Hauckland Beach, Part II | Plus Svolvær

 Friday morning at the Lofoten Base Camp was just right. I went for a run, Tim read on the back porch, and the kids slept in. We had breakfast in our little cabin and then packed up and checked out. We drove back to Hauckland Beach and were at once mesmerized again. It’s that beautiful.

After parking at the beach, we crossed the one-lane road and headed away from the water. We walked up a long gravel road dotted with sheep, and then took a left turn to get on a trail that would take us up Mount Mannen, a short but steep hike where – at the top – you’re treated to stunning views of Hauckland Beach.

More sheep! We love seeing these animals just roaming around.

Taking a break while hiking. 

There were lots of other hikers heading to and coming back from Mount Matten, so the trail was busy. We got nearly to the top, but the wind had picked up and Taylor had about had it, plus we still wanted to hit the beach. We came back down, legs feeling like jello.

At the top! (Ok, almost the top.)

Taylor signaling to us that she's had enough hiking.

The view...

He's a happy hiker. 

Almost to the bottom -- and that means almost to the beach.

After a quick pit stop back at the car for the kids to don their bathing suits, we walked onto the soft sand. The kids had been reminding me all morning that I had promised to get into the frigid water, and to be honest, I was ready to check out the sea for myself. I ran into the water and the kids followed. The sea was completely invigorating and felt wonderful to be in – for about 30 seconds. I almost wanted to stay in longer, but my feet were frozen. I ran out of the water and the kids stayed in. Tim and I marveled at their stamina!

We hung out at the beach for almost an hour, then hit the road again. We had a bit of a drive to get to Svolvær, the largest town on the Lofoten Islands with a population of 4,700. Tim had booked us at a hotel called Svinøya Rorbuer. We thought we were getting another fishing cabin, but instead we ended up in an apartment, which was funky and cool even though not what we were expecting. Here again, there was a laundry machine! I took full advantage.

After the beach and before our drive, an afternoon snack at Circle K. Because why not?

Friday evening, we walked from our apartment into the Sentrum, center of town in Svolvær. There were lots of tourists, this being an easy spot to access the Lofoten Islands. We grabbed a table at a local pizza shop, ate some delicious pizza, and walked back home.

The view from our apartment in Svolvær.

Walking around Svolvær. 

Friday night pizza. 

On our walk back to the apartment, we found a playground. The kids LOVED it.

Also, it's 8:30pm. Even though it was a cloudy evening, look how bright it is. 

And alleluia, there were blackout curtains in the apartment. After some nighttime reading (in broad daylight, which is still so disorienting), we fell fast asleep.

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