Norway 2009 Youth Scholarship Expedition

Our most recent expedition.

All secondary schools on the Isle of Man were informed, and during 2008 students were given the opportunity to partake in weekly group training sessions.

From this group, the small tightly knit team of 7 students made up of students from Ramsey Grammar High School and King Williams College were self selected. Varied challenging training, planning and periodic assessments continued in their preparation for Norway 2009! 

This Expedition has just returned - check the Adventurous Experiences blog entries;

Part 1.             Sea kayaking - Sognefjord   

Part 2.             Mountain Hiking - Jotunheimen

Part 3.             Rock Climbing & Finale episode - Bergen

Photo album will be uploaded shortly with some stunning pictures!

Sea Kayaking Journey down the Sognefjord - team log

Day One
We woke in Vik at 9am, what we initially thought was an early start. How wrong we were! We spent the majority of the morning packing our kit into the boats. We had originally planned to be on the water by 12, however, our expedition food that we were still awaiting delivery by courier to our campsite, had not yet arrived. It was being held in Oslo in customs. We stocked up with fresh food and found room in the boats. By 15.30, our kayaks were at the waters edge, team photographs were taken and we were ready to set out onto the Sognefjord. The group brimming with excitment for; in reality, short day. 22km until camp, a good warm up paddle ensued, with a moderate westerly head wind and a short choppy sea state. At just before 8pm we paddled into the Fjord, we were immediately stunned by the beauty of the place. A narrow stretch of water with very steep sided cliff faces on each side, the scale of the place takes time to fully grasp. Keirron offered to cook for the group while we went off to explore this epic place. Looking around here was a brilliant close to the day. Returning back to camp, marked by our tents scattered on a tiny beach with a blume of smoke emmitted from the fire. This all mirrored against the glass like surface of the water. After a very satisfying bowl of pasta, we went through the route for the following day and with a sense of anticipation about the group, we disappeared into tents for the night. 

Day Two
Today marked the start of “Aroustasha” and soon became a much needed tradition. We at first cringed at the thought of waddling round a circle shouting words that made little sense but upon reflection it didn’t have too. It marked the start of a day and made sure it started with team spirit and a positive attitude. The morning also started with an epic waterfall shower, the biggest showerhead in Norway, although someone had forgotton to turn the hot water on. The temperature wasn’t for everyone though and as some of us froze in our tents looking up at the grey sky getting colder wasn’t an option. Regretably the minority realised what they had missed. One lesson learnt here is to grasp every opportunity as passing them by would certainly not lead to full ‘adventurous experience’. We woke up at 7am for an aimed 9 o’clock start although waterfalling delayed us to 10.30am. The day brightened up, the cagoules came off and the sun cream made a rare appearance. Everyone enjoyed the amazing views in postcard perfection. After a while a debate ensued of where Keirrons famous fishing spots were. When the debate was settled and the spot located, it was found the fish were knowhere to be seen. After doing a steady speed of 5km/h we arrived at camp in good time for a tea of carrots, onions and rice, which was a lot tastier than it sounds! In total we travelled 26km and by the way our shoulders were aching, it felt like a long day. But the best was yet to come...

Day Three
Beginning with an enthusiastic rise of 4.30am for a start on the water at 7. We planned a long 35km day, looking out as a huge cruise ship glided across the silky water covered by the reflected green mountainous fjords and taking advantage of the sun, smooth water and high spirits of the group. We headed off with a quick pace knowing a long day was ahead. After lunch we set out for the last part of the day this included going through a shipping lane – a Norweigen road link connected by two ferries, running the width of the fjord, continuously all day. Crossing this meant speed was of the essence as we travelled across the route moments before the boat left. Arriving at camp we were immediately drawn to the nearby roads for a wander to stretch our legs after being cramped up all day. Looking out at the fantastic scenery and village which was quaint and a nice step out of civilisation. Returning to camp we lit a fire, created a pan stand and cooked up, arguably the best meal of the trip, spicy sausage, pasta, and tomato sauce smothered in cheese. After looking through the route for the following day it was decided that the inner island group would be our next camp. Although this meant a long and tiring day, it made the trip back four days meaning we would be less stretched. A decision unamiously agreed upon.

