I woke to yet more low clouds and drizzle – actually it was pretty much a fog. Another early riser promised me that the cloud would lift during the day – and he was right. So I set off for Bodo in good spirits. The first obstacle was a tunnel (tunnelen in Norway!). I thought it was time for a picture of a tunnel entrance. This one was 3.1km.

They are well lit, but the disconcerting thing is that, when cars approach from behind, the wheel noise comes from all directions and you cannot judge their road position. Normally you get some idea how close they will pass, but not in the tunnels. Just have to trust my twinkly lights and high viz. Actually, early on Sunday morning the road was empty and the main danger was dying of tunnel boredom!

There was a series of about 6 fast, downhill tunnels at one point – which was more fun!

Bus shelters have proved brilliant for the regular food stops that keep me going. But, after a couple of those I came across my first roadside garage. A sign of approaching civilisation. I stopped for coffee and waffles – just like in the USA last summer (except 20C colder).

There have been lots of great bridges, but the one over the Saltstraumen whirlpool was one of the best. It is such a graceful arch – and a steep climb up. Unfortunately the tide was exactly wrong for the whirlpool and I wasn’t prepared to wait for it. My plan is to follow the excellent example of the tdf and, after 9 days cycling, to have a rest day. I’ll use it to get the ferry to Lofoton. Then my second week will, I hope, involve a little more ‘exploring’ on Lofoton (poddling about and sitting in cafés) and a notch down on the cycling.