Arrived in Norway

14.08. (Monday)

Today we finally wanted to cross over to Norway. The morning started comfortably and despite the baby and a hearty breakfast, we set off for the port, 10 minutes away, at 10am sharp. We refueled and shopped on the way and we left the port of Hirtshals on time.
Boarding was perfectly organized and the crossing was very pleasant. Among other things, because Michel slept in the carrier with Sven the entire time. We treated ourselves to overpriced coffee and a cinnamon roll from the supermarket (which was better than any other from the German bakery) and read a book or chatted.
When we arrived in Kristiansand, it quickly became clear that Michel didn't feel like driving anymore, despite the bottle, fun and everything else that comes to mind as a desperate parent (Sven regularly starts rhyming/rapping :D).

We drove to the next camping site (Camping Sandnes), a simple but well-kept small site right on the road. Since there are strict speed limits and little traffic here, you can hardly hear any cars and can listen to the small adjacent forest.
Unfortunately, as predicted, the weather was mixed and apart from setting up, cooking and a 10-minute walk there wasn't much left. We are currently sitting in front of the camper, Michel is sleeping and Sven is putting on his fourth layer of clothes. Luckily I don't get cold that quickly.

From Wednesday onwards the weather is expected to get significantly better and then Michel will be strapped to his chest for hours exploring Norway's nature.

We still haven't quite agreed on the route and actually we just wanted to drive off, but with Michel it's not as easy as expected. If a campsite doesn't have any more parking spaces, you can't just drive on for half an hour if there's a baby crying in the back.
I don't want to be unfair, we are on vacation for the third time and Michel is not yet 4 months old. He goes along with everything so well, is happy most of the time and continues to make so many things possible for us.

I often wonder what time would be like without children, especially when we travel. It would be easier, but it would also be less beautiful. It takes some planning and I often get bitchy when Michel gets restless and things don't go according to my expectations. That's unfair, but I don't mean it and I don't notice how I behave in the situation. I'm sorry for that.
A child changes everything – including the way you travel.