Setesdal

Day 3: Byglandsfjorden-Bykle (107 km)

The night was a bit rainy after all, but luckily in the morning it was dry and only overcast. I continued my journey on the west side of the Byglandsfjord. It was a very nice, woody road with literally no traffic at all (I met one car on the first 20 kilometres). I saw a very pretty woodpecker from close distance, but couldn’t get my GoPro camera running so quickly.

After 40 kilometres along the fjord, I reached a village called Osa. I went to the local grocery store (Coop marked) and enjoyed a free coffee and a little chat with two gentlemen. The lady who worked there told me that there are five (!) people who live in Osa. But they have a grocery store!

The whole trip today took me through the beautiful Setesdal valley – always next to the fjord or following the Otra river. My lunch break was in Rysfjord where they have a petrol station. Circle K has “always a wiener for 10 kroner”, so easy choice for main course 1 and 2, accompanied by some fruit and kefir drink.

My goal today was to reach Bykle, so that I have a manageable distance for tomorrow’s mountain stage to Haukeliseter. The last kilometres to Bykle at almost 600 metres above sea level were quite a climb, too. So I was content when I reached my goal at half past four.

I set up my tent on a lawn next to the church. It started raining again just before I arrived, but it’s supposed to be nice weather tomorrow.