Two Days in Alta Norway

 

 

Two Days in Alta Norway

Alta Norway 

We awoke and made our way to coffee. While having early coffee an announcement came over the Ships PA system telling us we would be passing through some ice. We soon heard the familiar sound of ice scrapping the hull.

After breakfast we took a shuttle bus to the Northern Lights Cathedral. This cathedral construction project started in early 2000. The design of the building has been compared to a submarine as well as a cinnamon roll. 

It is the parish church for the city of Alta Norway. It serves two primary purposes. First, it is a church. Second as an attraction for visitors to Alta.
Alta is known as the Capital of the Northern Lights. Alta was given this title due to its association with Northern Lights research. It was in Alta the first Northern Lights Observatory was established. 

In the Cathedral’s lower floor there is a well done display telling of Northern Lights history to the present day. There is also an excellent movie showing images of the Northern Lights. 

After this visit we got on our shuttle bus with the intent of proceeding to the Alta City Museum. 

The bus took us back to the ship, so we decided to stay at the ship catching up on projects etc.
 


We walked about the deck taking some scenic photos in the twilight before having lunch. 

As the sun never gets above the horizon it is soon dark. Yes, it is strange and makes me sleepy. 

Next up was a presentation about the Norse Gods. This was a great review for me. 



AN ANNOUNCEMENT THE AURORA CAN BE OBSERVED: bundled up and cameras in tow we are out on deck 9 for a few photos.  

This was the followed by a Q&A session on the Northern Lights, presented by the onboard astrophysicist. She enlightened us on many bits of technical information in an understandable delivery. I will say I have a greater understanding of the Northern Lights as a result of her presentations. 

Then was a most enjoyable dinner with some fellow travelers from the UK. They had been on the dog sledding excursion and reported that it was informative and fun.



We are finding the passengers to be rather like minded in a quest for knowledge as well as being well traveled. 

Last session for the night was called “Strange but True”. This was tidbits about Norway and the life in Norway. Such as: Self propelled lawn mowers are common (think Roomba for the lawn). Here moose are called elk, so this may explain why many years ago a park visitor at Grand Teton asked me “when to the Elk turn into Moose?”. Tacos are a popular food in Norway and are usually served on Friday. So here in Norway it is Taco Friday, and Tacos will on the Friday menu. 



About 0100 hrs there was a call for weak Northern Lights, which this time we decided to sleep thru.

Alta Day 2:
I was up early and made my way up to deck 9 for early coffee. Checking for Aurora and yes they were there but very very weak as they just appeared to be clouds. 



Breakfast and then we were ready to head out for the day. The plan was to take the shuttle bus to the Alta Museum, but there was a change in the bus routes and schedule. So we simply took the bus to the City Center. We walked about a bit to observe the daily life. 

We popped into a grocery store to check out the items which were available. We bought a Mango Fanta and some chocolates. 



Then we found the discount outdoor ware clothing. I bought Lynn some hiking pants and a fleece top for her birthday. 

Then we bused back to the ship. 

Kewl areas on the ship are the science center and the History corner. 

Today was an open session at the history corner. Here a great conversation was had about the great Norwegian polar explorer’s, my brain is full with more info and more books to add to the reading list.

This was a one on one experience where the staff gave me personal lecture. Much good discussion ensued affirming my knowledge, and confirming my studies were not in vain.

 
Next we attended the mandatory Expedition Boat Briefing, which covered the zodiac boarding procedures and life jacket use. 

Then a lecture on the Maud ships and queen Maud (remember, we are on the MS Maud).

As we were finishing our dinner the call for the Northern Lights came across on the ships PA. 

Away we went to dress for the cold and grab the camera gear. The Astrophysicist Rebecca said these were some of the best she has seen entire life. Now some sleep before the next NL Call.

NL are the penguins of the Arctic , in that….. oh I have enough aurora photos…… oh look the Northern lights click ,click, click ,200 clicks later… oh look they have changed more clicks.


 




THE NORTH CAPE

 HONNINGSVAG 11/28/22 

The North Cape:

At about 0200 we get the call “The Northern Lights are out”. Quickly dress and up to deck 9. We were out about an hour getting some photos. Back to the room when they died down at about 0300. 

I was up a bit before 0600, cleaned up and got some photos backed up. Coffee was on at 0630 and breakfast soon followed. I had porridge, beans, a tomato, and a bacon sandwich. 



The first talk of the day was on the Sami people, they are the indigenous people of Norway. We learned of the symbols and other beliefs. They are reindeer herders and there are several sub groups of the Sami defined by where they live. 



Then we boarded a bus and were off to the North Cape at 71 degrees North. This is the northern most part of Europe. Actually the furthest north point is 1.4KM away, but who is counting, close enough. 

While the sun did not rise or set, there was a perpetual  state of sunrise/sunset. The visitors center is well done talking about the history of the North Cape.

When we returned to the ship we had a quick lunch and the went for a walkabout town. We learned that as Northern Norway during WWII was occupied by the German Army, Germany had used this area for storage of supplies due to the area being a remote location.  When the Germans started to lose control of the area, a withdrawal order was given and a scorched earth policy was implemented. The church in  Honningsvag was the only building not destroyed.

BAMSE THE HERO SEA DOG:

When King Haakon had to escape from Norway in 1940, the ship’s dog, Bamse, was on guard on the minesweeper HMS Thorodd, one of the 13 Norwegian naval vessels that escorted Norway’s king to years of exile.

