Diary(24th July- 8th August)
Wednesday, 24th July
Weather: Partly sunny, warm
Food: BBQ with pork chops, sausages and baked potatoes, salad and rice
The Estonians, the French and the Welsh arrived in Vårdal at 19.15. They were welcomed in all the different languages, with flags and hugs.
Agata: " Everybody was so friendly! I love them!"
Jerome: " I thought I had come to a loony farm! Well, everybody were so happy, and we socialise very well".
Then everybody had to find a place to sleep in the hall, preferably mixed by nationality. The task of the day was getting to know each other.
The dinner tasted really well, the kitchen did a good job with only one grill… For 70 pork chops and 70 sausages… And the evening lasted long even though the participants had been travelling all day.
Thursday, 25th July
Weather: Rain in the morning and afternoon, nice weather when we needed it.Food: Stew with salad and rice
Even though we could sleep long, all got up early! Get to know games were the theme of the day. Sheep game, Cookie, Human line, Name game, Shark infested waters, Puzzle, Reef knot, ABC- game, Egg sample, etc.
Sara: " I was not very keen to play games, but the more you do the activities, the more chatty you get!"
Everyone had to make ten minutes of evening entertainment. That resulted in Haka- dance, normally used by the south- pacific people, singing, human pyramids, hoola- hoop game and impersonation of the leaders. The radio came to make a piece on the camp, the next day we could all listen to it.
Friday, 26th July
Weather: RainFood: Rømmegraut for lunch, strange food for some… Meatballs and mashed potatoes for dinner. And Banana split!
Sara: "Climbing is really good fun! We started at the hardest route, But Phil soon moved us to the easier one. Then we got to abseil. I was the first one to have the guts to do it. I was really nervous; I could not see what was underneath the overhang. A couple of weeks ago I would never see myself doing this! But it was great fun, and I’ll do it again!"
Bjørn: " We removed grass from the football field, but saved some for the other group. After lunching on the beach, we went bicycling. We visited the climbers, cycled to a place where we could see the panorama of Askvoll. We stopped to pick raspberries, so now we are waiting to get a raspberry- cake from the kitchen"
Agata: " Kayaking was so great, I love it! It was very hard at the beginning, but very funny too! Ole and I had to switch places in our kayak, in the middle of the sea. We stood up, waving to the camera! That was my champagne moment of the day"
Clemence: " We went up the mountain, and ate on the top. Everybody was really quiet during the climb up the steepest path. It was quite hard, but on the top the view was beautiful!"
Jerome: "We were shopping, and making the dinner, and socialising a bit. Kitchen is not as good as the mountaineering, but it has to be done! Then we found out to make a treasure trail for the evening entertainment. I think we used over 6 hours to make it. It was hectic. But it was a success. The leaders team also stole all the clues so there was a memorable moment when Tora disqualified them like she had authority over them, they were like children being told off by teachers. It was team A that was the first to find the treasure, a bar of chocolate."
Saturday, 27th July
Weather: Some rain, some sunFood: Welsh evening
Jerome: "Woke up this morning, and the sunlight that never ceases here, hurt my eyes. I looked in the mirror to see that only three days of this new lifestyle is taking a toll on my appearance. In short, I look like shit. But no matter, because half an hour later my group is leaving to go and walk up a mountain.
The following evenings will be national evenings, with food from the different countries. The Welsh evening was prepared all day. Potatoes were peeled, leeks cut, bacon fried, eggs boiled, cake baked. We ate Bara Birth, Welsh cakes, and Angelsey Eggs. During the meal we could hear Tom Jones. Really nice.
The Welsh entertained with songs and games, like three-legged football.
In the evenings we play basketball, and drinking tea in the dining room where we can talk without getting a basketball in our heads. Outside there was a group playing spin the bottle, in the French manner; kissing on the cheek every time.
