Day 20. Strömstad to Fredrikstad - Part 2
One thing that caught us out was that the signs were quite different in Sweden. A pale faded blue colour instead of brown. At this moment we also realised that this would be the only section this year that we would be doing 'the right way round'.
One of the most memorable point was the bridge border crossing that we had seen earlier. There are in fact two bridges a new motorway bridge and the older one a bit further inland. Both span a quite impressive gorge a very natural place to have a border. I didn't want to cycle over the bridge, but fortunately had enough courage to cross on foot and indeed take some scary photos. Shortly afterwards the sun came out again, and we cycled through the countryside in the late afternoon summer sunshine.
It appears that (rather like the Stadschouwburg in Utrecht) that the bridge was built during occupation in the second world war. A small monument on the Norwegian side, by the car park. We paused to reflect for a moment had a quick drink and some chocolate and headed back to Fredrikstad.
The other memorable point was in Høysand where we chanced upon the 'ISI bar'. A very friendly gentleman greeted us, and told us about himself and his Brazilian partner. He reminded me of a camp Robin Williams character. On his recommendation we chose the house special, a sort of toasted baguette sandwich covered in cheese and all sorts of vegetables. It was just what we needed and very delicious if you are there try it out. We left this haven of warmth and friendliness a little reluctantly, and carried on our way.
We had problems again when approaching Fredrikstad, which was caused this time by a lack of signs. When wonderful steel bridge that dominates the skyline of the town appeared in front of us, we knew it we we were nearly back to our temporary home. This had been an easy day's cycle not without challenges but when combined with the boat trip a great day out.
That evening we went out to a restaurant in the old town for our last night out. We'd checked earlier to see if they could do a vegetarian meal and found that they did. The food was excellent, and it was nice to sit inside the small room next to the door. It was just too cool to sit outside but as the sun had gone we didn't mind. A short amble followed and then to bed for the last time in Fredrikstad.