TheBakersErasTour

Today had a planned slow start to the day. We decided to take it easy on the kids and let them sleep a bit later than we had been due to the long hikes we did earlier in the week. Greg went for a long (hilly) run while I mastered my best Norwegian (via google translate) to make my own cup of coffee in the fancy coffee maker.

Brooks and I made a successful trip to the store (with Brooks driving) to pic up some breakfast options. Brooks picked up a Skolebrød for himself so I added a couple more for others. When I got home I cut one in half thinking it wasn’t going to be my jam. Turns out I was wrong. It was delicious.

I had a chance to take a few more outdoor pics of our Airbnb.

The plan today is to meet for lunch at the Bayne’s around noon and then to head to Arendal in the boats to walk around and view the city from the glass elevator they installed since our last trip over.

Jason, Philip and Pia came to pick Brooks up a little after 10 to go prepare the boats.

The weather here in Norway changes frequently. A few days ago rain was predicted the entire time we were here. Then the forecast was updated late last week to zero rain. As of this morning it still said zero percent chance of rain as it was drizzling. Our main issue is the wind. It’s nothing like what we had on Preikestolen but boating could be interesting based on the weather app.

Greg layered up in five layers (albeit thin layers….essentially all Peter Millar with a rain jacket on top) and I borrowed a sweatshirt from Jake (have I mentioned I packed all the wrong things?) and off we went to the Bayne’s.

After a quick lunch we headed off to the boats. Brooks will be riding with Pia whose boat is docked in a separate marina. Because of her age she can only drive a boat with a smaller engine and I think is restricted on the number of passengers. I don’t really know what I’m talking about but Brooks is the chosen one to go with Pia. He’s her second favorite which really means first loser with this bunch. Greg is still her favorite but I’m guessing Greg wasn’t an option for her to pick because he’s in the boat with Jason.

Jason dropped off Pia and Brooks and met us at the dock where their boat is docked.

As we arrived in Arendal (the setting for Frozen) we were met with a jet ski who said that we couldn’t park in the normal spots because of a poker boat run. We had to go to some tie ups a little bit farther away.

We were going to stop for some “fish snacks” which I’m told are like fish and chips. I’m not exactly sure why we didn’t get any when we got there. (Maybe it was busy?) We tried to get some before we left town and they were closed so we had to settle on ice cream. Not sure if I’m happy or sad about that to be honest.

We walked the very short walk to the glass elevator which surprisingly was free for anyone to use. I’d expect anything like that to have a charge. The city decided to built it a few years ago as a tourist attraction because Arendal hosts several events a year. There is a viewing platform that we somehow had all to ourselves.

We decided to talk down vs the elevator. It was an easy path down

The kids were thirsty at this point. Logan is still struggling with allergies and wanted a Gatorade or water or something. Maddie and Lisa wanted to go to the Espresso House for a caffeine option so we split up into two group. I went with the boys to head for the 7 Eleven in a Church. Because why would you not?

We walked over to meet the kids at Espresso House which was in a mall. I found some dishes I need for my Norway house and they were on sale!

Time to head back to Fevik. Unfortunately the sun is behind a giant cloud so it’s going to be a chilly ride back.

Back at the Bayne’s we arrive and Karen had the table already set. Tonight’s menu was chicken on the grill (Logan’s request), vegetables, and potato balls. I’m not sure why we don’t have potato balls. Karen got impossible burgers for Maddie.

For dessert we had ice cream bars again. Except for Jason, Greg, and Brooks who made floats. I’m not exactly sure how or why this happened except that Greg was asking about Diet Coke which led to no Root beer in Norway which led to floats. I think Jason had a moment where he went back to his days in the states with floats so it was decided that instead of bars it would be floats. But only a few obviously bought into that. These floats were made with Neapolitan ice cream (Jason took strawberry only and Greg and Brooks did chocolate and vanilla) and orange soda. Sounds gross, they swore it wasn’t bad. I will take their word for it.

