All I Want Is A Life Full Of Laughter: Expedition Stokkvika

This weekend I had plans with someone but due to bad weather forecast he told me already thursday that he wanted to cancel. Luckily my friend Gyda is not scared by some rough weather so I took the bike to her place in Gravdal. Frost was all excited and crazy to get out. So we drove to Fredvang and Yttersand where we started our hike. Snow and hail followed one another. There were small avalanches of hail, like the size of that stuff they put in Sacco's. We went over the mountain and down to Stokkvik valley and crossing the Stokkvik river. Waves at sea where raging crazy furious and loud. Dusk arrived just as we came down to the beach and "Kvilebu" which is a simple cottage where you can take shelter from the wind. Stokkvika is an old settlement. The cottage is very simple but cozy enough that I would consider staying over some day. There is a simple hearth, some wood, an axe and a saw. Gyda made us some fire and we enjoyed our packed lunch while watching the furious waves outside. Imagine to wake up here! But unfortunately we didn't bring our sleepingbags. So after resting we went out in the crazy wind snow and darkness trying to find our way back over the mountain. Frost is in his right element, he really loves this, rolling in the snow enjoying.

Ytresand

Trying out spikes.

Gyda.

On our way to Stokkvika

Stokkvika valley

Then when we just passed Ramberg we saw a snowplow laying on the side in the ditch with flashing lights. So we thought we better stop and se that no one is hurt. Then we got stuck on the other side of the ditch. We couldn't get up, just got deeper. Anyway I went out to see about the other vehicle. First I didn't see anyone but then there was a guy and he was OK! He had already called the towing truck and was waiting for help. During all this time I was moved by peoples compassion. So many cars stopped and asked if we were ok or needed help. Two guys tried to pull us up but it didn't work and we just got even more stuck. We invited Magne (which was his name we found out) to sit and wait with us in the car and have some company. He was happy to do that. We waited for an hour at least and so many more people stopped, but we just told them to drive on. Then Ole Wiking came to our rescue and he pulled us up in a second. I think this other huge vehicle would be more of a challenge. I hope it all went well with Magne....

I had a banana and a cup of tea at Gydas place, changed to dry socks and then Gyda went to the stables and I went back home to Ballstadøya on my bike. I was really tired when I got home. Gyda sent me a message that it was already in Lofotposten (!) with picture and all so that's quite funny.