Alta and north to the wilderness

Leaving Alta ths morning we immediately started to climb and soon found ourselves in the Arctic tundra. We are now passed the tree line, ie trees don't grow this far north. The remoteness is fabulous. What views! We follow the very quiet E6 through fabulous countryside and literally herds of reindeer. Incredibly, round a bend in the absolute middle of nowhere is a cop with a speed camera. Hard luck Sir - we were not  speeding as it happens but were enjoyin the view!

We arrived at a T junction and its left to the Nordkapp and right to the Russian border. Yes, we were tempted but decided to stick to plan A. A few miles later we reached a small town and stop for coffee about 50km from Honningsvag where we are staying the night. We have coffee and a snack but don't buy fuel thinking we have plenty. We aslo buy a few stickers for the bikes including the Sami flag - the indigenous poeple of these parts! The picture is us enjoying our handiwork after putting new stickers on our bikes!! Ha ha

Now it starts to get cold. We are riding next to the Arctic Sea and although its sunny , its perishing cold.  We stopped by the sea for a few minutes because Tim wanted to paddle in a "new" sea. Ugh?

The picture left, is the first sign we see for the Nordkapp. It was in Alta. Good confirmation that the road we are following, the E6, actually goes to the North Cape! Anyway, we are past the wild Tundra area and down to the sea shore now and on the final stretch.

The road twists onwards along the shore line and we are blown by very strong head winds and sideways gusts. Its pretty tricky riding but we take it steady. The tunnels are very tight and dark which add to the adventure ( and the danger frankly). Eventually we reach the toll point - about £8 each to get into the Nordkapp area. I am out of fuel! The warning light has been on for a while. It must have been the very strong head wind but I crawl into town and refuel.

We check in and then go and find something to eat in a little bistro down the street. Its 1600h and very chilly! Strolling around looking for a bar (inevitably) we find one called the Ice Bar. Sounds good. Actually it's a bar made out of ice and is a big warehouse held at minus 5 degrees. Well , we have to go in, right? They even served icy drinks and provided us with warm clothes. No really - they are not our matching ponchos.

Anyway, there is not much to do in Honningsvag - there is only one bar. Its called the Nord Pub and I am in it writing this. It is the home of the area's Liverpool FC supporters' club. Honest - you can't make this up! Too drunk now to see the midmight sun at the Nordkapp so perhaps it will be the midday sun tomorrow.

PS Rachel and Lyn - good morning. Arctic gear test going well. Found a stockist of fur lined, rubber motorcyclist boots in Alta. Shall I get you the number?

PPS Max (from Russia) - if you are reading this, we are in Honningsvag in the Nord Pub tonight and tomorrow (Friday) night  if you fancy a beer and will be at the "Globe" tomorrow around noon. Staying at the Hotel Rica. Cheers.