Summer 1984: One year after
intermediate
examinations I manage to take two months off my studies to have
a dream come true, cycling to the North Cape (norwegian: Nordkapp).
Sure, travelling more than 3600 miles to the north of Norway is
not everybody's delight. Temparatures are expected to be low and
the weather to be unsteady. However, at the end of this journey I may
declare
the Scandinavian weather beeing not as bad as its reputation.
*
 On
the 4th of july I am ready for take off. That time
my
bike is one of the oldest and heaviest bikes that have
ever
been seen on their way north. However, if you don't worry about mending the
chain you might call it quite reliable. About 20 kg of additional weight
has
to be carried: A tent, sleeping bag, camera (Olympus
OM 2), 11 color films (300 slides) and other
equipement. On this trip, that does not cost more than DM 1800.-
(i.e. £ 600.- that days), I ruin a shirt,
a jeans, a cycle chain, a tyre cover and not less
than 9 spokes. Though the bike never has a puncture.
*
One of the most important things I carry is
my pipe.
I can't count the number of midgets killed by the smoke of the pipe.
This
way I keep my tent clean of those very common tormentors, that are said
to be the greatest danger you can face up north. Maybe for that reason
I shall quit smoking about ten years later...
*
I do not carry an alarm-clock with me. That
turns
out to be wrong and forces me into waiting for ferry boats all through
the night. But I do carry a diary,
today of great value beyond any doubt.
Background map: Berann, Carte of
Europe. © www.falk.de.
Authorized by MairDumont / Studio Berann/Vielkind. |
