I have to remind myself this from time to time. I'm always glad I do, though I can never entirely escape the nagging voice that says I should be sailing whenever I see a decent breeze.

The sail from Kongsfjord to Berlevag was slow, but the calm days are the best for seeing wildlife. Yesterday was the turn of porpoises and this minke whale (in the video below) to make the occasional toughness of the day to day seem trivial.

The marine mammals are a treat. But the birds are more regularly visible companions and every bit as delighting. There are the eider ducks of course. I'd never seen these, and they must be one of natures most beautiful creations.

Day 4 and first day not sailed. Reason: strong winds, heavy seas, hail, snow - take your pick!

First 'night' in Vardø was spent under the sail, until 3 o'clock when it blew away along with attached board. No damage done and second part of the night was more comfortable after rearrangements - despite intermittent horizontal hail and snow.

Every journey starts with a step. Arrival at Kobbvoegen having set out from Grense Jakobselv earlier in the day. Thank you to the Norwegian army for help getting to the border.

A short post this. Tomorrow I head to the border with Russia to start the journey round Europe. There has been a slight delay, partly caused by the road to the start point being closed, partly by calm conditions, and partly by a desire to give Spring a few days longer to arrive.

But my excuses have now run out. The Norwegian army are sorting out the transport issue and there is a decent northerly breeze due.

So, tomorrow is the official start day. As of early afternoon expect to see the tracker making progress.

My journey north aboard the Hurtigruten ship MS Nordlys ends tomorrow, with departure in Kirkenes. It's a shame really as I was just settling in, and the weather has been good, and the scenery spectacular.

It's been a holiday, and a full board exceedingly comfortable one at that. I'd do it again at the drop of a hat.

But that was never the deal. Now comes the hard part: windsurfing back.

From my cabin, on the Hurtigruten ship MS Nordlys. Sailing north towards expedition start...

The final days of my old life were hectic. I barely had time to sleep in the final push to be ready. Board and rig had to be boxed and the original 45kg combined weight reduced to an airport acceptable 32kg. This required that literally every last screw be stripped from from the gear and the cardboard box trimmed to within an inch of its margins. Amazingly, it made the weight.

Footage from a test sail at Clacton. Board and sail are as I will use. Thanks to Kevin Jay for the drone work and subsequent edit.

The gear is here and yesterday got wet for the first time having undergone the first stages of fitting out.

Excess luggage

Early trials with my old round Britain board were interesting. I increased gear carrying capacity but had glossed over the difficulties of launching and landing with such a loaded craft. So I slashed my limit and realigned myself with 'fast and light' principles. I also slashed (carefully cut) the orange spray hood which initially extended further forward. So, I am back with what I know - minimal gear.

Long Standing Ambition - nearly two years in the making - I hope you like it.