The computer (mine) on board the MS Nordkapp will not acknowledge Bodo, Norway as one of the seven ports of call today. The Nordic gods will not be amused since this area of Voringbassenet has character and geographic significance.
This morning the coastal express passed the island globe symbolizing crossing the Arctic Circle. This invisible border circles the earth at 66 2/3 degrees north latitude marking the southern most point at which the midnight sun shines 24 hours a day on June 21. The morning was gorgeous with the sun just coming up to the east and with glaciers coming nearly down to the water. The scene included mountains and islands galore with the rather obvious globe facing from the west. It was akin to having a religious experience (sort of a King Neptune in reverse).
For the next six days, the coastal express will plow through the North Atlantic and Barents Sea, all while being above the Arctic Circle. Interestingly enough, we should enjoy the moderating influences of the Gulf Stream even as far north at 70 degrees latitude. The one exception will be when the Nordkapp sails into Vardo, just northeast of Kirkenes (Vardo island being the only part of Norway considered to be in the Arctic climate zone). As a result the fjords are ice free during the winter except in the the Varanger Fjord region leading into Kirkenes. But, this tale digresses.
Prior to Ornes, a short 15 minute stop south of Bodo, is Rodoylova or the Red Lion Rock. This protruding feature is a mere 444 metres in height and resembles an Egyptian Sphinx (use your imagination). Later on and to the east, the Svartisen Glacier shows its colours. Inland peaks nearby rise over 1,500 metres above the sea. The entire vista is quite spectacular.
Just before Bodo is the Saltstraumen tidal current which forces huge amounts of water through a 150 metre wide strait four times a day. On board ship it is difficult to appreciate that 370 million cubic metres of water can move at speeds beyond 30 km per hour. If one were standing on the bridge spanning this feature it might be more dramatic. New and full moons add even more velocity, which is a bit hard to comprehend.
Bodo (at over 45,000) is the second largest city in northern Norway and a place worth the visit. The 2.5 hour stop allows for a very good hike about town. Bodo is an administrative centre with institutes of higher education and is the site of northern Norway's defense HQ. It is a pretty place and quite modern. This is not by design but thanks to the German Luftwaffe which destroyed 70 percent of the buildings in 1940.
Det Nasjonale Flymuseum (The Norwegian Avaition Museum) is a must visit if you are an aircraft buff. The museum is quite new and has quite an extensive collection of aircraft including a Spitfire, a Mosquito, a U2 spy plane hanging from the ceiling and a vivid history of Norsk aviation feats. It was pelting rain when the Nordkapp docked but a bus promptly transported one to the facility since it is more than a good walk. At least two other souls decided to pop along although I'm not certain what language they spoke. By facial expressions it was obvious that they were just as pleased with their choice. The bus came by and picked us up so that we arrived at the dock ten minutes prior to sailing. One is in good hands when it comes to getting back to the ship before it sails.
In the late evening, the MS Nordkapp pulls into Svolvaer, the third largest town in Nordland county and which claims ownership of the title of capital of the Lofoten Islands. Since time is on the essence in this one hour stop, I pass up the opportunity to visit the ...
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Photos from this trip:
1. Steaming Past Arctic Circle Marker
2. Welcome to Bodo
3. Norwegian Aviation Museum: Bodo
4. Nordkapp: Night Vision
5. Arctic Circle Marker
6. Sheer Beauty
7. Early Morning Along The Coast
8. Port of Call
9. What More Can One Say
10. Another Day; More To See
11. Definitely Heading North
12. Trawler in Norwegian Sea
13. Coastal Wind Farm
14. Lighthouse off Port Bow
15. Darkness Approaches
16. Tug Mate in Port
17. Spitfire and Wildlife Co-exist
18. A Busy Place For Aircraft
19. A Little Off the Beaten Track
20. MS Nordkapp: Day Tripping
21. The Cargo Hatch Awaits
22. Cabin in Nordkapp
23. Towering Landscapes
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Rødøyløva from the air 4K
My movie shows the wild landscapes Drone-video from the famous Rødøyløva - Rødøy in Norway Autumn 2016
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