Corona Diaries, Part five April 11 - 18

Saturday, April 11th
Day 30

We just hung out around home, messed around with the sourdough starter that Knut tried to make (ended up throwing the whole mess away!) We took a walk to Palle to buy flowers for Arnlaug and walked up to her to deliver it. Some days just blend into other days and even though it is "Easter Eve" nothing remarkable happened today.

Some headlines from the paper include the tragic kiting accident that took the life of a man in Hunnedalen. He was way too young and an experienced outdoorsman who had participated in several rescue missions himself over the years. A real tragedy.

Sunday, April 12nd
Day 31
Easter Sunday

It was a cold, windy and rainy day. Still, we packed and headed towards Selviksstakken. I haven't been there since Thomas and I went there many years ago. 

The hike isn't so bad, but going along the lake was extremely muddy and rocky and the rain and wind didn't make thinks much easier. After we came out of the woods, the wind could really hit us and as we got near the top, the fog came in hiding the top from view. 

The sign showing the way to the top is barely visible in the fog

So, once again, we turned around before reaching the final destination. This time we turned just before the last little climb to the top, but since there was no visibility we didn't mind.

Cold and wet, only for certain types of people!

We were pleased that a good stream crossed the trail just before getting to the car - so we could wade and splash and wash some of the mud off!

Monday, April 13th
Day 32

Easter is almost over for this year, but there's still a whole day left and today we met with Wenche and Kjell Lauritz for a long day together. We drove to Sirevåg through all the seasons in one year. From a crazy snowstorm to sunshine and bright blue skies. 

We stopped near Sirevåg first to see the German coastal artillery complex from WWII. We hadn't been there for years, Kjell and Wenche had never been there.

We walked through all the tunnels and forts in the area. It really makes you think about how life was then. We can't complain now.

From there we drove to Egersund to see the famous Trollpikken. It had been on my "some day" list ever since it popped up in the news some years ago. One thing is the, um, interesting formation of the rock, but the fact that someone was disgusted enough to break it off  made it even more entertaining. To top it all off, a gang of enthusiasts actually managed to hoist it up and fasten it in place again. Crazy.

It was an easy hike that took a little over an hour and there were loads of people there. Still the sight was worth the hike. Wenche and I of course had to take a few childish photos!

We hiked up and over and around the whole formation. It was very windy at the top and we didn't actually go up on the tip, but we did get some good views and found a warm spot on a hillside looking over Trollpikken for lunch.

Tuesday, April 14th
Day 33

Today the paper said that there were almost no new reports of virus infected people in Rogaland. So things seem to be headed in the right direction. It was the first day of work after Easter. 

The ramps we replanted from Kvitsøy last year are doing well in the pots. We ran in Sanvedparken after work and shopped for dinner at Coop. Yummy salmon stir fry for dinner.  We started season 5 of Peaky Blinders. 

Wednesday, April 15th
Day 34

Still windy, still rainy and still cold. Getting tired of it now. I'm more tired of the weather here than I am of the lockdown. After work, Knut shopped for Arnlaug while I blogged a bit. We only took a short walk in the neighborhood and just that was enough to lighten my mood.

Thursday, April 16th
Day 35

The sun came out today. As quickly as we could after work, we headed to Hogstad for a walk up to Storaberget. We figured that it wouldn't be so busy on a Thursday, but I guess all the hiking areas are super busy these days. 

I had forgotten how beautiful it is hiking to Storeberget. Walking through the woods with the low cliffs on the right, then going over two dams and two lakes and all the while the sun was out. 

It was a bit windy at the top, but that didn't stop us from enjoying the view from Vårlivarden to Skrussfjell to Bjørnedalsfjell to Øykjafjell. 

a snap we know Mary would love

After leaving the top, we found a warm sunny spot by one of the lakes where we soaked up some rays and had a snack. The lighting was so pretty walking back.

Such pretty lighting

What a great hike. On the way down, the setting sun lighted up Storebarget giving us a beautiful view of the mountain we had just visited. 

Storeberget in all its grandeur

We were lucky enough to meet the farmer who is gracious enough to let us park on his land in order to enjoy this beautiful area. He was one big smile and seemed happy to hear how much we appreciated him letting all us tourists park here to hike around his farm. 

Thank heaven for kind farmers in Sandnes

Friday, April 17th
Day 36

Arnlaug came over for dinner after work. We sat outside and had grilled fishcakes in the chilly spring weather. She didn't stay too long, but it was the first time she had been here since the lockdown started. We talked to Thomas while we ate and it was very cosy. 

The sun was shining strong and it looked like it was going to be a beautiful evening, so on the spur of the moment we called Laila and Masse to hear if they wanted to come over and have a glass of wine with us in the Krånå. Happily, they said yes and we had a lovely evening together. 

Saturday, April 18th

Day 37

It was a sunny and warm morning and when a day can start with coffee on the porch, things can't get much better. We spoke to Linda today and learned that Kjetil leaves Lyngseidet for Trondheim today. He must be filled with mixed emotions now, leaving that beautiful place can't be easy. 

Today we did something that really felt strange but was totally delightful. We dressed in nice clothes, I put on make-up and perfume and earrings. We walked to Sandnes and got on the train for Stavanger. Once off the train we walked along the lake and met up with Per and Siren. 

We were to have a champagne lunch at Ostehuset. What an experience! We started with champagne of course, followed by a green curry fish soup, The main course was duck confit served with Vosne-Romanée a light and delicious Burgundy. Dessert was French toast served with goats cheese and figs. They served a Jura Jaune wine. It reminded me of a dry sherry and it was great with the dessert. Before coffee the guys had a little Armagnac while I had a small grappa. Coffee and dark chocolate followed making the afternoon complete. 

We sat there for three or four hours and had a wonderful time. What a way to spend a Saturday. Not quite like anything we had done recently and it was so much fun. Even though every other thought was "don't touch your face".