There are many stories of his actions, saving crew members, providing comfort and more. (Need to find the book Sea Dog Bamse: World War II Canine Hero.) 

Returning to the ship, the next lecture was about whales, followed by a Northern Lights Camera Settings. Both were filled with great info.

2100 hrs the call for the lights!!!!



 

 

 

TO THE MS MAUD

 TROMSO AND BOARDING THE MS MAUD:

We actually slept till 0800. We had a very nice breakfast at the Quality Hotel Saga. We then packed our bags and stored them at the hotel and struck out for the Troll Museum. 

Most things inTromso open at 1000, so no rush at all this morning. We enjoyed the troll museum, learning about the troll of Norway. 

Before we knew it it was almost 1300 so we went back to the hotel and gathered our bags for a 2 block walk to the MS Maud. 

Our stateroom was ready so we dropped our bags and explored the ship to get our bearings.

First we got at temperature check and dropped off our health forms. Next was getting stateroom keys and photos. Then we received our expedition parkas and crampons for icy conditions.

We went to reception and provided a credit card and inquired about a room upgrade. Later we learned our room is the size of a suite so decided to forego an upgrade. 

We had a lite lunch of a great fish sandwich. Lynn had a fantastic Cloudberry Milkshake. 



More exploring was in order and we checked out the Science Lab and the History Corner. Great chats with the staff, I can not wait for their presentations.

Then there was the mandatory safety drill where we learned about the exposure suits. Our muster point is the Explorer Bar on Deck 8. 

We got signed up for our excursions for the week and set up our room phone to receive announcement for any northern light activity. 

Then a most excellent dinner, with NO EXCELLENT SPEECH. Some will understand. I had a roast pumpkin and veg starter, and for our main I had a  great crusted veal and Lynn had pan seared cod. We shared our table with some new friends from the states. Great conversation was had with like minded travel folks. 

I will also say a nice selection of wine is included with ones meal. 



We have only been onboard about 8 hours and and very very very impressed with every aspect. 

I will get some room photos and ship photos together as the week progresses. 

Next up is a talk on tomorrows activities, followed by a Captain’s reception, followed by a “Tiny Talk” on the Northern Fulmar 

- BUT - 

NORTHERN LIGHTS HAVE BEEN SIGHTED!



Back inside to meet the expedition staff and the Captain. Then we were briefed on the events of tomorrow. Then what they call a tiny talk (short presentation) on the Northern Fulmer and it’s relationship to plastics in the Arctic Oceans. 


 

 

 

 

Lets Go To Tromso for a Hot Dog:

 Lets Go To Tromso for a Hot Dog:

We were up and made coffee in the room, along with a pastry we purchased the day before  at Tesco. We loaded our bags on a trolly and made the very very short walk to Heathrow  Terminal 2 and straight away to the SAS check in desk. 



Through security and straight to the Lufthansa Lounge. At the lounge, a Full Half English was offered as there were no mushrooms that I could find. Regardless, the offerings were nice. 



After a bit, we were off to our gate for the first leg to Oslo. Uneventful flight and arrived a bit early. This was good as we had to clear immigration/passport control, customs, and security, and make our way from gate F52 to  gate A10 in about 60 minutes. We did make it with a bit of time to spare, but not much. 



While boarding the plane the flight attendant asked us where we were from and we responded Wyoming in the states. He says it’s cold there so why are you going to cold Northern Norway. We both laughed. 

 



This fight was uneventful and the same flight attendant asked if we wanted some chocolate with our coffee. Well yes as who turns down chocolate. He brought us a “KVIKK LUNSJ” bar. This is best described as a very very very good chocolate wafer bar like a Kit Kat. 

As we flew to Tromso we noted the skies were dark at 1530 (3:30pm).  Tomorrow is the last day for a sunrise and sun set here in Tromso, with about 23 minutes of sunshine. After today the Sun will not rise or set on our horizon.

It seemed to take a long time for the bags to arrive and after they were gathered we grabbed a cab to our Hotel the Quality Hotel Saga. Cost was 175 NOK or about $17 ish USD. 

The Quality Hotel Saga is a very plain hotel with everything we need, thus perfect for us. Breakfast is included and we will report on that tomorrow. 



We rearranged our packs and struck out on our quest to find Raketten Bar & Pølse. Yes a reindeer hot dog with all the fixings they had to offer. Dressed akin to the Icelandic lamb hotdogs. I found them to be flavorful with a slight smokey taste. I rate them right up there with the Iceland hotdogs but not better. As the hot dog stand is just that, an outdoor stand, they provided two fire pits surrounded with benches covered with reindeer hides.

 



We next found what I call a rubber tomahawk shop “think tourist trinkets etc” and bought a keychain of a Viking Ship to use as a Christmas ornament.

Then off to find Mack - the northernmost brewery in the world located at 69 Degrees North. Here, this family owned brewery has been brewing since 1877 and has 50 beers on tap. 



This warm inviting brew pub is often referred to as the city center where locals and visitors come to meet. A most enjoyable place. 



 

Then we walked back to our hotel via a route taking us down to the waterfront. 

Now we will call it a day as we board our ship in the early afternoon tomorrow. After we check in to the Hurtigruten MS MAUD we may venture off for the Tromso Christmas tree lighting and Christmas  Market.  

Streets of Tromso: