Friday 24/11/2017.

Kirkenes to Hammerfest.

Sunrise 11.00am. Sunset 12.01pm. -4C.

Latitude 70 degrees 39’48”

It was -4C and snowing when we pulled into Hammerfest after an overnight passage from Kirkenes.

A whole14 degrees warmer, but it was snowing and blowing.  The blizzard like conditions made the trip ashore fraught with peril.  A check at the expedition desk told us it was only 80 metres to the information centre that is also the home of the Royal Polar Bear Preservation Society.  We decided it was worth the risk and as it was warmer we did not have to put on so much clothing.

When we planned this trip, Debbie told us that she had been to Hammerfest and it was one of the prettiest places in Norway.

We have now also been to Hammerfest, twice, the first time was a few days ago and as it was dark we did not go ashore. This time, it was lightish, but in the blizzard like conditions we saw almost nothing, so we have to take her word for it.

There were exhibits of the wildlife that they are trying to help preserve and the polar bear, artic fox and the eider duck are amongst them. The mounted bear inside the front door is awe inspiring in its presence but the pelt stretched out on the wall is very confronting.

We bought a few things to add our few NK to their funds, a fridge magnet and the obligatory stuffed troll and then bolted back to the ship, pausing only for a few pics on the way.

Safe back inside and we are on the way to Tromso, the midnight concert is on at the Ice Cathedral, but it if it is blowing like this we wont be going.

We now claim the DROC record for the 80metre sprint in a blizzard.

Twice.

Pete

Are you my lunch?

A real Xmas window

bear hug

Mans best friend.

Would look nicer on the bear.

Endanger arctic species.