SY Hullu Poro – Boating & Biking Adventures

A promise to myself…

On January 27, 2026

Some time back I gave a promise to myself to be out whenever the weather allows. I know by now, how The Lady looks from inside. Cozy & accomodating.

Today was another of these days with January being exceptional good-natured to us. Hardly any weather.

Before dropping the borrowed ski set at the BUA in Kabelvåg, I had to get onto the XC track. I knew from the sporet.no APP, that the gooming machine was out to keep the World Class Standard alive!

Saturday is a local skiing competition event, I learned from Knud, the conductor of the XC grooming machine.

Fair winds…

X-ing Svolværvatnet

By Bernd

On January 26, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

The little snow granted helps and keeps our activites going. Opening a new dimension is the common view, that the lakes are now good to go. Three trusted sources confirmed to me, that the ice on the lakes is solid enough and 100% safe. Follow the tracks for additional safety! Final consultation over a nice chat with a bypassing couple walking on the ice themselves convinced me.

It is not only somewhat of a mixed feeling but also opens a new perspective of scenery and the desire for a Fat Bike.

What’s next? I don’t know but the list remains long…

Fair winds…

Grønnåsvatnet

By Bernd

On January 25, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

A short ride on fresh snow took me out to the Feriesenter, finding a secure & suitable parking spot for the bike.

Equipped with spikes and snowshoes I was up for a short hike around Grønnåsvatnet. To me new terrain and initially not being sure if I can make it around the lake, it worked out.

Although a very short walk, it turned out to be multifaceted not only in terms of the terrain but also offering diverse and stunning views.

Fair winds…

Crispy & Chilly

By Bernd

On January 23, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

The XC skiing track is getting more and more icy under these ongoing chilly conditions, which makes it more and more difficult for a newbee like me to control planks and poles to keep balance and stay upright. Frozen ice even let’s the poles slip away uncontrolled now and then rather pricking into it.

The whole ski trail of approximately 17km got freshly groomed tonight, ready for the weekend. Hopefully we receive some new snow over the coming days as forecasted. Would be great.

Fair winds…

Martin Heidegger

By Bernd

On January 22, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

My timing was better today and the shot above represents solar noon at Stor Kongsvatnet. Slowly the sun makes it way over the hills into the plaines. The ice on the lakes is getting stronger and I have seen people crossing the lakes at dedicated places. General advice is still to stay off the ice at this point in time.

Another philosophical signboard popped up along the track. It was a bit hidden, around 10m into the bush. After digesting this short phrase, I struggeled to stay concentrated on my skis but luckily managed not hitting the ground, today (!).

The part of the groomed track done today is still in very good conditions. Only very few people are using it carefully as we all know, that without additional snow it might soon be over. The freezing temperature around -4°C will continue but new snow is desperately needed.

Putting things in perspective: Lofoten skiing season is officially from February to April. The very early snow in late November last year and now in January can be considered as a bonus.

Fair winds…

Socrates

By Bernd

On January 21, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

It was Socrates today, who shared another universal wisdom on the XC track similar strong as the one from Emmanuele Kant the other day. Simple, strong, very true and inspiring. Mindful. There must be more “human traffic signs” on the overall 17km track, which I have not recognized, yet.

The snow/ice conditions today were as slippery as they could be. I have never seen ice crystals growing out of the ground like grass on wider terrain. Hoarfrost on twigs and trees are not unusual but fingersized ice crystals of around 3cm covering plains and rocks definetely impressed me today.

I met the conductor of the grooming machine out in the fields. As a former sailing yacht owner our talk continued for a while until it was me starting shivering being forced to get moving again. The machine is a beast.

At some stretches of the track the green shines through and grooming will only restart once we have had more snow. On the remaining stretch the KS Ski Lofoten Team puts all efforts in to keep us going. Thank you!

Fair winds…

I call it a day…

By Bernd

On January 20, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

I noticed some strange difference during today’s ride, dropping snowshoes while picking up new XC gear for myself. The weather forecast stays good and let’s see the conditions of the groomed track tomorrow.

Anyway, the difference I notice was the shade trying to overtake me while riding. We are back in solid sunshine!

I keep going to my viewpoint in Kabelvåg, my reference point for the state of the sun.

Heading back from my afternoon sauna, the sky to the West was burning. Geir, the harbour master from Ballstad, mentioned it to us last year and now I understand, what he was referring to. I need to find a better spot to observe and capture this impression. Luxury problem.

A bit later into the day, I had just put the phone down with Volker and started cooking, when flu afflicted Susan indicated polar lights outside. After taking an initial limited look from inside, it became clear: this is serious, dinner has to wait.

A packed day with multiple impressions.

Fair winds…

New Gear Arrival

By Bernd

On January 18, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

Another defence layer against cold fingers has been added to the drop bars, so called bar mitts. Very easy to install in no time. Changing gear with my lobster gloves on works very well. Straight speedy in/out. Good fit overall.

A promising new clothing accessory after my first test ride today although more harsh conditions are needed to finally conclude on thermal impact as well.

Fair winds…

Catch up after long…

By Bernd

On January 17, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

It dates back to the 10th October 2023, when Elke and Ulli last surprised me with a visit in Kappeln, the place where our Boating & Biking Adventures started six years ago. On relatively short notice and sharing the interest and fascination of the North, they made it again, this time up to Svolvær.

Two days quality time brought us up to date. Very nice.

A snowshow walk and a trip to Henningsvær rounded up the winter impressions getting a touch and feel of the villages and its back countries.

Fair winds…

Old E10 Trail

By Bernd

On January 13, 2026

In B(H)iking, Norway

The 741 bus to Leknes took us a few kilometers out of town and dropped us at Åvika, an entry point to another stretch of the old E10 road.

Our week with the BUA borrowed snowshoes was over and we combined its return with some more exploration of back-country scenery. While venturing off the old E10 track here and there, it became a pleasant hike on tracks under various conditions. From compacted to untouched snow, all included.

Different animal footprints and droppings are under cheerful debate as we have not met or seen any of these creatures but know they are around. Four elks live in the Svolvær/Kabelvåg plaines. We will keep sharp lookout.

Fair winds…