The top of Europe
Written this morning
Long day yesterday but now round past mainland Europe's most northerly point: Nordkinn. Nordkapp itself, the often-cited most northerly point, is on an island - so no need for me to go round that.
There was a favourable if fickle easterly wind so I took the opportunity to pile on the miles. A quick stop at Gamvik for a freeze dried meal, weave through the rocks around Sletness headland, then direct to the towering cliffs of Nordkinn. The approach was easy, but once past there was a fairly ferocious current flowing out of the fjord and holding up some big waves. I eventually found safety at Svaerholt shortly before midnight.
A bit too breezy to safely sail now, but this is a privileged location to be 'stranded'. I have supplies. I can see the water to be sailed. I'm happy to wait.
Next stop is Honnigsvag, and the start of some sailing where I won't feel quite as vulnerable.
Written this evening
Svaerholt is amazing, but I didn't fancy getting caught there for several days, which was looking likely unless I moved today. So after an explore, food and sleep I took what in retrospect I can only call a slightly foolish decision to head out for the crossing to Honnigsvag. A tricky and high pressure launch (not the place to screw up), and then 25km of trying to pick a line through the at times alarmingly large swells. Very fast. Very wet. Three times I irretrievably buried the nose and piled into the gear. Too much on the limit. Not one to tell my mum about.
The last few miles were OK mum.
Upon landing I was spotted by Per. 15 minutes later he had a heated ice-fishing tent erected for me to stay in, and burger and chips and a beer on the way. I must have been looking as shattered as I'd felt.
Sorry, but felt it would have been foolish to attempt pics from today's crossing.