The official rally start, in beautiful Oslo provided a joyful reunion with old friends and fellow rallyists. What a happy group we are, full of reminisces about adventures past and anticipation of those yet to come. I’d only been to Oslo once before, in January when is was freezing cold and dark so it was good to see it in the sunshine.

The morning we were due to leave, I went to the enclosed car park early to set up the navigation equipment – vital when you are travelling alone. Unfortunately, I had made a rookie error and left lots of things visible in the car. I confess to being rather relaxed about it as Norway is such a safe country. My car had been broken into overnight and many things were missing. Satnav, phone, all my charging cables, sunglasses, gloves, clothing, etc, they’d also taken Sarah’s warm coat. Discovering that my hair stuff bag had been taken was almost the worst news as my beloved Dyson airwrap had been taken. I’ll be wearing a paper bag on my head for the rest of the rally. I’m so shallow. Also, one fur boot was missing. WTF?

The thief must be a size 10, take a 39 shoe size, and only have one leg. They will also have newly acquired swishy hair, blue Prada sunglasses and a green leather jacket. Easy. I should have been a detective.

I went to the police station to file a report and the poor girl in front of me had had her bag stolen containing her passport. That would truly be a world of pain. So much for ultra safe Norway.

I discovered that the 911 had been broken into as well and many items filched. The other cars weren’t touched. The robber must have a grudge against Porsches.

After all that drama it was a 600kms drive to Bergen where we boarded the Hurtigruten ship to sail up the coast. Nothing like a car rally that takes place on a ship.. Actually, it works well as we sail at night and drive during the day.

Yesterday, we had a drive of 400kms in brilliant sunshine and with beautiful Norway looking drop dead gorgeous. I felt the pure joy I often feel when on the open road, roof down, no one to complain about my loud music, no where special to be and at one with the world. Heaven.