It was decided at dinner that we would host dinner tomorrow night. It’s definitely our turn to cook to give Karen a break and we have lots of space to do so. The dinner menu was decided to be pasta, bread and salad. Greg and I headed off to the grocery store because grocery stores are closed here on Sundays.

It was an interesting trip with us trying to read Norwegian labels but I think we nailed it. We only made multiple laps around the store as we refined the menu as we shopped. I’m especially excited about two of my finds.

While we shopped, Jason and most of the kids headed up to the Strand Hotel to extend the evening. Frisbee, Volleyball and throwing football were on the agenda. Brooks said it took Greg and I forever at the store (he’s not wrong) so we missed all but the volleyball.

They were playing with another family when we arrived. Greg and I were happy to sit on a bench.

Pia ran over and had us hold her phone and told Greg he could look at her Lock Screen which was a goofy pic of him. He was wearing the same clothes which we thought was funny. We spent part of our time taking funny pics of us as well as random things (like Greg’s shoe) on her phone. I’m wondering if she will see them on her own or if we will need to confess.

After those games it became a Bayne plus Jake vs Baker minus me competition. Unfortunately Jake was on the losing team and the Baker Family (with no help from me) remains victorious.

Tomorrow we will have an even slower start to our day. The Bayne Family will go to Church around 11 (maybe with Brooks joining) and we will meet around 1pm. The plan tomorrow is to go to where Pia’s boat is docked (also where Karen’s family lives) for stand up paddle boarding (not sure any Baker will be doing that even with a wetsuit), kayaking, ultimate frisbee (Jason wants revenge!). We may take the boats to an island weather permitting and then dinner here. Uno No Mercy Showdown tomorrow night!

Mixed emotions about our last full day on Fevik tomorrow. Excited for what’s on the agenda but it’s never enough time….

Tonight was the first time in two years that all Bakers and Bayne have really been together. (We did have lunch when we arrived in Fevik to meet but it was a relatively quick stop before we hopped back on the road.)

Karen made the most amazing pizzas. Everything she does seems effortless and it seems like she always has the perfect serving pieces etc. I feel like I never have anything I need….I need to learn from her!

She had lots of different toppings to choose from as well as a cheese pizza for Maddie and gluten free for Sarah.

Before during and after dinner, some of the Bakers as well as Jake tried their skills at the balancing board. (I did not because of my ankle.) None of them were as good as the Bayne’s which is not surprising. As we have no competitive people in our group, we now have two balance boards on order in the states. Greg and Jake are sure it will bring balance to their lives and probably also so they can show off their skills next time. I might even take a go at it once I can actually move my ankle in a lateral motion.

After dinner there was an assortment of ice cream bars and popsicles for dessert. These are pretty much sold everywhere throughout Europe in groceries, convenient stores, gas stations etc. I know that this occurs in the States too but I feel as though we don’t eat enough ice cream bars. Pia did say that we were weird for biting our popsicles rather than licking them and we did deduce there is a difference in temperature between Norway and the states that maybe allows it to be more enjoyable here as it’s not as hot and things don’t melt as quick. But I’m committed to do my part to increase the ice cream bar consumption in the states.

After dessert we went outside to play a game called Kubb. Teams were originally selected that had Pia and Greg separated. Somehow once she moved over it was Greg and Logan with Pia, Lisa and Sarah and Jason with me, Brooks, Jake, Maddie and Brooks. Based on us losing the first game I thought Jason was at a disadvantage with all the Americans. We quickly redeemed ourself and won the next 3…or 4? I lost count we won so many in a row.

Our winning was not thanks to Jason’s ability to seal the deal by knocking down the king at the end from a very short distance. We also have one of these games on order. Anyone want to come over and play Kubb and eat ice cream once we are back?

