On the Sea

Since we have been in Homborsund, we have been focused on the sea. We watch its many moods sitting on the terrace; the sea from that vantage point can seem milky gray and calm early in the morning and in the long twilight. It can be deep blue with impressive white caps or sparkling azure when the sun is high. So of course we were all quite excited when we were preparing to go boating. Erik keeps the boat moored at a marina a short drive from the cabin. Vivi packed a lunch and we set off with food, water, fishing gear and plenty of sunscreen.

The coast of Norway always stuns me with its shapes and colors. To say the coast is rugged is hardly capturing the size and shape of the many stone “islands” that give character to the coast. From a distance they are predominantly grey. But when you are close to them in a boat you can see a variety of colors and patterns in white, quartz, pink, and beige. The rocks along the coast toward Lillesand, a small town 20 minutes from the cabin, often revealed wildflowers and small trees, resting seagulls and broad winged cormorants. It’s beautiful, solemn; it is awesome in the true sense of that often overused word.

Lillesand is a charming sea side town whose population doubles from about  10,000 residents to 20,000 in the summer months. These late June days are especially interesting with street vendors, restaurants along the docks with outside seating and street musicians. The traditional Norwegian Captain’s Houses are lovely. A stately stone church overlooks all the bustle of the season and the colorful crowds. It was one of Ken’s favorite places along the South Coast. Kaelen, who realized that she needed sunglasses by the sea, bought some red sunglasses in a small shop.

From Lillesand we continued west among the islands with vacation homes and boats of all sizes and types. Other boats sped by. Most boaters wave to one another as they pass, which I think is such a nice custom. But like at the Lake, some people do not acknowledge other boaters as was the custom in the past.  Erik found a quiet, sunny inlet; Kaelen dropped the anchor and we drifted pleasantly while we ate our lunch. We saw an egret, a falcon, countless gulls of all patterns and colors. It was such a nice afternoon!

We pulled up the anchor and headed back toward Humborsund, hoping to have a chance to fish for Mackerel. But the sea became quite rough in a brisk wind. Even Kaelen agreed that fishing under these conditions was not a wise choice. So we headed for the marina. 

 It was a day at sea...