TOTALLY TROLL WEATHER

 
Sailing North to Bodo.

 

 

 We are stopping five times before making Bodo.
On 1/11 at about 1515 hours we passed the Kjeungskjær lighthouse. 

 

Kjeungskjær lighthouse illuminates the bay where the Trondheimsfjord flows into the sea. On a small reef off Ørlandet, the 20-metre-high lighthouse has ensured that fishermen and travelers have safe passage on their way in or out of the fjord keeping  on the right course since 1880. The stone lighthouse and cast iron lantern were made to withstand most bitter and harsh conditions. The original French optics are still in operation.

 
Since the lighthouse was automated and the last resident lighthouse keeper left his post in 1987, Kjeungen Kystlag has operated the lighthouse. Now you can enjoy this unique magical place by renting the lighthouse and the small apartment which sleeps six. 

 
We will be Bodo tomorrow at 1305 and departing about three hours later. We hear there is some interesting street graffiti we will be searching for during our walkabout. 

 
On 1/12 , we will be crossing the Arctic Circle. There is a contest to see who can guess the Hour, Minute, and Second we will make that crossing. I am guessing 0742 18”. Just a guess. Not sure what the prize will be. Maybe a spoon of Cod Liver Oil. 

The Prize was a Hurtigruten Company Flag signed by the Captain. Time of crossing was 0802Hrs 57 secs. 

 

At 1030 hrs the Arctic Circle Crossing ceremony was held and the God Njord was pleased. For those crossing for the first time you are initiated by having ICE WATER poured down your back. A shot of aquavit is offered to warm you.

 

                             More to add to our collection

 

 

After the  Ceremony we were able to purchase a postcard to be postal stamped commemorating the Arctic Circle Crossing. 

Skies are overcast and the cloud ceiling is dropping and rain has started. We may cancel our intended walk if the weather is unpleasant. 



We went to Deck 9 and watched people getting off the ship. The clouds threaten and the wind is a good 29-47mph.(not a typo). This is classified as a strong gale. 

 

 
It was quite entertaining watching folks chase hats and gloves in the wind. The roads and walkways are ice covered and people are slipping. Most folks venture a few feet off the ship and quickly return. This is a rather short stop of only a couple hours. We wimped out and returned to our cabin. Also, it is Sunday and the city is rolled up. I am sure we will be back. 

 
YES TOTALLY TROLL WEATHER OUT THERE FOR THE REST OF THE DAY. 

 
The Coastal Experience Team presented a great lecture on the Geology of Norway. Learned about the Fjords and Glaciers. Norway has the second largest coastline in the world. 

 
To shorten the sailing distance between two fjords, next year construction will be starting on the Stand Sip Tunnel. This will be a 1600 meter tunnel connecting two fjords. No carbon powered vessel will be allowed to use the tunnel.

 

In our daily Gathering (briefing), we learned we are sailing ahead of a storm producing 8 meter waves. The KP level is very low and the skies are full of clouds and rain. 

As we are in the area of Lofoten, we learned about the cod fishing and drying process. Cod fishing in this area is King. If a person catches a cod fish weighing over 30kg on a rod and reel they are awarded a kilo of coffee. 

Here the cod are dried on wooden racks where the salt spray provides the salt for curing. The cod are placed close together on the racks so the seagulls can not land and devour the cod. Seagulls can not fly and eat at the same time. The term Stockfish basically means fish on a log. Dried cod has a shelf life of 40 to 50 years.

 

A  Torkfiskar is a person who rates dried cod by the smell. 

 
When going out fishing you are told skitt fisk, to bring you good luck fishing, like “break a leg” in acting. 

 
We again dined at Kysten and had another amazing meal and service. 

 

 
Tonight we were able to purchase a Trollfjord cup with a spiced mulled beverage. 

 

Sadly, due to weather conditions we are unable to sail near the Trollfjord this evening. The Trollfjord is a very narrow fjord. Maybe on our return south.

 

Off to be bed.