The Third Way

My plan was to paddle to the beach just beyond Fevik and have a bit of a swim followed by breakfast. I could then drift back to Grimstad and go to the office straight after lunch.

In the end, I drifted in the other direction to explore lots of little channels and islands near Nedenes and didn't get back until late afternoon. I paid for the trip with a bit of redness of the skin from the sun and wind - my plan for a short trip meant that I hadn't bothered with sun block or a hat.

The swimming part of the plan worked. The beach was a little bit busier than last time I visited; six other people came down for an early swim. The water was reasonably warm and almost completely free of jellyfish.

I passed the beach again on the way back, stopping on the rocks for some lunch. The heat and the sunshine had brought out so many families that there was barely any sand to be seen between the towels and beach toys.

My exploration around Nedenes showed me a third way of getting through to Arendal; it's a slower route but very sheltered and might be useful in bad weather.

Another hot day

I went straight out on the water after work, taking some food and drink. After an hour or two of nosing around the islands, I found a quiet spot to have supper while reading my book and listening to my mp3 player. Not a bad way to spend the evening.

A bit of rolling practice and general messing around at Groos showed that I need to do a bit of work on my left hand sculling support but was a very pleasant finish to the day.

Paddling is cool

The current heat in Grimstad is too much for comfort when your apartment is on the top floor and catches all the sun. Getting out on the water is the best way to find some cooler air.

Sadly, it seems that the whole population of Norway has the same idea. The islands that I had all to myself in the winter now seem busier than Grimstad itself.