The journey to the start

Having long flights are a fairly regular occurrence for me so the 2 ½ day journey to get to my start point was about normal. That is one of the few disadvantages of living in New Zealand.
The journey largely went well. I left Dunedin the day before my international flight as at this time of the year fog is an issue which causes delayed flights. I left home Sunday 17 Jun at 0930. By 1430 I was relaxing in my hotel in Auckland and enjoyed a Korean Buffet for dinner.

Kaikoura Ranges

The next day at 1300 I flew from Auckland to Bangkok (12 hours) and after a 4 hour layover flew to Oslo (11 1/2 hours). I sat in the arrivals area in Oslo Airport and started repackaging my food which took longer than I hoped. I needed to head into Oslo to visit the DNT Offfice to pick up a hut key. DNT is the Norwegian Trekking Association who do a lot of work on creating and maintaining the trails and also have a hut network. For the unattended huts they are locked and you need the DNT key to get in. I wasn’t planning on staying at many huts as they are expensive, even for DNT members, but wanted a key for emergencies.

After rushing to find the office I ran out of time to go to the post office so I headed back to the airport still carrying my 16kg resupply box which I would now mail in Honninsvag. I was impressed at the train to the airport. It covered the 50km in only 15 minutes.
I now checked in to my flight to Honningsvag, having to go to a special baggage area because even though my box was smaller than the average suitcase, it was a box and not a suitcase and therefore ‘special’. That was hassle free but was an indication on the strict interpretation of rules to come in customs. In Oslo Airport domestic and international go through the same security check. I was not surprised that my bags were pulled for inspection as that had happened in Dunedin, Auckland and Bangkok Airport. I had got my tent pegs through as carry on after forgetting to move them but thankfully I had moved them to my resupply box for this leg. My stove had been sniffed in two airports and let though with no concerns but this time it was confiscated. They also confiscated my 30ml of meths so in one go I had lost my main and backup cooking options. Surprisingly they did leave my soda can stove, possibly as they did not recognise it as a stove. Also because they took a long time about this referring up to two supervisors the check in had closed so there was no way to put the stove in check in baggage and it was now lost for good. I was now very worried and sincerely hoping the sports shop in Honningsvag, where I was getting my gas cylinder, had some lightweight stoves. If not it will be at least 3 weeks of cold meals.
I arrived at the gate just as the flight was boarding. This flight was Oslo to Alta and 1 hour 40 minutes. Then there was a 2 hour layover but thankfully there was a shop and I enjoyed a hot dog. I now switched to a new plane and bounced around the north of Norway landing briefly at Vadso, Batsfjiord, and Mehamm, finally arriving in Honningsvag at 1845 on Tue 19 Jun.

Flying over Norway

The only option for transport from the airport is taxi or walking. Given how expensive taxis are I decided to walk the 2km to the hostel. The walk was easy and there was a footpath most of the way but I had to take a few breaks as my 16kg resupply bids was awkward to carry. The hostel (Nordkapp Vandrerhjemhad) no signs but was easy to find. The reception entrance not so easy but after going around the building I found someone who pointed out the discrete door to reception. The lady checking me in was very friendly and helpful. The room was clean and comfortable with good facilities. I headed to the supermarket I had passed on the way in then spent the evening during it my resupply packages to mail tomorrow and preparing my pack.

It is funny that even though I have completed one thru hike the same feelings of excitement and trepidation are there. It is not the concern that I cannot walk 2,600 km but whether I can avoid injury, whether I have the resupply right and that my route choice will work. I am excited to finally be here and ready for the peace that walking a long trail brings.

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