Bjørn: " Today while climbing, we explained to the others what Bonderomantikk is. How beautiful Norway are, with grass on the roofs, pink sunset, the fjords, the mountains, you know…"
Sara: "Somebody put a chewing- gum on their plate at dinner, and we put it in the dishwasher. One of the guys at the kitchen discovered that the gum had spread from this plate to the other- and put the machine on 6 more times. The gum was all over. We had to scrape the plates for 3 hours… I’ve got a headache…"
Jerome: " At the mountain today we had flying pancakes, because the wind was so strong. Really weird. And a sheep was attacking us for food. It got some bread."
Sunday, 28th July
Weather: Damp and very very windy,Food: French evening
Today we had an optional day, where the activities were a bit different than other days.
John: "We set off a bit late to the climbing wall, because we were told to get up later because we had been going to bed too late. But we still got some good climbs and some bouldering."
Some made entertainment, and a pro- actress from Askvoll/London came to help. The entertainment was really good, and everybody was impressed. Others went on the mountain. Everybody came to the top, and John Davy was really impressed. The kayak- group sat in their kayaks on white foamy water. They had a hard ride back with a lot of wind, but had big smiles on their faces all day. The kitchen group made tomatoes from Provence, French apple- pie, and the whole house smelled like garlic!
Monday, 29th July
Weather: Clouds, but blue sky some places. In the evening spread rain.Food: Estonian Evening
The wind has gone away, the rain has stopped, and everyone is out on activities.
Jerome: "I no longer go by days but by "the day after mountaineering" for example. Today being the day after kayaking, or if you prefer, the day before biking, was a fine day. The sun shining, the fjord looked like a giant mirror, reflecting the mountains on the other side. And on this mirror we set out, paddling as a group into the middle and onto the other side. Along the way we encountered seals and ridiculously large jellyfish"
Cleaning the football field outside the school as community service.
The field cleaning group did a days work in 30 minutes. The local paper Firda came to make an article on the camp, and on the Norwegian leaders who used to be participants. The Estonian food tasted really nice, they served Goulash; potatoes, swede, carrots, gravy and salad. The Estonians had made a big effort of making friendship- bracelets in the Estonian colours; blue, black and white. They also arranged a competition: women- carrying, plus various games like egg and spoon, and bin bag sack race. The winners were the Estonians, and they got chocolate.
The kayakers got to drive a big boat today. It is amazing what the French girls manage to charm themselves into. J
Tuesday, 30th July
Weather: Sunny and warm, people wearing shorts!!!Food: Spaghetti and Asian.
Julie’s birthday today! The weather made many of us smile this morning. Finally some sun! The kitchen group went swimming after they had cut the vegetables for dinner. The film "Nickass" is finished, and will be shown. Kitchen group washed the hall and gym and showers and toilets. The mountain group had a couple of hours sleep on the mountain, but they cleaned the lake, built another mountain, fed the sheep, solved some world problems, got sunburned and ate lunch. They didn’t come back at six as planned, so everybody had to wait for them for two hours. But since they solved some world problems, they are forgiven.
Julie's birthdaycake A smaller cake on the island The Birthdaytable on the first sunny day
The spaghetti was smashing, and we all ate outdoors. The table had flowers, and in the end of the table, Julie the birthday queen sat on a white throne with flowers in her hair. Everybody sang her the birthday song, she got a big cake, and she gave a thank you speech.
Agata is already attacked by three ticks, which Tina patiently removes every time. The mosquitoes are eating us alive. But we don’t care. We are so tough.
Since the weather is so warm, the sea is often used for swimming. That means that the ones who have taken a swim in the sea, can officially be called a real Viking. Congratulations!
Synnøve: "This is a once in a life time experience. Not everyone gets to do this. In ten years I think I still will remember the people I’ve met on this camp."
Wednesday, 31st July
Weather: Sunny, gorgeous weatherFood: Hot dogs with salad
This evening was the disco evening! Everybody came home a bit earlier to get ready for the big night. (The kayak group came home with dried deer meat in their bellies, given to them by a Norwegian bloke)
Some of the girls were dreaming of a dance with the special one. A bus came and picked everybody up at nine. There was some problems with the music machine, it became too hot and had to be switched off every half hour.
