After a night’s sail from Toau to Tahiti, we arrived back at the airport anchorage in Tahiti, less than three weeks after we left the area.
After one night at anchor, we took the dingy to both of the local marinas, to see if we could find a safe spot for Noxoma for the time we planned to leave for Norway. We were very fortunate to find a spot to leave Noxoma in Marina Taina, at their repair dock. As the cyclone season started on November 1st, there are many cruisers who have booked their spots well in advance, and it is all more or less filled up for the next six months.
We prepared the boat, to ensure she would be safe the two weeks we were going to be in Norway. The sailing community is so awesome, as we had many cruisers we have met through this season that offered us to watch the boat for us. Wane and Barbie from SV Hope were so nice to check on her every other day while we were gone. We also received updates from other cruiser friends who happened to pass by. Thank you to all who helped us out 💙
The two weeks in Norway were spent with family and friends. The captain spent most of his time with his father, who lives in Fredrikstad, a city located just a little more than an hour’s drive south east of Oslo.
The memorial service for the captain’s mother, Karin, was beautiful and so much in her spirit. We treasured being with family during these very sad times. Karin will certainly be missed immensely.
While in Fredrikstad, we enjoyed some walks around this beautiful and historic city. Norway can be very humid and cold in November, so we layered up as best we could.
The admiral went back and forth between Fredrikstad and Oslo, where she had several business meetings. It was strange to take part in business meetings again. Getting up early while it was still the dark outside, and joining the buzzing daily life of the city was very different from our regular days at sea.
The admiral took some snapshots during her walk to and from meetings around Oslo, as most where in the downtown area, where also most of the tourist attractions are.
As we were approaching Christmas, decorations where popping up everywhere around town, as well as in people’s homes.
Being away from loved ones over longer period of times is certainly a drawback of the cruiser lifestyle, and is something all cruisers have in common. To fulfill our dreams does take some extra effort, and it can be painful both for those at home, as well as for us who are far away. This visit was certainly a reminder of that. We left Norway and our family and friends after a sad, but also heart warming two weeks.