May paddling

May has been an especially warm month this year. Luckily we got time to do a little bit of paddling this May, and even a small kayak camping trip. Day and evening trips are usually in local waters, but when I went out with my old friend Alex to camp out, we choose the near archipelago of Vestfold. 

We decided to paddle out to the old Fulehuk lighthouse. We've been there many times - it's one of my favourite lighthouses. Not very far from the mainland, but you get the feeling of isolation, like you're far out in at sea. Alex's dads cousin Torvald and his wife Liv happened to be there doing maintenance, and we got beer, coffee and the grand tour with stories of the lighthouse's history! This visit really made the day. If you happen to be near Tønsberg, Fulehuk is really worth a visit, and you can even book the lighthouse for events, parties or just  stays. Check out their website on www.fulehuk.no

The Archipelago is stuffed with beautiful uninhabited islands, you can really pick and choose where to camp. The weather forecast determined our choice, as there was some strong wind in progress. The plan was to paddle north , and then get the wind in our backs home.

Landing at the lighthouse... There are no beaches, only rock, but the weather was good, and rock landins are no challenge for a skin on frame kayak really.

Absolute calm before the wind picked up. Unfortunately the sea trout was not in the mood to get caught by us. But the birdlife was amazing: Herons, eider ducks, oystercatchers, grebes, ravens and cuckoos just to mention some, really made the stay amazing.

Our kayaks: Alex built his Ixyaq with me in 2001. We reskinned it a few years ago, mainly for fun. It's still going strong and easily carries a tent, a sleeping bag, food, lots of beer and other necessities. Mine is likewise always for a trip like this an Unangan style Ixyaq. Also known as a baidarka.

The mandatory Norwegian wood paddles picture :)