Denmark to Norway.
The rest of the drive in Denmark (from Aarhus to Hirthals) was very windy. This obviously had an effect on the state of the sea for the ferry crossing. we went to buy a ferry ticket for Kristiansand, and were told the evening ferry was full, but we could go on the waiting list: so we queued in the departure area. There was only us, and one lorry in the prebooked queue to start with. Gradually the whole enormous area filled up, until by loading time it was completely full, amd the waiting list queue had 7 motorhomes and 2 cars. However, we all managed to get on the ferry. Having been one of the last vehicles to load, all the public areas and chairs were crowded, but we found a spot. Not a comfortable crossing, of 3 and a half hours, but we got there safely at 12.20am. As we had been last on, and were parked behind lorries, we followed the lorries off, and were one of the first small vehicles to leave the boat. It still took about 20 minutes to clear the port. Drove about 20knm up the road until we found a suitable spot for the (rest of ) the night. (A layby)
As we drove due north from Kristiansund, towards our chosen campsite, we were somewhat relieved to see many laybys and suitable stopping places, as out guidebook had informed us they were few and far between. Camping sites being rather expensive, we had decided to try and wild camp whenever possible.
On arriving at the campsite, we were greeted with a lovely view of a fjord and a grumpy receptionist. Asking for information about the local area, she handed us a brochure, and we were amused to see on the menu of the local restaurant "Minced steak of elk with game sauce".
When we asked for a bookshop, it was like we had asked her to steal the crown jewels. However, we explained we only wanted a better map, and were told we could get one at the garage (of course!) When we got the map, we were also pleased to see motorhome service points marked (these are places where we can empty waste water etc, and fill up fresh water).Shops are fairly scarce here . The "local" shop has post office, chemist supplies, fishing licences, boart hire, and Baked Beans - Hooray, at last! You can easily go 50 miles or more and see little hablitation, let alone a shop. Having been to the shop and garage, we popped in to look at the village church. A printed sheet said that traditionally, unmarried people had to sit upstairs, and the more "established" had pews on the main floor, men to the right, and women to the left: a custome which can be observed even today.
The Norwegian language seems to be totally incomprehensible to us, either written or spoken. Luckily, virtually everyone speaks English.