Christina: " But I think I and everybody else had a good time even though some of music wasn’t really to my taste"
Everybody came back to the camp, dripping wet after dancing all night.
Thursday, 1st August
Weather: Another hot summer day!Food: Soup and bread at Stokkevåg
Bags packed. Camp cleaned by eager participants. Total chaos, but the building was spit and shine when we left by bus to the harbour in Askvoll. Group A and B took the small boat, C, D and E the big boat. An hour and half later we came to the island, Stokkevåg. Wow. Some thought this island was paradise; others were looking back to the showers, the water toilets and being indoors.
Carl: " Today we left the school and went to the dreaded island with no showers."
Lars, the climbing instructor: "Mummy, I’m home, and finally back in business."
Jennifer: " I was amazed by the beauty of this island. But then someone made me believe that we were supposed to sleep on the gravel by the boathouse. They had me going for five minutes…"
Josh: " This island is pretty damned funky!"
The groups carried heavy flakes for the tent floors, and did a great job building a new camp. The Norwegians showed the rest how to use the outdoor toilets. You pee and poo, then throw the paper in a bag, and put sawdust on top of the pee and poo. Funny.
Where's my stuff became a normal outcry amongst the tents
The bravest ones had a bath in the refreshing water, some fished mackrell, others just watched the sunset together with that special one. Gudrun, the coolest kitchen grand lady, made soup for dinner. Probably the last meal with no fish in it.
The birthday girls, Natasha and Guri, got crowned, had a song sung for them and got a lovely birthday cake. After all this there was a gathering around the campfire, trying to avoid the gnats. Not easy. But part of the game.
Friday, 2nd August
Weather: Sun, warm, mosquitoesFood: Fried fish with rice and salad
Today, the kitchen group made land art, art made with things from nature, and human waste products. In 45 minutes the participants made e.g. the island Hiiumaa in stone and berries, a stupid crocodile of grass and branches, a set table for three with tiles, berries, grass and wood, and political art on pollution and how we can change it. Great job! After they discussed stereotypes and differences, to start a conversation and questions on the differences between their countries.
| Like Jerome wondered, why is there hanging pictures of English people in the white house? The answer is simply because of the Second World War. The English helped the Norwegians, and the contact between the west of Norway and England was strong. Some of the islands out here hid English soldiers and battleships from the Germans.
After reaching the island the weather became tropical Boatdriving also became a part of the experience At the island, the activities have changed a bit. Fishing and expedition are some of the new activities. This resulted in a beautiful dinner! Sara: " I went fishing. I thought that going out in a boat would give me the chance to see the fantastic scenery surrounding the island. I was not disappointed. The scenery was great, and it distracted me from fishing quite a lot." Jennifer: "I don’t like fish. I haven’t eaten fish in three years. But the dinner today was lush!" |
 One of the locals |
Saturday, 3rd August
Weather: Sunny and warm.Food: Gudrun`s beautiful fish soup
The summer continues. The camp continues. Friendships are evolving. Both participants and leaders are pushing their boundaries. Guri is in the lead at the mosquito bite contest, with over 200 red bites.
People start to smell a bit. There is fresh water in the river to wash in, but since everybody smells, not many bother to wash, only when swimming in the salt sea… We are all longing for a hot shower.
Marie Ange and her new friend the crab Nick from Wales with his first fish
Duncan: " I must tell you one thing, Tina told me today that I was looking healthy today. How can that be? I feel like S***. And that is not SEXY."
Sunday, 4th August
Weather: As beautiful as yesterday and the day before, and….Food: Gudrun`s beautiful homemade bread, fried fish
Instead of all of us going to the mountain together, we had an optional day, where we could choose between sailing, climbing, mountaineering, fishing and entertainment/ kitchen.
