Nordkapp

Knowing that you are almost at the "top" of the world is a pretty cool feeling. I opened the curtains (and in the land of the midnight sun, you DEFINITELY have to sleep with the curtains closed, or you won't sleep at all...the sun REALLY NEVER SETS) and this is what I saw.


Ok for all readers of MCR who are NOT members of Captains Voyage, I must explain.

The Norwegian coastline is over 15, 000 miles long. That's not including the shores of all the islands. Travel by road takes a while--where there ARE roads. Travel by ferry or ship is much more common, and faster. The Norwegian Coastal Steamer fleet, or Hurtigruten, is made up of 11 ships that travel north and south from Bergen to Kirkenes. I think there are something like 33 cities that Hurtigruten stop in --each city gets a daily visit.

At Captain's Voyage, following the Hurtigruten ships is a fun thing we do. So you can imagine my delight at finally seeing my FIRST ship of the fleet in person....and not ONE, but two- Finnmarken and Vesterålen, as they crossed. God was definitely tapping me on the shoulder to climb out of bed!

Well, it was a big deal to me......especially as I claim Finnmarken as "my" ship, as she has the most lovely..um...rounded.... stern.

Well, we docked in what is said to be the most northern village on the European mainland. The family had a tour bus waiting for us and off we went. We passed by a fish drying facility


saw real live reindeer out in the wild

Visited a Såmi reindeer farm

reindeer love eating moss



Then went to Nordkapp- the North Cape- at 71° N.

Whilst in the Nordkapp Hall, I ordered my first real Norwegian Vafler actually MADE IN NORWAY (I love eating them at home...)--yes, it's a plain waffle, but with sour cream and strawberry jam and brun ost....



Delicious. Ok, it was funny to discover that the guy serving us--speaking Norwegian, was a student on summer break from his studies at a university in Sweden...and hailed from Texas. Only in real life...

Heading back from Nordkapp, we stopped at a crab and fishing harbor . Hanging out to dry was more fish

or as Debo has dubbed it fish jerky, or "ferky".

Grumpy Guy held a rather large crab

Boy held a crab

Girl held a crab

World' Cutest Nephew held a crab (with cousin Andy's help)

and cousin London worried for the safety of her baby doll.

The harbor was beautiful in the rain



I'm sure this big fella was mighty glad to be back in the holding tank....




Heading back to Honnigsvåg, we stopped by the local church

before heading back to the harbor for a photo op with a local troll



We sailed at 10pm...yes, this is about 10:15pm on a rainy night leaving Honnigsvåg.




I leave you with one small word of warning. Never trust me when I say I won't post silly pictures........

Another Day at Sea

Another sea day....simply wonderful, relaxing sea day.

Asia Buffet for lunch...











Dinner that night...and Larry feels the need to take a lesson from Cousin Bill



LIFE IS GOOD!!!



Girl Talk!



I do love me my Jules!!!!

Molde

I have proof of the exact hour I fell in love.

I saw the west coast of Norway for the first time.

I was the first person up at 5:30 am for early morning coffee and pastries in Palm Court to watch us sail into Molde. I know most of my family will say "docking is docking" but it never gets old to me- picking up the harbor pilot, watching land get closer and closer, looking at the seaside houses, guessing just WHERE we are going to dock, turning around (usually), watching lines being thrown- I love it all. So let the others sleep----I'm happy!!!


We passed the Rica Seilet Hotel


that's shaped like a sail, and Captain Giske turned us around.





After docking and a bite of breakfast, we were off on our excursion--one that had CONSIDERABLE more walking than anticipated...We were driven up to the top of the mountain


and walked down beautiful forest path. Along the way, we found wild blueberries to sample


and wallowed in the glorious colors of nature. One hour later, and almost at the bottom of the mountain, we found the Romsdal Museum, a beautiful collection of buildings throughout the centuries. We were treated to some folkdancing from children dressed in bunad, traditional Norwegian dress, went inside a beautiful old chapel and saw how life would have been in the area in the 18th century. I also got to have my very first "svele og brun ost"


--Norwegian pancakes served with a bit of butter and sugar and "brown cheese"--caramelized cheese that is slightly sweet and delicious. I'm addicted.



Afterwards, we walked through the town, past an old music school that has been restored and houses city administration, and looked around the street fair that was part of the annual Jazz Fest.

We left Molde at 2pm to sail over to Åndalsnes, 30 miles away. It was a quick stop to pick up passengers who had taken a day-long excursion that began in Molde and ended up in Åndalsnes. It was a chance to sail through a glorious fjord and begin a series of amazing photos.

I'll simply post photos and let you decide.....

Ferries are the way most folks get around on the west coast of Norway...








The restaurant at the top of the mountain


World's Cutest 5-year old doing his Troll Impersonation


























(yes, the sky really IS this color...)


Woo helps Panda try on stilts...


before giving it a go himself.






Where we started off...








Arriving at Åndalsnes




And to top the whole day off, there was Cherries Jubilee for desssert!!!!!!