Leaving Stavanger we were happy that we had a driving day so we could rest out legs (honestly, you’d think we had done Mt Everest).
 
Another ferry ride (and $35) later, we were crossing the water to the Haugesund area. We passed the huge gas processing plant that is the largest in Northern Europe - we do notice here lots of industry, even in small towns. And farming wise we are now seeing sheep. It does look like New Zealand in a way.

Our stop on the way north to Bergen is Sauda, and as we travel inland to the Saudafjord, we travel in beautiful fjord country. Endless vistas of blue water, mountains, rocks and trees make for pleasant driving, though Bob is endlessly negotiating tight corners and narrow roads. 
 
The road caters well for travellers, with rest stops in panoramic locations, and so each coffee and lunch break has picture postcard views from the table. As we near Sauda we are climbing upwards and come across a couple of thundering waterfalls. The snow is melting and there is force in their flow.  
 
   
 
Our hotel was right by the fjord. ‘There it is’, I said to my driver. ‘What, the palatial one’, said he disbelievingly. Yes, it was the one. Saudafjord Hotel is obviously more a ski resort, and currently had only a few guests. Is probably not doing that well, but we had a huge room with a view for a very good price, so we were happy. 
 
Next day started off with some excitement. We drove north through light rain, and noticed that the mountains were streaming with water. And waterfalls everywhere. As we drove higher and higher the temperature was dropping. When it was 4C degrees outside, we saw patches of snow. When there was more snow we started to question if this was a good idea. And then we saw the barricades. The road was closed.
 
   
 
No doubt there was a sign somewhere, but in Norwegian who knows. Lovely to see, but we had to back track and go a longer way around.  

 The whole day was a day of beauty though. Endless waterfalls and ravines with sides so high we couldn’t see the top. Gorgeous forests and icy looking water. It was 5.30pm by the time we reached Bergen and our B&B. After a long but very enjoyable day, it was good to settle into our room, and to appreciate the heated floor in the bathroom. Heaven.