Stalled in Stavanger

We hadn't seen everything we had wanted to in Stavanger, our impromptu boat trip had taken up some of our time so we were torn as to whether to leave or stay a little longer. There was a lovely looking outdoor heated swimming pool right next to our campsite and the boys had been harping on since we got here that they wanted to go. So, it was gonna a bit tough to just head off and not give them a wee bit of what they wanted. After breakfast the decision was taken to head over so I went and spoke to the site manager to find out what time we needed to be out the campsite, there was no rush he said, so we could happily leave the van where it was and enjoy our swim. Over we went with swimming shorts and towels and went in, unfortunately swimming caps are mandatory, so on top of our entry price we had to buy 4 swimming caps also. Kching!! Never mind, hopefully it won't be our last swim in Norway. The pool was lovely and warm but unfortunately the main pool was 2 meters deep all over, no shallow end and our boys are very poor swimmers, this is something we must address when we get home. So we all had to stay in the wee pool which was only 0.6 meters deep, all over, no deeper bit. So they managed to do some swimming with our assistance, it was a quick sprint out the hot pool back to the changing area afterwards however, it may be sunny but it ain't warm, a cold wind has been blowing off the North Sea pretty much all holiday so far.

Back to the van for lunch and it was discussion time, I had hoped we could all walk up to Preikestollen the next day, but the weather forecast was pants so it was ruled out. We could do a driving day tomorrow when its wet, and so it was decided to make the most of this nice sunny day and head back into town, see some more of the city. My mate Kenny's Nephew was also in town at the end of a working visit and was free for a beer later so it was decided to stay for a 3rd night. We headed back into town and visited the interesting maritime museum. Theres lots of model ships on display, and lots of displays particularly in reference to Norways role during both world wars. They have made some of the rooms into replica stores from days of old, with old fashioned scales and tills that I struggle to remember. There were period hats and clothing that there boys could also put on, and another boat to captain. The rooms made up like the shipping owners offices, his house and sail loft are also interesting. This is all housed in 2 or 3 original building down by the harbour. After this we had a cold wander around the other side of the harbour, there's an oil industry museum here that I had hope to visit, but the boys found the play park and spent a while on this, the Norwegian Petroleum museum will have to wait for a visit. We grabbed a few more supplies and headed back to the van for tea and I hatched a plan to meet Richard for a few beers later.

I met Richard and his colleague Ross at a pub called Beverleys, it was actually right next door to Burger and Beers where we had eaten last night and it was really busy. The music was turned up loud and everyone was enjoying themselves. We had a good old blether and enjoyed a few beers, I was on the Tau....4 pints this time (well, they're actually on 400mm) to test Tim's hangover theory. Its really easy to drink, but now 3 people have said it gives you a stinking hangover so 4 was enough. Back up the road and bedtime at back of 12. Tomorrow was gonna be wet and we were moving.