What will we do with a drunken sailor early in the morning?
It was and on May and our very last course was about to start. It was a coastal course on island near by Kristiansand called Randøya. The course contained multiple activities such as: fishing, preparing fishing nets, sea-kayaking, rowing, deep and shallow water biology and survival night at island. The great thing on the course was that we had it with Norwegian friluftsliv students so we could socialize more a get know more about Norwegian way of live. There were four teachers on that course: Len, Kjetil, Ketil and Svein. Each of them was in charge of different activity, which might be little bit boring for them. Nevertheless, it was perfect for us.
Randøya
Randøya is a small island south-east direction from Kristiansand, approx. 20 minutes driving by car. It’s rarely populated in the northern part. We stayed at the south of the island in former military area. We slept in old (but renewed) barracks and ate and cook in former mess. The island is surrounded by lots of other small islands and it’s perfect for fishing and sea-kayaking. It’s very green island. The trees are literally everywhere and there are mostly svabergs on the coast. As I wrote before, Randøya is a former millitary base. That means there are a lot of old bunkers and tunnels. It’s definitely interesting place.
Monday 23/5
We gathered at Kongshavn port at 10am. Kjetil and Len came there with motor boats to pick up us, equipment and our luggage. It took around 20 minutes of nice cruise before we got to place we stayed. After we got onshore, we went to our rooms, had a lunch a prepared for activities. We were divided into several groups. The groups included both Norwegian and international students. Our first activity was shallow water biology with Svein. We went to the shore. The equipment which we used was: wading pants, plastic boxes, small metal nets and book of sea species. By walking in shallow water, we were discovering organisms living in there. It was some different kinds of sea weed, snails, crabs, small fishes etc. It was interesting, especially for me, who has lack of sea experience.
Tuesday 24/5
Our survival day is here. In the morning there was deep water biology for us. After picking up all necessary equipment such as thick wet suits, snorkel, mask, fins and net bags. It was also necessary to wear wetsuits with hoods and neoprene gloves. Even though it doesn’t look like, we are still in Norway and the sea is quite cold. Again very special experience, I have to say. I have never thought that I’ll be snorkelling in Norway. We had lunch break and a just afterwards there was a rowing boats practice. We came back around 3pm and took our survival kit. That was: regular day pack, two tarps and no food expect pack of carrots and two bouillons. We also had several fishing rods with us and box for fishes. Another part of survival night was to set up the nets on the way to the island. We were supposed to overnight on small island southern direction from Randøya. Due to weather conditions (strong wind), we decided (after long discussion) that we won’t go to the island and stay on different one which is not that exposed. We found there perfectly sheltered spot for sleeping there – the old cannon stand. I was a circle on top of small hill sheltered by 2 metres high wall open from one side. Unfortunately, the wind was blowing exactly from the open side. We divided ourselves into 2 groups – one group was in charge of making fire and second one went fishing. I was in fire group so I was totally surprised after I recognized that fishing group managed to catch 14 fishes. We definitely didn’t starve. We had nice fish soup for dinner and several grilled fillets. The night in tarps was nice until the moment when the storm came. It started to rain so we had to build improvised small shelter which was super uncomfortable. It was small and cold. Nevertheless we made it somehow until morning and after we cleaned the mess we left with rowboats.
Wednesday 25/5
We picked up the nets on the way back from island. There were around 15 nice fishes in total, different species. After we came back we slaughter the fishes – that was interesting, again something new for me. When we finished this work we made nice and tasty soup, fish and chips and several other fish meals. The afternoon program was motorboat sea cruise with sea navigation, fishing and boat driving. Unfortunately, I felt sick, so I had to stay at barrack – unlucky.
Thursday 26/5
I felt again perfect. We started our day with rowboats. For me, as a former rower, it was fun. The boats are completely different from racing shells, suitable for everyday work or travel. We made about 5 kilometres trip in the archipelago with a break in one of the bays, learning knots. There were sea kayaks with Len in the afternoon. We repeated some safety stuff about sea kayaks: stay together and also had short brief about navigation. Our destination was an old light house called Grønningen. Such a beautiful place and what’s best that you can stay there overnight for 200 NOK. I’ll do it definitely.
Friday 27/5
We had another sea-kayak trip in the morning. It was the very last day, so we had to transport kayaks back to Kongshavn. We made nice round trip there, even though we got lost little bit. After trip, we packed our stuff, clean the island and left.
This field trip was for me quite special. Apparently, we have no sea in Czechia so most of the things were quite new for me, especially the fishing stuff.
This is it! The semester is unfortunately over. It was, or better it is, priceless life experience. It was probably the best half year of my life so far. I’m very glad for everything I did here. Thank you Len!
