Saturday 28 October

This morning we docked in the very centre of Norway. And we can prove it

We had signed up for a Winters Walk and Concert Tour. The walk was more of a stroll, past the marble rock above and into the UNESCO Global Geo Park. Which is actually a very small room with a very ordinary display, possibly a primary school project. However, it tells us that this area has a geology so distinct and internationally significant that it’s geo-heritage is deemed to be of global importance. Off the coast of this town is the UNESCO World Heritage Vega Archipelago, comprising dozens of islands that bear testimony to the frugal way of life, based on fishing and the harvesting of the down of eider ducks. They are kept warm on those islands I suspect.

On then to the concert, which turned out to be a solo organ ‘recital’ in this old church

It’s actually very old. Here is the list of past preachers

The organ player reminded me of my typing teacher at Miss Hales Business College which I briefly attended in the ‘60’s. She had only three fingers on her right hand. On the way back to the ship we were treated to mulled wine and sweet bread in a weird sort of boat house, with weird sort of inhabitants. They do love their cod in this country

This building is under a heritage order and cannot be demolished, but it seems to be doing a pretty good job without assistance

Back on board for a Norwegian Kitchen, today raw salmon three ways

and they were all delicious. We are going to struggle to eat the Tassie salmon when we get home.

The moon looked pretty special that night too, with Jupiter close by

And then we had another visit, to top the day off

Sunday 29 October

Today we are in Aldesund, known as the fishing capital of Norway. The winters here are mild, thanks to the effects of Gulf Stream. Temperatures average 1-8 degrees. It’s a lovely town, built in the art deco period after being destroyed by fire in 1904 (just to keep up with every other town in the country)

We went on a bus tour to the Saga Islands, which are the two of major inhabited islands in the area. We drove through lots of farming country, saw large farms with up to 5 cows, small farms with one sheep and mixed farms with 2 sheep, a cow and a pig. I kid you not (and we didn’t even see a goat). It is the fishing capital, not the farming capital. But we loved the Saga Islands and the different landscape

Our last stop is the lookout and it’s a pretty special view.

It’s a big climb from town to lookout up a lot of steps, each numbered. Here’s the top step

and of course Cherrie decided to walk back to the boat. It was down not up but still impressive. This is what she saw

Another lovely meal on board, a glass or three of wine, a game of cards and great company