When things don’t go as planned; expectations fail to realise; circumstances conspire to make matters harder; then we often counter disappointment by considering that there’s always someone worse off. Count our blessings.
With a welcome and surprising change in the weather, we edge a little further south each day. Aim to enjoy afternoons of sunshine. Pitch up as early as possible on each fresh site.
Day 44 – A last minute decision leads us to Fredrikstad Camping. The draw being its ‘Old Town’. Housed within its 17thC fortress. We loves old towns. The older the better. Usually. According to the ‘Book’ it’s a must see. Reiterated again by the young receptionist, whose ‘town spiel’ is very encouraging. Our approach towards the ancient drawbridge has our hands rubbing with glee.
This star shaped 17thC fortress, unique in Norway, as it’s the only one left, leaves us as empty as its empty streets. We expected a bit of hustle and bustle. A bit of life. Seems that’s us . . .
It doesn’t float our boat. So we hop on a free ferry. Go down town. Hoping the new will compensate for the old. Sadly, it’s a typical conglomeration of uncoordinated box-shaped add-ons. Not dissimilar to the sort that proliferated and ruined many UK towns and cities towards the latter part of the twentieth century.
Day 45 – We cut our losses – which are none. An early leave enables us to cross the border and reach Lövekulle Camping just after lunchtime. It’s an open site, with open views across Lake Mjörn, Alingsås.
It feels as if we’ve suddenly morphed into a different trip. The only thing missing is a pool. Mr S optimistically tests the water. Thinks better of it. He’s not made of sterner stuff. Neither is anyone else. A couple of horizontal hours can have amazing remedial powers. Especially under a clear sky. So we spend the rest of the afternoon like a couple of chestnuts, roasting round an open fire.