Walkabout Sandness Sentrum

I thought a change of scene was in order, so on Saturday I took a trip by bus to Sandness Sentrum. From bus no. 2 swapped to bus no 6 at Gausel Sentrum which then took me directly to Sandness.

I was hoping to see frenzied shoppers shopping fr sales during the Black Friday shopping period which just started as well as perhaps some activities gearing towards Christmas. As it turned out shoppers weren't that frenzied and Christmas decorations weren't as festive as I had hoped. It looks just like every other normal Saturday in the center. There was a bunch of people from the Sailors Association singing Norsk and English carols on one corner; and also a lone Salvation Army guy in uniform soliciting donations for the festive season.

Activities will ramp up soon enough I presumed as the day approaches closer to Christmas and maybe when some sunshine appears. A bit of sunshine always urges folks to stir about a bit more here in Norway,

To make up for the less than expected actvities in the center I just ambled along the side streets looking for anything interesting that might be worthwhile photographing.

I found a bikeshop that carries folding bikes that I've been interested in. Also found a clothing store that has the winter jacket that could suitably replace the jacket I use for work as well as other outdoor pursuits.

In the end I extended the walk over to Lura bus stop traversing the Sandness Havn which from the looks of things has seen better days. Several waterside properties from the heyday of the port were up for sale. A few run down wooden stores, marine apartments were also on offer. Plenty of potential for a waterside development ,,, if only there are more people or activities around,

There's also a stately building from a bygone era going for NOK9,000,000, The beautiful property comes complete with a big garden at the back. Looks like a historical gem which could've been some family's stately waterside home. With an almost NOK3,000,000 downpayment requirement for someone my age to enter the game (rather late), it doesn't look like something I could afford. Oh, well, I am sure someone else can afford it!

A walk in the hills

It's been a while since I trudge the rocky trails to Bjorndalsnuten, a small hill at 363m elevation as part of a series of hills at the Dalsnuten area. It's the highest peak connected by a series of easy trails popular with families and trail runners over the weekend. I think it was the second peak we clambered up after Dalsnuten (323m) when we first moved to Stavanger.

Since then I make it a point to go there at least twice a year sometimes more when the weather allows for it.

This trip I got distracted by the dry winter weather (it supposed to be late autumn now) at 10degs C with moderate winds. So instead of clambering Bjorndalsnuten, I decided to explored the smaller hill next to it instead, peaking at 340m. In this cold weather you do not have to worry about ticks so carefree roaming is not an issue as in warmer temperatures.

Roaming around the hills amongst  the rocks and bare birch trees has it own draw. I didn't have to share the trails with anyone. I found a few quiet spots along the way which I'm sure to revisit in the future.

Sunny day in town

I thought there was going to be Santa parade in town so managed to drag Aisya out for a couple of hours on the town. The weather wasn't to bad with a spell of sunshine just before midday. As it turned out there was only one Santa, and he was sitting in a shop taking in Christmas wishes for the little ones. Oh well ...

With the sun out for most of the afternoon and really with no cold wind to speak of it was a rather pleasant short jaunt in town, managed to capture a few pictures that I'm happy with. Definitely beats sitting at home watching youtube!

Sun

The big red ball of fire in the sky

The almost full moon

The magnificent moon

Short flight on a sunny Sunday

A short flight while the sun was shining

I must have put together this quadcopter probably almost a year ago now and never had the opportunity to fly it post it's indoor testing phase and maybe once during the summer of 2017. Took it out for a spin while the sun was still shining during the late part of the morning.

Hakrc flew well other than the wonky drift introduced by a loose bottom right propeller which I initially though was a wonky motor. Even with such a handicap it flew allright. I only managed to tighten the nut later post flight. 

Might take it out again one of these days.

Selecting Model on Eachine I6