The Thaw and a Non-frozen Waterfall

Departing Reykjavik on a frosty clear early morning we spent a day in the air to Frankfurt, Dubai then finally Singapore. Yes welcome back to vivid colours after leaving our monochrome landscape. Where has all the white stuff gone? It is liberating wearing only a single layer of clothing now and our feet are being warmed by sunshine instead of being encased in 2 pairs of wool socks and snow boots. Our 2 days in Singapore relaxing a the Botanical and Orchid Gardens helped reality slowly return.
Norway and Iceland gave us the breathtaking beauty of the natural phenomenon of Aurora Borealis and an experience of exploring a winter wilderness. Farewell from Liz and Chris.

 Norway

 On deck in Norway

 Rooftop in Iceland

Iceland

Farewell to Iceland

More amazing scenery on the western peninsula called Snaefellsnes, and more wild weather - high wind, snow, sleet, hail and even occasional sunshine. All that can happen within 5 minutes. We saw fishing ports, visited the Viking Settlement Museum during a snow storm, went to a beach where Viking bones were found and massive rock formations. The rock statue represents a Viking. After driving around the peninsula, we returned to the southern side via mountain pass during another snow storm. The Jeep drivers did well to keep on the road. Finally arrived back in Reykjavik in very windy weather. Today we visited the famous Blue Lagoon where I was snowed upon whilst bathing in the warm silica rich water. What an adventure this has been!

Iceland 2

Yet more waterfalls, glaciers, snow and beauty. I saw the Aurora Borealis again last night at 1.30am, but due to the cold didn't stay outside long. Check out our accom half buried under the snow. This morning it was -13 degrees, rather a chilly start. We visited GullFoss, the Golden Waterfall, then on to Geysir, the place which gave the world the name Geyser. Hot springs surrounded by snow, quite a sight. We had an encounter with the Icelandic horse at a breeding farm, and a view of Mount Hekla which is a snow covered volcano overdue to erupt.

Welcome to Iceland

Reykjavik - the drive from the airport into to Reykjavik makes you wonder if you have landed on the moon - the landscape is so desolate. Are you sure this is Iceland? The iconic Hotel Borg in central Reykjavik is a beautifully restored 1930's Art Deco style and we were very comfortable for our 2 night stay. Next day was an orientation tour of this city with many highlights including the Hallgrimskirkja Church. 

Yesterday we set off in the 4WD super jeeps heading East to an area famous for black sand (volcanic lava) beaches. The jeeps ventured onto snow filled valleys, stopping at Eyjafjallajokull, the infamous volcano which erupted in 2010 grounding air travel for 2 weeks. It seems to be either glaciers, waterfalls or volcanos any direction you look in this part of Iceland. It snowed heavily overnight and is still falling this morning.

Today we headed further East passing Glaciers, Frozen waterfalls and lake, all with unpronounceable names about 20 letters long so we won't attempt them. Let the pictures paint a 1000 words. A walk to the tongue of a glacier was a highlight today, as was a hike up a mountain to view a frozen waterfall set in black basalt columns. We also saw icebergs in the ocean on a black beach surrounded by snow, and seals in a lagoon.

Great excitement at 9pm tonight Northern Lights were sighted - we enjoyed the free show up on the rooftop of the hotel.

Bergen to Oslo, Norway

The train journey from Bergen to Oslo passed through high snow covered mountains, past frozen lakes, frozen waterfalls, 182 tunnels, tiny villages and all the way it was snowing. Everything was so white! We arrive in Oslo mid afternoon so walked around the City along the long pedestrian mall up to the Royal Palace. Today we visited Vigeland Park which has a huge collection of human sculptures, again all the while it was softly snowing. Then on to the Viking Ship Museum, Folk Museum where we saw the traditional Stave Church (a wooden structure) covered in snow, then to the Fram Ship Museum and Kon Tiki Museum, all of which were very interesting. Later we visited the Town Hall where the Nobel Peace Prize is presented each year on 10 December. It is still snowing lightly, and at around 1 degree is remarkably cosy. Tomorrow we fly to Iceland.

Cruising the Fjords in Norway

The 6 days aboard Hurtigruten 'Trollfjord' was an adventure. Leaving Kirkenes we ran into a Force 8 gale which diminished the number of passengers at dinner, including our tour leader. Chris was quite ill, but being a good sailor I was able to enjoy the dinner. Meals were superb including local delicacies like Roast Reindeer, smoked and fresh salmon, crabs and shrimps, not to forget the delicious sweets.
Day 2 - first shore excursion was Hammerfest, the northernmost town in the world. Then Tromso at midnight for a stroll around the town. Chris attended a midnight concert at the Arctic Cathedral.
Day 3 - left the ship at Harstad for a panoramic drive through the countryside of semi frozen lakes, fjords, pretty villages, ancient church and a museum.  On arrival in Sortland we drove over a high bridge as our ship sailed underneath, after which we returned aboard.
Day 4 - Ashore at Stokmarken for 1 hour then marvelled at how the Captain steered the ship through narrow straits and fjords amid snow covered mountains. It was -4 degrees today and felt it. That evening after midnight it was announced that the Northern Lights were visible, so we rugged up and raced up on deck, freezing cold, and saw the most amazing natural display of swirls of light dancing across the sky with stars and the moon in the background. No photos possible on my little camera though.
Day 5 - this morning we crossed 66 degrees N 33' - the Arctic Circle - and sailed past the marker. Had a short time ashore in Bronnoysund, a village of 5000.
Day 6 - ashore in Trondheim walking to the city centre when it began snowing so we retreated back to the ship via a taxi.
Today our journey ended on arrival in Bergen, which turned on sunshine and perfect weather. Up the funicular to Floyen, a snow covered peak above the city, where we built another snowman.

 

Kirkenes, Norway

-4 degrees with frost on the bus window panes at 6:30 am as we departed for Kirkenes, a 3hr flight to the top of Norway. A beautiful winter wonderland greeted us on arrival early afternoon. Deep snow everywhere and crunching underfoot as we went exploring the town. Quite small but a hub for tourists. Out came more snow gear from the suitcase as we ventured out again before light started to fade at 3:30 pm! A dinner with our fellow travellers tonight to officially launch the tour. The fjord cruise adventure commences tomorrow.

Oslo, Norway

After a VERY early start we flew from Dubai to Oslo today. It is a picture postcard of snow covered trees and even snow covered cars! This is just an overnight stay at an airport hotel, so we have wandered about in the snow to look around. Surprisingly at 1 degree in the middle of the day it doesn't seem that cold. Yet another early start in the morning to fly even further North to Kirkenes, which is near the Russian border.

Arabian Adventure

Dubai has been an interesting 2 day stopover. It is a mix of old and new areas - the old being the Souks (Markets)  - Gold, Spice and Textile, the new being towering skyscrapers including the the tallest building in the world Burj Khalifa. We cruised on a Dhow down 'The Creek' and caught a traditional water transport - an Abra, all in perfect weather.