Liisa & Toomas: " We did some manoeuvres with the boat, we went swimming, we slept… A good day for relaxing, but it was too little wind; not the best weather for sailing."
Rose: " My day actually started out in a kayak at 24:00, we went sea crab fishing. It was so peaceful out at sea, the moon was orange and the stars were shining. I didn’t go to sleep before 2:00 AM."
People are starting to get tired, both because of activities and late nights. But that is the plan. We are all going to be worn out, but deep inside, there’s a lot of new energy that we can use in the coming winter.
Monday, 5th August
Weather: SunnyFood: Gudrun`s fantastic fishcakes
There is one thing we all will remember from this day. Gudrun, the grand kitchen grandma, (69 years old), abseiled 40 metres down the mountain! Everybody was cheering and applauding her.
Gudrun: " I just had to do it before I go. It was good. But I think the second time will be better, because then I know I can do it."
While we are at it, Gudrun is Super Gran. She dives, drives a motorboat, lives almost by herself on an island, she is able to make 68 people eat fish for a week, and she is a book of history. We can all learn a lot fro m Gudrun, and she has answered a lot of questions about her self and this area. And at last: Gudrun has a wish for life I think all should remember: "I want to die with my shoes on."
Absailingcliff - After Gudrun went down everybody else did as well Gudrun, everybody's Granny and the real boss of the island
In the evening, the participants barbequed sausages, and mackerel they caught themselves while sitting by a fire close to the sea. Sounds of guitars, song and laughter was all over the place, and this evening a small breeze came in over the island, so the mosquitoes kept distant. At least for a while.
Tuesday, 6th August
Weather: Some clouds, a bit colder than the other days, but sunny in the afternoonFood: Plukkfisk, Fish blended with potatoes and leek + bread.
The excitement is building up. The United Freak Olympics 2002 is coming closer and closer every minute. What will the Olympic leaders make us do? Which group will win, and why?
By boat, the whole community on this island went to Katedralen, a beautiful cave 30 minutes from Stokkevågen.
Singing and storytelling around the bonfire in "Katedralen"
Back on the island torches lead the way down to the fire, where The United Freak Olympics would be officially opened by Roar. All the teams had to present themselves by flag and team cheer. Over the bay five Olympic rings were burned, and Nick lit the Olympic fire. Tomorrow, The Mostiques, The Funky Vikings, B Club 8, The Iglooseas and The Marmots will fight for the Olympic victory. We went to bed at 1:30.
United Freak Olympics Team line up
Wednesday, 7th August
Weather: SunnyFood: Fish baked in foil at the outdoor kitchen
"It’s The United Freak Olympics, it’s going to be bad! It’s The United Freak Olympic games, we’ll all be going mad!"
We all had an early start with breakfast before the games started. The participants had to put up with a lot of things, like eating 20 litres of popcorn, finding rocks in old fish guts, balancing on ropes, crawling through mud, and using their brains. (That I think was the worstJ )
After lunch the second part of the games started, with team against team. Trying to get a ball with a diameter of one meter into the goal of the other team, the teams gave all they had. Luckily with only few scratches and bruises.
After dinner the teams had to perform their entertainment prepared for the closing of the Olympics. Some had practiced, some had not, but all of them gave us a big laugh. Or tears in our eyes.
Sigbjørn, Bjørn and Kjetil did also a good job proving this was a Norwegian night, by singing the song "Hello, we are from Norway", completely hilarious.
The winners of the Olympics were group B, the Marmots. Afterwards champagne and chocolate were floating on the island. (The score: 1: Marmots, 2: Mostiquoes, 3: B Club 8, 4: Funky Vikings, 5: Iglooseas.)
Tonight, the secret friends exchanged presents and cards with greetings from all 68 on this island. This is when some of the crying started. Of course did all the participants stay up by the fire this last evening together with their new friends.
The last day we were also busy writing greeting cards to everybody