Alta at the top of Norway, then South to Tromso, Andalsnes & Bergen

Alta Saturday 8^th March

Saturday morning and we are up early for breakfast, and the views as we travel through the fiord are tremendous. The P&O Oriana passed by heading in the opposite direction having spent its allotted time in Alta.

The boat docked at 12noon, but we were not allowed off until 1pm, 

 

 
annual overland husky race over 600 Kilometres took place from the centre of the town.

we slipped about on the ice looking at the now empty start gates and a few ice carvings before deciding to get back to the bus. 

The cruise director had been quite upbeat regarding seeing some northern lights, but that quickly diminished as the clouds came in, the wind blew up and the rain obscured everything over a metre away.

Tromso Monday 10^th March

Awake to rain and overcast skies along with strong winds. Nevertheless we head out to walk round the town. Find the tourist information office very helpful, they gave us maps and explained some walks we could do directly from the town. Initially went round the old part to see the aged wooden houses after which we climb up the bridge and head to the next island and the newly designed cathedral, which proved to be amazing, the inside was basically just a new open plan design although with a fantastic stained glass window.

Returned to the town with the wind nearly lifting us off our feet as we get to the centre of the bridge.

Buildings and shops very interesting along with various maritime museums, Eventually head up the hill to a nearby frozen lake and a path laden with snow. At long last we have found what we anticipated to find. Great for cross country skiing.

Back in time for a late lunch and time to read. During the afternoon our captain broadcasts to tell us that the winds are forecast to be up to 60 knots with storm 9/10 hurricane force gales and swells of 9 metres. Se we are staying in port to allow it to blow over, although we will be missing out a stop at Sortland, and arriving at Andalsnes as scheduled on Thursday 13^th.

Last two days the boat has been rocking and rolling, but yesterday was the worst. Force 9 gales and the majority of the boat was on lock down. They were running scared of lawsuits after a passenger was killed on the previous sailing. 

 

I kept nipping up to the Bistro come cafeteria for coffee and a bread role with cheese. Then at lunch went up for some fresh soup and a role to take down to Judith. Just pouring the soup into my insulated cup when all hell broke loose. We were hit by a massive wave which lifted the front of the boat up at the pointed end, which in turn caused the rear to sink back into the sea. Cups, plates and passengers went flying and the handful of smokers on the rear deck held on for grim death as the wave pounded over and washed all the loose furniture around like matchwood. Shortly afterwards the captain closed all the decks, the self-serve restaurant and the Scott’s lounge which was situated immediately above the restaurant. The loose furniture just couldn’t cope with the forceful effect of the wind and waves.

This meant that the lounge space for passengers had been reduced by at least 40% with the resultant situation that there just wasn’t anywhere for people to sit.

Andalsnes Thursday 13^th March

Pleasant town and good walking, managed a 9 kilometre walk over the river past the old church to a factory shop that produced knitwear, albeit machine made. But they had glorious wools and quite a bit of unusual felt work, including rings and felted cushions that looked like stones or giant pebbles. Then we found out that a) they were not for sale and b) they were produced in south Africa. So we didn’t purchase any after all. Walked back along the salmon river that materialised had a disease which they are trying to treat. They expect that after this year they will have it under control, but in the meantime all kayaks and equipment that comes into contact with the river has to be disinfected to eliminate the spread to other waters.

Then back to town, to check out the fishing in the nearby mountain lakes. It seems that they have honesty boxes in situ, where you pay for the days fishing. Campervan parking is free, although most of the mountain roads have a 50Kr toll in place(£5). They have a map that tells you all the walks, parking areas, lakes and who owns the rights to fish. Very efficient.

As we were walking through the harbour a small commercial fishing boat came in with his catch of salmon, cod and Pollock. Got talking to him and found that these days he doesn’t even need to go out into the North sea to get his fish, the stocks are so good he just fishes in the main bay. During the summer months he takes visitors out fishing in what seems to be a highly productive area. Worth keeping in mind.

Another, rock and rolling evening to Bergen. Arrive to an overcast city, but it’s still beautiful, with its world heritage status. The old wooden buildings are truly magnificent, most of which have been utilised for retail purposes or eateries. Then into the fish market and the restaurants selling such things as smoked and cured whale meat, lobster tails, snow crab claws, oysters at £5 each and fresh unpeeled prawns for £26 a kilo. They must earn a fair amount of money to be able to afford the prices being charged.

Back for lunch prior to returning for a walk up to the lookout, but the rain had come in with a vengeance, so we settled down to read our books, and have a couple of drinks. It was happy hour after all.

Then the angel of death came onto the tan

Judith really started getting scared. But it was fine after all.