Short blog today, for some reason time has just run away with me. Perhaps because its my last day on the boat north I have been trying to capture the essence of the north with the camera. I've probably failed but it is not for lack of trying!
A 3 hour stop in Honningsvag threw up some slices of Arctic life; in late March it feels like there will will be snow on the ground until next winter starts! Somewhere in this picture the road ends and pavement begins, but I can’t find it. Just as well Norwegian drivers seem to not only be polite but forgiving of tourists.
We have now reached 71ºN and as far north as one can go on continental Europe. Svarlbad, also part of Norway, is at about 81º but a complete crossing of the Barents Sea is required, and thankfully that is not on this trip.
I would have walked to Nord Capp, if not for a dodgy knee - honest! Actually a group that did go returned late because their bus had been blown off the road! My little walk around the town now feels very sedate and safe! Note though the novel way that Norwegians round here get their shopping home when the ground is covered in snow, ie most of the time!
Having turned east and into the Barents Sea, we stopped again in Kjollefjord, where the certifiably insane are going to traverse the island on snowmobiles, before picking up the boat at Mehamn. I would of course have joined them but for a dodgy knee, oh yes … and the £200 required by Hurtigruten for the privilege. I’ll borrow my cousin’s next time I am in Canada! It would have to be said that the excursions offered on the boat are not cheap - nearly £150 for the bus to the north Cape, and then you still have to walk! Some I think are worth it and, seriously, if not for a recently repaired knee, I would have tried them, but some others are just outrageous. Haven’t had a rant for ages… might come back to this.
So as the sun sets over the west of the Barents Sea there are some spectacular views off the back of the boat. But it is kind of cold up here. Might be time for coffee…
Next stop Kirkenes and a return to land for 48 hours.
Oh, I nearly forgot, the Japanese tourists thoroughly enjoyed their comparison with the rather tall Norwegian guy. He was just bemused!
I guess not that short in the end! More pictures on the gallery page.