Day Four
Another early start. We woke early to get on the water at dawn, keen to catch the tide and put in a full days paddling. We dropped camp and were on the water by 6.30am. With the aid of the tide our pace quickened and within two hours we within sight of our planned campsite. Glad at the prospect of turning two days into one we pushed towards the open crossing where we were averaging 9km/h across the shipping lanes. The weather although grey was in our favour as winds were minimal and tides were in our favour. Having looked at this crossing we shot through the channel towars the outer Islands of Sula and Losna through dodging traffic and the occasional downpour acompanied by the stunning scenery of towering cliffs either side. Nothing was going to dampen the spirit of the group as we knew lunch would be at our final campsite. After lunch, Will, Tom, Olly, Chris and Keirron went out for a second attempt at fishing, whilst others rested and sorted out kit. After pulling a fish out of the water, hopes were high, but dashed after tales of ‘the one that got away’. Maybe third time would be more lucky. The team battled the midgies and horseflies whilst munching on carrots and rice. Bed ensued with the achievements of day.

Day Five
Starting at 5am and on the water by 6.30am. Thankfully the weather continued to be kind to us, the early start meant the tide again was once again in our favour and the water was flat. This aided to our 35km total of the day. We arrived in camp before predictions and took advantage of the stone beach to create the higlight of the day. The male members of the group exerted their masculinity whilst building the King of all Saunas. After eating spagetti with tomato, made by the female members who exerted their own skills, around the bonfire heating up the rocks for the sauna. We filled the rock basin and dived in but not before a safety briefing from Mr. Tastagh himself, who soon after immersed himself in the vision of giving the group thrid degree burns. Many scream could be heard along with the chants of ‘Father Abraham’ from many shores of the Sognefjord. The few who braved the torturous wrath of Keirron managed the cool down in the nearby Norweigen clear waters.

Day Six
The main aim of the day was to take advantage of the flat calm sea by lengthening the paddle. The purpose being to take the pressure off the later days on our return to Vik. This was the first day without a set campsite so the leader, Becca, had the added challenge of planning the route with this in mind. After the late start we were on our way by 9.15am following a team talk from Keirron and our “Aroustasha” warm-up. As the day progressed the relentless rain unfortunately began to dampen not only our cags but our spirts. At 2 o’clock we stopped, huddled under the group shelter for our usual lunch of whole grain crackers and the variety of toppings. By this time some team members had begun to experiment with mixing flavours namely chocolate and bacon paste mixed with cheese whihc soon became a delicacy! As the rain subsided spirits began to improve, the group passed time by singing, exchanging stories and playing team games. Once again porpoises were spotted who were obviously more successful at fishing than ourselves. By the time we reached our camping spot (according to the map), once again a torrent of rain has set in and concluding our 35km day the group quickly became sodden wet. Eventually a suitable campsite was found after thorough searching of the shore line and asking permission from a local homeowner to pitch in their garden. A much needed tarpaulin shelter was erected between two trees under which a feast was consumed whilst hopes of a brighter day were on the minds of us all.

Day Seven
The penultimate day began with a slightly soggy but netherless enthusiastic “Aroustasha”. All of kit had been thoroughly washed by the evenings downpour but stomachs were full of granola, which by this time had become a known. So we set off singing in the rain ahead with knowledge that the map said it was ‘sunny around the corner’. Making good progress (much needed to keep warm) we moved effectively towards our 25km target, however; with the rain persisting we were forced to an early midday lunch in the sheltered Høyanger fjord. Three crackers each later we set off to find camp in the area of Nessane which soon proved to be difficult. From kilometers away it was clearly visable the coastline had few landing spots therefore promoting the decision to cross the Sognefjord a day early, in the knowledge a good campsite would be found. After 42km of paddling we landed at the familiar, yet still breathtaking campsite of Day One. A hearty dinner of smash followed by rice pudding sent us into a deep sleep ready for the last day.

Day Eight
The last but by no means the least “aroustasha” took place on the beach where it all began. Paddling away from this memorable beach up a corridor of incredable views and blue skies whilst beiong trailed by a pod of porpoises. Pulling out of the smaller fjord we were greeted with a head wind but continued paddling hard towards Vik. After a short break in a sheltered bay we were back on the water with visions of warm showers and clean clothes. However not before our victory eskimo rolls affter a relatively short 22km day.

We as a group thank with immense gratitude Keirron, John and Eva Lotte for aiding in making this part of our expedition so epic. The time, effort and dedication spent by all these people along with ‘Adventurous Experiences’ and ‘Njord’ has been greatly received by all.