17-Mar-2005 -- This is a journey from Ulaanbaatar (UB) in Mongolia to Kirriemuir in Scotland, covering 110 degrees of longitude and visiting 15 CPs on the way. The story starts at 47°N 105°E. This is CP 14. The previous point is 59°N 16°E.

The road to Oslo is slow but easy. South of the city we turned off towards Drammen along an impressive piece of toll road with many long tunnels. This cut out Oslo and lead us directly to Vikersund and the CP. Unfortunately by the time we reached the point the light had almost given up – however I tried to take some photos that pretend there is still a view! (Dear coordinator - I shall understand if this is classed as incomplete even though I will be disappointed!) We spent 10 minutes in one spot waiting for the zeros to line up – trees upsetting the satellite view again. Eventually they did line up but the best photo shows the digits just changing again.

It’s a long way to Bergen for the boat to England at 11 am so we set off again. We stayed at a kro or inn near Geilo for the night and drove the final piece of the continental journey in the early morning – again through impressive tunnels (up to 7.5 km), on a small ferry and between many snowfields. We arrived at Bergen in good time and caught the Jupiter ferry to Newcastle via Haugesund and Stavanger. The ship was smaller than the Silja symphony but just as pleasant … and boozy. With no ice to contend with the ship was almost silent and the sea as flat as a millpond. Almost home – just one last point for the UK 55°N 2°W – yes really WEST!!!

Coordinator's Note: As David writes, this would normally be classified as incomplete, but I have personally visited this confluence, and two of the photos show birch trees that I recognize from that trip, so I'll allow it.

Terje Mathisen