Lysefjord
04 August 2017 | Lysefjord
Donna
We had a lot of miles to cover today, as we needed to travel the full length of Lysefjord in both directions, so we had the engine running at 0640. The forecast was for heavy rain later, so we were hoping to make it to Pulpit Rock while it was still visible from the water. We departed Jorpeland and had to go in the wrong direction for 4 miles to round two islands, Idsa and Idsal, which are connected to the mainland by low bridges. There was no wind and we were making good speed and the sun was coming out. We went under the 55m bridge just beyond Forsand, taking photos with the bridge framing the scenery. As we progressed down the fjord we were trying to spot Pulpit Rock (Preikestolen). When you get there, it stands out a mile, a vertical square column of rock and you can see people, like ants, walking on the top. I agree, Mike Gowland, it is more impressive looking up than looking down from the top. We continued on to the waterfall, me standing at the bow while Pete motored forwards until I was getting wet from the spray. It was beautifully sunny, creating a rainbow in the bottom of the waterfall. We continued on, searching the mountains on the south side of the fjord, for the Kjeragbolten, a boulder wedged into a cracking in the mountain, 1000m above the water. It's a 6 hour hike to the Kierag so we didn't have time to go and stand on top for photos. We turned the boat around and headed to Florli. Here is the longest set of wooden steps in the World, 4444, running up the side of the pipe for the old hydro-electric power station. The heavy rain arrived, so we went into the cafe, housed in the old power station building and had lunch. As we were leaving, a Dutch boat arrived, so we helped them moor up and chatted for half an hour, by which time the sun was shining again. We tried putting the foresail up but the wind died as soon as we rounded the slight headland by Florli, so it was back to motoring. We had a pleasant trip in the sunshine, with a lovely rainbow chasing us up the fjord. We decided to berth at the Lysefjord marina at Forsand so we could get a shower. We were assisted by another sailor, who advised us that the shop was still open and more importantly, that there would be one more fast ferry coming up the fjord, which would create a massive swell. We put out more fenders and put the lines on with the dampers on. The rain caught us up and it was torrential. Then came the ferry wash. Pete and the other guy had to hold the boat off the quayside, the swell was so violent. Then there was peace. The next morning we were leaving early for Hommersak, for a road trip with Hans and Hege Forland, our new Norwegian friends.