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.