Tuesday September 27 Struer to Vejers Strand, Denmark


A Struer morning


The sun was shining again this morning and we walked into town from the marina before we left. We have seen a number of really nice towns in Denmark, and Struer was another with a cobbled pedestrian only centre that makes for a relaxing meander. Picked up a gift for a friend’s new baby in New Zealand and the lady was so helpful, wrapping it for me, putting it in an envelope and then pointing me in the direction of the Post Office. The shops really showcase the Danish eye for design with their simple lines and subtle understated use of colour. Perhaps it is a good thing that I can’t fit much in our bags to take home!
Walked back to the van via another part of the marina where there were a number of classic boats including a three masted sailing ship, all with details about their history, which we couldn’t really read although could see their dates which were from the early 1900’s.
Thoroughly enjoyed our stay in this town.  We continued on our southerly drive, heading to the Vejers Strand (beach in Danish) where Conny and Gerhart had spent a couple of days. It was just over a two hours’ drive, but it took us much of the day as we ambled down the coast. Part of the road was a very narrow strip between the North Sea and more “fjords” or inland waterways. The view of the ocean was blocked by huge high sand dunes which in fact we were very grateful for as the wind had got up and was really blowing from the west.  This is a prime area for wind and kite surfing and there were so many out on the water enjoying the wind.
We saw many thatched roof houses and barns, which used the reeds that were growing in abundance around the water areas. No doubt years ago this was a readily available product for building and has continued to be used, even with new houses.
Stopped at the port town of Hvide Sande for a late lunch, parked beside the wharf. In the 1930’s a canal was built here to give access to the inland port of Ringkobing as the strong winds caused much sand migration, often closing this access. Now Hvide Sande has a big fishing fleet and fish factories and it’s very busy.  We wandered off after lunch to check out the boats and the town and hadn’t gone far when we stopped to watch a fishing boat pull in. Had a chat to them about what they were catching and found out that the skipper and owner, Jens Fredrichsen had spent much of his working life on oil rigs, including time in Perth, and spoke great English. His father was Norwegian and mother Scottish. We had a long chat and heard all about the fishing industry here. He catches crabs and lobsters using this smaller boat for day trips along with a 20 metre boat that he takes out for 3 or 4 days at a time. Ian went on board and he showed him around, and delighted when he gave us a very fresh lobster for dinner, still twitching! Although it was still sunny and warm, he said that there was a big storm with high winds coming in.
Finally arrived at Vejers Strand late afternoon and found Conny and Gerhart out on the beach in their camper where there were many cars and campers parked, but the wind had picked up here and the sand was swirling around so we all headed back to the campground for shelter. I didn’t take any photos on the beach…didn’t want sand in my camera!
Had another great evening catching up on where we had both been over the last week, and thoroughly enjoyed an entrée of lobster which we cooked up outside in a pot on the barbecue. (Big Ed, didn’t get my toes in the North Sea, but have now had a Scandinavian lobster!)
Some "yarn bombing" in Struer


This sculpture made me laugh...very clever face plant


The wonderful old sailing ship in the harbour at Struer

Some of the thatch roofed houses along the coast, the reeds they use are in the foreground.



Had a great chat with Jens...and a lobster!

Jen's larger boat, presently getting some work done on it,

Tonight's entree

Comments

Vicki Bright said…
Hi, I'm sure Ed will comment on the lobster/fishing. This area looks very attractive and relaxing. Great commentary Meg.