Ipapashiwe: 11.07.2023
After having breakfast relatively late this time, around 8 o'clock, and packing everything again, we started towards Tromsø. Actually, Tromsø was not planned since we are doing really well with time. Therefore, we spontaneously decided to go there. The goal was the Polaria Museum. Unfortunately, Ella was not allowed inside, so we split up. Nayla & Lysann went in first. The advertising at the dormitory was promising. But... apart from 3 minutes of feeding seals, a few catfish, jellyfish, starfish, stuffed seagulls, and a polar bear, there wasn't really much to explore. 🧐 We walked around the circuit twice and even a third time to see if we missed anything, but no, there wasn't anything more, even the panoramic cinema was not really fascinating. So Joy & Steve didn't go in at all, especially since it cost nearly €30 for the entrance fee for 2 people.
So, we had a picnic together and drove via the Brensholmen-Botnhamn ferry to the island Senja, through the Kvaløya island. We had to wait almost 2 hours for the ferry. We took out the fishing gear and tried our luck. Nayla wanted to give it a try too, she threw the fishing line into the water 5 times and suddenly a fish was wriggling on the hook. Steve was amazed and made sure we could put it in the car.
The ferry crossing went smoothly, Ella doesn't have much stress about it anymore. Arriving at the Botnhamn harbor, we continued towards the west. I had found a free camping spot at Ersfjord Stranda... There, after exciting roads and tunnels, we arrived - disappointment... everything was full... :/ Not surprising considering the breathtaking scenery. So we drove further west on the island, hoping to find a spot nearby. But it wasn't that easy. After about 7 km, I was about to turn around since there were 2 parking spots just before the chosen camping spot that were not full yet. And so we passed by Ersfjord Stranda again... And there was a gap, fitting for our car, the rooftop tent, and a little seating area... Oh, how happy I was. And the view, simply a dream. 😍❣️ The photos can't capture its beauty...
There was also a toilet on site and the possibility to get fresh water... which is definitely insufficient for the many people, but still better than nothing. And it was clean as well. (Nearby, there were also 4 portable toilets - I think I don't have to say much about them... Not necessarily nice, but for emergencies....)
We ate the fresh fish (everyone got a taste) and cooked instant soup 🤭 Again late, at 11:45 pm, after taking many pictures on the beach, we slipped into our sleeping bags...