Kristiansand - 25 July 2018

Geoff

Not far to drive today so we didn't leave last night's site till noon. Yet another warm day without rain. It was an easy drive into Kristiansand. We first went to investigate the ferry terminal for tomorrow morning and then went to find a car park for today and overnight. It's at N58.14531 E008.00969 but maybe for not much longer as there's a board up with an artist's impression of an apartment development. 

After lunch, we went to explore the town. There's a beach nearby and lots of people were out, both locals and tourists from a cruise ship. We wandered around the fish market. 

The evening has been spent relaxing in the camper. 

Amanda 

With only a short drive to Kristiansand to do, we knew we could spend an unrushed morning around the campsite. First though I wanted a shower and hair wash, so got myself up at 7.30 to make a dash for it. The three showers were already in use, but I was first in the queue at least.
We left at the designated time of midday. 

First stop in Kristiansand was a reccy of the ferry terminal. No possibility of overnight parking there, but we headed on through the town to the car park where we are now. Parking fees are by the day, so we are paid up to midnight and trust that there is no-one checking between then and 5am. Several other Campers seem to have the same idea.

Plenty of time this afternoon to spend a few hours wandering around the town, which was looking pretty good in the brilliant hot sunshine. Fortunately there was a breeze, and several opportunities to duck out of the heat into coolness - at the Kunsthall, incorporating both the library and an art exhibition, the cathedral, and the indoor fish market. There is also a good sized sandy beach, very busy,  great water fountains which children were having a wonderful time in, a fortress and a couple of parks and green spaces. As well as the ferry terminal, the town has a terminal for cruise ships - at least one was moored here today - and several small marinas scattered around. The whole place was buzzing, but in a nice way.

On our way back to the Camper we stopped to shop for cooked chicken for supper, and a few other things to use up our remaining Norwegian small change. So we will try and get an early night ready for our early start. There is still quite a strong breeze, which doesn't bode well either for the crossing, in a SeaCat, or for the chances of enjoying the breakfast buffet!