Let me start by saying I now understand the attraction of the Lofoten Islands and I also feel I came here 40 years to late. I say this because much of the attraction is clearly hiking up some of the steep mountains opening up the dramatic views which draws people but on the short climb I took I saw no-one less than 30 years younger than me. It is also the case that these places are now “destinations”. Giant cruise ships can be seen here at Leknes and coaches, minibuses and campervans are everywhere even now out of season. And it is out of season with several cafes already shut till the next season, which might be the winter here. It has not spoiled my day touring the western islands but I cannot imagine what it would be like in the season. On with the business. Yesterdays rain was lingering this morning but now showers, some heavy. I did not make an early start as the forecast was for clearing skies. I checked out a recommended beach for Northern Lights watching perhaps this evening but having checked te Aurora forecast it is a very low chance and there is plenty of cloud about. Vik beach was very nice but the only places to park are private with gated areas with campervans so I cannot see how it can be recommended. I pulled into a passing place to take a couple of shots looking back to the beach which will feature in the photos. It was then a run through a couple of villages and a bite of lunch before taking a short hike up the easy one. I got half way and enjoyed the view. I certainly was stressing the heart but that is easy as I just stop for a few minutes and my heart rate is quickly back into double figures. The problem was my legs. Not pain but just a little wobbly with constant lateral bending of the knees and ankles over the very difficult path, just rocks of all shapes and sizes with muddy patches in between. I was nearly over a couple of times and in a stretch put the camera in my back pack so I could use my hands to steady myself on the very steep bits. The youngsters were whizing up and down as if it was flat. 40 years too late! Anyway it was an experience and continues my education! I then headed west via some fishing villages to the wonderfully named Å which is the last village on the E10 highway. Rolling back I stopped at Reine where there is a Supercharger and had a short walk during the 18 minute charge. I never left the car park! It is a destination. In around Reine I was reminded of the lake district with one exception. The hoardes of hikers don’t have to walk on the road here. They get there own path alongside. There is only one highway along the main islands with a range if bridges and tunnels to connect them. On my day within 10km of the hotel is a very long tunnel which connects us to the next island. There are roadworks taking place which meant about a 10 minute delay going while we were led in convoy. I expected the same on my return getting to the checkout point at about twenty to five only to be told the tunnel would be completely closed until five thirty! When I eventually travelled through there were no workers so I guess the closure is to allow the workers to leave at the end of their day. When I stopped we had lovely late afternoon light and by the time I moved it was raining again. I busied myself listening to music and playing with a relatively new feature in the car which is that the coloured light strip in the car responds to music catching the beat and the dynamics and, as I had it set, the colour of the lighting is based on the album cover. I would not really use it while driving except maybe to impress a great nephew or great neice. A very enjoyable day getting to see why Lofoten is such a draw. It is late, thanks road works, I have an early start in the morning so here is just a sprinkling of images which I hope will capture the essence of the western end of the Lofoten Islands.