Today was a driving day. We taxied from the pier out to the airport where we picked up our Volvo EX30 and then headed out to explore the islands surrounding the Molde area. Lest you think the EX30 is some kind of duck boat car, it is not, it is a small electric SUV, and the islands are all connected by bridges.

The most famous of the bridges is the Storseisundet bridge, which from many angles as you approach looks like you will fly off the end of the bridge into the water. This is not the case.

Technically classified as a reinforced concrete cantilever bridge, Storseisundet represents a remarkable feat of Norwegian engineering. The bridge’s curved design serves both practical and aesthetic purposes - the turn allows vehicles to transition smoothly between islands while creating the famous visual effect that makes the bridge appear to end in mid-air.

Our first destination was a Stave Church in Averøya, built in the 1600’s its an interesting mix of Christianity and pagan beliefs about evil spirits. The men sat on one side of the church and the women and children on the other. The women and children sat on the windy side to protect the men!

Each church also has a boat of some kind hanging in the church the boats are all different and each has its own meaning. Peace, the safe return of the sailors in the parish etc.

After visiting the church we worked our way back toward the airport stopping at a few scenic overlooks and grabbing lunch along the way. When we arrived at the airport we had to recharge the car which was an adventure all by itself. It seems that figuring out the different chargers is always the battle when using an EV.

Back on the ship we enjoyed relaxing in the Caterpillar (The rest of the ship calls it the magic carpet, but Brian gave it a new name). From there we had a great view of the Aker stadium for the Molde football club. Behind the stadium you can see a very nice Scandic hotel modeled after a sail.