26th June – Røvær to Espevær – 11nm
11nm of open water across a stretch of sea known as Sletta, known for its many rocks and confused, heavy seas. It was kind to us, with a rapid passage under sail almost directly downwind. The guest harbour on Espevaer is a little exposed in Southerly winds but it was OK. Payment here is cash in an envelope rather than GoMarina. Like Røvær, Espevær is carless, and also has a population of around 80 inhabitants – alth0ugh at the height of the herring boom in the 1850s it couuld host up to 30,000 fishermen.
There is a Joker shop and a ferry to the mainland.
27th June Walked to the UFO Ring, the alleged site of a UFO landing in 1975, when a large oval imprint was discovered in the grass. It’s a nice walk, and can be made into a circular route. Fairly rugged, wear decent shoes – I went in sandals, which weren’t ideal.
https://www.kringom.no/en/sunnhordland/bomlo/espevaer-ufo-ring
28th June Another walk round the island. Who could imagine that anywhere so rockbound and forbidding from the outside could be so lush and pretty inside. We also had a shot on the cable ferry, 20NOK in a slot, an unusual mode of transport. (Remember to take two 20NOK coins so you can get back again!). The Lobster Park was closed and looked as though it had been for ages, as was the museum.
