FROM BEYOND THE ARCTIC CIRCLE

Monday 20/11/2017

Trondheim to Bodo.

Sunrise 9.28am, Sunset 2.10pm. -7C

We crossed the Arctic Circle at 7.10 this morning, and were greeted by snow capped mountains as the sun rose, which grew more and more snow capped. Just after lunch there was snow right down to the waterline.

Going on deck for those wonderful photographs is a challenge. On with the thermals, on with the snow jacket, on with the gloves, on with the scarf …..you get the picture. I takes about 10 minutes to get ready. But so worth it. The air is crystal clear and very cold, and the scenery just glorious. Sunrise was just after 10 am and the sun didn’t get over 20 degrees above the horizon. It’s now almost 3pm and almost dark.

The ship is currently berthed at Bodo. As this is a 3 hour stay we decided to brave the elements and go ashore. On with the thermals, thick socks, warm jumpers, scarves….etc.etc.etc and off we went. It’s VERY slippery out there, ice and snow on the footpaths and roads. Car tyres have metal “spikes” so they don’t skid on the ice. The locals take it all in their stride, but us invaders are very cautious.

We decided to visit Bodo Cathedral and the Museum. The Cathedral was set to perfection in a snowy winter wonderland. We poked our noses inside, just long enough to sneak an illegal photo of the fabulous altar window, and then tiptoed out. Our visit to the museum was short lived however, as they wanted squillions of Kroner for entry, and wasn’t worth it as we only had 3/4 of an hour at best.

On the way back to the ship we (illegally) bought ourselves some wine. They don’t allow passengers to bring their own, so that we have to pay the absolutely outrageous prices they charge on board. We’ve left our illegal stash chilling on our window ledge (really!!) and it will be good to go by the time we go down to change for dinner.

Our next port of call tomorrow will be Svolvaer, the capital of the Lofoten Islands. More snowy peaks, which have been carved over millennia and are quite awesome, and postcard perfect villages set close to shore where the land is reasonably flat. We wonder how people can live their entire lives in this climate. I’ve changed my mind about how wonderful it would be to experience a White Christmas. We’ll leave that to the polar bears! It’s much too cold and I’m too much of a wuss. 30 degrees sounds great!

Love Ilze xo