Once everyone got a little chilly (it’s really windy here currently) it was back inside. Some people had seconds on ice cream and then it was MarioKart for most of the kids and chatting with the adults.

The evening ended with a rainbow. Seriously a perfect ending to a perfect night.

We made it back to our airbnb around 9:30pm. Greg made a work call while I sat in the hot tub soaking my ankle with an incredible view. The brisk evening made it perfect in the hot tub.

Before bed a few of us sat out in the conservatory.

The perfect evening. This is going to be hard to top.

We had approximately ten minutes to decide room assignments and throw our bags down before Jason and Philip came to meet us for a friendly (but competitive) game of frisbee golf. We picked up Pia from her aunt’s house on the way so she could play with us. Karen and the girls stayed behind.

The course was in Arendal and was pretty heavily treed which made it extra challenging. It was located in an area that was previously a German WWII something. (History related so my brain mostly just shuts off.)

Time to sort out the frisbees and who got which one. Jason had lots of options as far as the types (putter, midrange, etc.) This sport is new to the Baker family so I was just going with whatever was handed to me. Somehow Philip and Brooks ended up with multiple frisbees and everyone else had one.

We had a little trouble figuring out where the course started. I think somehow we started playing off tee 8. After two holes we ran into a player who knew a lot more than we did who gave Jason the run down. He also basically said we have too many players and we should split up or skip holes. (He was worried about us slowing others down I think which is fair. It was obvious we were clueless but also not really looking to play all 18.)

This trip is maybe proving to me that I’m not as sporty as I thought. On the second hole my frisbee landed in some brush (not at all uncommon on this course or maybe just based on our lack of skill. We spent a lot of time looking for frisbees.) I took a misstep not being able to see the ground due to ground coverings and got a high sprain on the same ankle I rolled on Preikestolen.

I eliminated myself from the competition at that point knowing there was no way. I did continue hobbling around on the path with the group to watch the competition.

Also, Jake accidentally nailed Maddie in the face with a frisbee so she had also self eliminated herself so we walked together. Or limped if you really want to be specific.

There were amazing views up a small incline just barely off course so Maddie and I climbed up to take in the view. It’s hard to see but there are two lighthouses on small islands just off the coast. Definitely worth the small hike up.

The group spend a lot of time looking for frisbees. Somehow only one was lost in a bunch of brush that had thorns in it.

Jason is not competitive at all and never has a reaction when his frisbee maybe hits a tree or something he didn’t plan for.

After 75 mins or so and 8ish holes the group decided to call it. It was getting a little chilly and we were starting to get hungry. That is we decided to call it until Jason realized that Jake was leading by 2 strokes, throws, whatever it’s called? There was a moment of serious hesitation where you could see the wheels turning in Jason’s head as to whether he was really going to call it and walk away or force the group to play a few more. Thankfully he decided to call it.

Time to head to the Bayne house to join up with the girls for pizza.

We were so fortunate that our host messaged us as we were headed up to let us know the house was ready early. This allowed us to go drop our stuff rather than having to kill time at the Bayne’s waiting for the 4pm check in time.

This house is in a different part of Fevik than we have stayed in on previous visits but I really like it. It’s 3 floor so plenty of room to spread out with lots of outdoor living space.

Not yet pictured is the outdoor kitchen area, bonus bedroom outside and hot tub areas. Will also try to get a pic of the outside of the house tomorrow.

We got super creative for lunch and stopped at McDonald’s. This might have been the fanciest one I’ve been to in a while (not that I really ever go to McDonald’s in the States.) Maddie asked why they all can’t look like this and Brooks said they do. Will let everyone else be the judge of that debate.

After lunch we made a quick stop to DHL in Kristiansand to mail one more box back. It’s crazy how quick they can ship things to the states.

Next stop! Our Airbnb in Fevik!

Also, no one was right about the length of the drive. It took way longer than anticipated due to our stops. We decided to eat lunch at McDonald’s rather than in the car because the van has the worst cup holders ever made. Also the DHL stop took a while. So we pulled into our Airbnb around 2:30.

