first places in Norway where we used large metal rings pounded into the granite walls to secure Bijou. There wasn't enough room to anchor. Provided good protection for anything Mother Nature threw at us.

August 1997.  We successfully crossed the North Sea to Norway, arriving on Saturday, August 9th, 1997.  We spent August thru October cruising the west coast.  Everywhere we went people remarked at how long the summer was lasting.  We were lucky!!

We enjoyed the long days with the sun shining brightly until after 10 PM.  Our U.S. flag flying on Bijou's spreaders always drew comments.  Not many people venture to Norway from California!!  Stunning vistas, incredible landscapes and friendly, helpful people made our choice to venture north a decision we were glad we had made.  

Carl rowing Clover through the "S" curve entrance to Paraket.

Typical boat house found on many islands that line the west coast. This one was located on Paraket.

Grunna Sound north of Bergen. Another favorite anchorage. It was warm enough when we were there to go swimming. Both Carl and I are wimps when it comes to cold water, so it was very nice!!

Fedja, north of Bergen. Cool little town. Because during most seasons, the weather is more challenging by this time, most amenities for boaters are closed for the season. With this unseasonably warm, pleasant weather, they still closed so we were often left with no services. BUT that also meant that no one was out cruising around so there was plenty of room to secure Bijou, often without having to pay anything.