August 12, 2024
Day 42: Back to Olderfjord
Taking the Finnmark Bus
We decided to try and get the noon bus from Honningsvag back to Olderfjord. First of all we don’t like backtracking on a road we already cycled, second we don’t feel a great need to experience THE tunnel again.
So after a leisurely breakfast we pack up and leave the Red Huts at about eight, ready to tackle the hill between Skarsvag and Honningsvag. It’s a long slog to the high point, the headwind does not help. Then a fast downhill and at about 10:30 we are at the tourist information in Honningsvag. So are about five thousand Italians that streamed off a huge Italian cruiseship, There is another monstrous Viking cruise ship, and a little later the Hurtigruten also pulls in.
The little town of three thousand residents is invaded by crowds all intent on taking a photo of the reindeer that trot around town. “I think they are on the tourist information payroll,” Patrick says, as we see them make a line through the parking lot. At the tourist information they are not much help beyond selling bus rides to the Northcape. We ride to the city hall where we think the 110 FinnMark public bus heading south originates. Since we want to make sure our bikes will get onboard we want to be at the first stop of the bus. Up a hill we find the “radhuss” (city hall) but no bus-sign.
So we head back toward the main part of town and Patrick is able to corner a FinnMark bus driver who confirms the city hall is where our bus leaves at 12:10pm. We stop at a nice bakery for good coffee and pastry. Patrick joins the crowds to walk along the fishing harbor to get some shots of the fishing boats.
Then back to the city hall where a very helpful receptionist with an Australian accent confirms the bus leaves from beside the building. Just before the bus leaves a local and another Swiss solo-girl cyclist joins us for the trip. Patrick thought he bought a ticket on the bus line’s app, but somehow that did not go through, so we buy one from the driver. There are several other stops through the town, and another solo-girl gets her bike on board.
The bikes go in the bowels of the bus, the driver insistent how they should be loaded. Then a two hour ride, up and down those hills we all remember and especially down and back up through the Northcape tunnel.
We get to Olderfjord at about 2 and settle back into the campground. This time we get the tent site all the way at the end with the picnic table. Rachel attempted to do the "free" laundry, but we are a bit late and third in the queue. Our campground for tomorrow night is also supposed to have laundry service, so will try then.
We treat ourselves at the restaurant, Patrick tries the Reindeer Burger & Fries, Rachel a Beef Burger & Fries. There are lots and lots of cyclists in the campground tonight.
Today's ride: 25 km (16 miles)
Total: 2,071 km (1,286 miles)
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