Oh also, we are in a neighborhood with the narrowest streets. Brooks tried to turn on the road to the Airbnb and there was an oncoming car so he went past the street and then tried to turn around. He might have barely tapped the back bumper of the van on a wall. Thankfully it sounded much worse than it actually was. He and Greg got out to check and there’s really no damage thank you Jesus!

We left the house just after 9. Logan asked how long it would take to get there. I said 4 hours and Greg said 3. He said I was crazy. I had actually rounded down in hope maybe we would make up time and/of if nothing else it would sound better.

We have two stops to make, one for gas and one at DHL to yes, ship more stuff home. We have picked up a few things here and there but also just want to lighten our loads now that we are done with the hiking portion of the trip.

As I mentioned we decided to take the tunnel rather than the ferry. We hadn’t really researched much about it. Turns out it’s the longest underwater tunnel in the world and was just completed in 2020. Also apparently there are 22 tolls as you use it so that’s cool.

The tunnel went down and then started coming back up. It’s crazy to think through what would happen in an emergency. There were probably 40 or more emergency doors but I’m not positive where they could possible lead to. Maybe the tunnel going the opposite direction? Or just a sidewalk to walk back to one of the openings?

Towards the middle there was a purple section. Greg is theorizing this is where the two TBM’s met from each side but since we have done zero research it’s probably made up crap.

Finally we are out, and straight into another tunnel.

This is not a quick trip as the roads are two lane. Thankfully the views are pretty.

We knew we needed to stop for gas. Turns out we stopped at the same exact stop we stopped at on our way here where Jason charged and we shopped for dinner.

I went in to grab breakfast for Greg. Might as well get a second breakfast for me. If only I knew what any of this was.

Pretty Church along the way.

Brooks drove the entire way which allowed Greg to catch up on emails and me to well, take pics along the way. Oh and for Greg and I to dream about where we would own a piece of land here on the water.

Despite having gotten snacks when we stopped for gas, it’s time to try to find someplace to grab lunch.

After a few false wake ups starting around 4am, I finally drug myself out of bed around 7am which is late for me. I’m going to try to burn this view into my memory for the rest of time. And if that doesn’t work then I will have lots of pics to refer back to. 🙂

Once again Greg was able to get the coffee pot to work!

I decided to sit by myself for a while on the back deck before I forced myself to pack my things and the fridge and food up.

We have packed everything up, taken out the trash, and loaded the car. Time for one last selfie.

And, last pics before we pull out. No more pics of this view for anyone who’s still enduring this trip with us.

Everyone was ready for a bit of a break after two very full days of hiking so we went back to our respective Airbnbs to shower, nap, chill, etc.

We returned to a local family at the beach. In Norway the water is a public space so anyone can use it. Feels like that makes so much sense especially given all the craziness we have seen in Florida with the fight for who owns beach areas.

Once the beach was empty Greg decided he was going to go for a swim to hopefully find some reprieve from his sunburn. I too was going to go put my sore ankle in the water in hopes it would help my recovery.

The water was so cold it almost took your breath away. I made it ankle deep and then perched on some rocks with only my sore ankle dangling in the water. Greg talked himself into laying in the water for 5 mins. He did not look comfortable.

We received word the Bayne’s were heading down soon which gave me the motivation to shower and get myself together. Greg had a work call he needed to take so once the Bayne’s made it down we enjoyed the views from the deck before deciding on a dinner menu. Burritos with either taco meat or chicken, with a choice of toppings.

As we prepared dinner Brooks and Logan began a game of Uno No Mercy with Jason, Lisa and Pia to helping them understand the rules.

It didn’t take long for there to be some spirited debate on the rules. We think maybe Lisa should go into law with her debate skills.

