Wednesday July 27, Stavanger

Starvanger

 We slept like logs and woke this morning to no rain, less wind but very overcast. Popped into the co-op for some lunch rolls and she told me that there was a dump station not far from town, so made a stop there on the way out. Back on the E39, another 2 bridges and not far to the ferry and very surprised to find that there are three ferries operating across this stretch of water. A local told us as this is a major route, they keep the traffic moving every 20 minutes. A ferry arrived just as we were pulling up and in no time, they were unloaded and we were loaded and away, a very slick operation.

Coming off the ferry we might have thought we were in NZ, fences, sheep and cattle and rolling land. Very soon we into another tunnel, about 5 kms then another over 7 kms that took us under the water and the last one went under the town and our off ramp was from the tunnel. It can be a bit disorientating.

Park4Night had a list for a roadside parking beside a huge marina and about 30 minute’s walk from town and soon we had found a spot in amongst many other motorhomes.

Wandered into town on an easy up and down route, lots of people around and found the old town with its narrow cobbled streets and restored buildings all housing very upmarket shops. Spotted a cruise ship in the harbour and for the first time this trip came across a guide taking about 40 people for a walk around the city, tourism is up and running again.  Enjoyed poking into the shops and very happy to come across a few wool shops, and apart from a few little bits I came away without any wool, the choice was huge and I really didn’t know what I needed!  

Somehow though we were a little disappointed with this town, it appeared a bit down-trodden and just off the main street weeds were growing and the pavements looked grubby. And although by now the sun was shining, there was still a very chill wind. Ian had a good wander around the marina this afternoon and on his estimation there would have been well over 1000 boats moored.

Read up about another tunnel in Stavanger, the Ryfylke Tunnel,  that was opened in 2019, it is over 14 kms long and drops to almost 300 metres below sea level, the longest and deepest tunnel in the world. As it was heading in a different direction we didn’t get to go in it, but this is just another example of the engineering skills of the Norwegians….and the money they get from their off shore oil wells.

We are staying on this road tonight along with many others, reasonably quiet with very little traffic, and a rather nice view!

Our ferry arriving.

More bridges

 

Ruakiwi from above!

Loved the bike racks.

Very colourful old town.

Shame about the photographers feet!

One wall of a huge wool shop

For sweet tooth's!

This window cleaner was
singing his heart out.

Have seen many classic American cars, all
in great condition in Sweden and Norway.

You've always got to find a troll!

A sunny outlook tonight.