We enjoyed a delicious dinner on the patio despite some wind. The Bayne’s have actually decided to head back tonight to get back to Philip and Sarah. Jason can also do some work in the morning before we arrive.

The Bayne’s were trying to make the last ferry at 7:30pm.

Greg, Logan, Brooks and I decided to walk to the Joker for some ice cream treats. We sat in the harbor and ate our ice cream while trying to see if the Bayne’s made the ferry. We couldn’t really figure out if the ferry was heading back toward their port or not.

We had a super chill night at home with an early bedtime for most of us.

But before bed, one last sunset pic.

Tomorrow morning we plan to leave around 9am to head back to Fevik for a few days with the Bayne’s. With two injured ankles I’m only slightly concerned with our time in Fevik. The Baker’s have a 2-0 record in ultimate frisbee against the Bayne’s and I’m positive Jason will want a rematch. I need to work on my rehab plan asap.

Wednesday morning was in fact not a leisurely start. I think I blocked from my memory an almost visit from the Norwegian fire department.

I woke up earlier than the kids (except Brooks who always wakes early) to shower and get ready. I closed the door to the laundry room/bathroom to dry my hair.

Apparently the hairdryer vent or whatever needed to be cleaned so it was barely smoking (which I didn’t not notice at all.)

It set off the loudest fire alarm in the history of man which was connected to an alarm service who was talking to me in the hallway. (Thankfully this was mentioned in the info sheet that I had read.)

The kids were all obviously awoken by the crazy noise and me and Greg trying to figure out where to talk to the person and how to get it to stop.

Needless to say I will not be drying my hair anymore here.

Wednesday morning was a bit more leisurely with a 9:30am start. Greg made eggs and potatoes for whomever wanted them. We finally got the coffee maker working so that’s good.

The views were as amazing as the day before. I could get used to waking up here.

We had said that we would meet the Bayne’s at their Airbnb and leave for our hike from there. Greg was so proud of us for being “proper Norwegians” and showing up right at 10:30 on the dot. The actual Norwegians weren’t ready at 9:30 due to one bathroom constraints. We pulled out around 9:45.

The drive was much shorter today. We are about 20 mins from the start. Across the bridge we went.

We have done this hike before 5 years ago but we don’t remember specifics. Jason has advised us that this one is much shorter than Kjerag and easier too. The only issue is that it’s basically a much quicker vertical rather than several up and downs.

He also said the start was the worst.

So far so good.

Lisa and Pia were basically running up the mountain they were going so fast. Karen stayed with them to make sure Pia didn’t get too close at the top and Brooks also went ahead with them. Logan stayed with me and much like yesterday, Jason, Greg, Maddie and Jake were in the rear.

Right after I stood on a rock to take this pictures I rolled the heck out of my ankle approximately 1k from the top. I knew Greg would say to keep moving it so it didn’t lock up. Also there is no way I came all this way to not go to the top so I pushed through it. Logan stayed with me the entire time.

The wind at the top was brutal. Like 40mph gusts. At times it nearly knocked me off my feet. So clearly not a good day to be standing near the edge of a giant cliff.

I had joked about needing a medical rescue from the top via helicopter and how that would make exciting blog content. There was an actual medical evacuation of some sort as we were on our way back down.

On the way down, Maddie, Jake, Lisa, Pia and Brooks all took off down the mountain. Karen stayed with me because I was much slower and Greg, Jason and Logan were bringing up the rear.

We caught up to Maddie and Jake who I thought were taking a break. Turns out Maddie also rolled her ankle bad and was crying saying she couldn’t get down. I had joked about Greg needing to carry me but when I saw Maddie I knew I was on my own.

Somehow they made it down the mountain.

Preikestolen is where Mission Impossible was filmed. It is also known as Pulpit Rock.

Logan said he’s never going to believe anything Jason says again because this hike in his mind was every bit as hard as yesterday if not even harder.

Now back to the Airbnbs to chill out a bit