Holiday Hiatus

I flew from Trondheim to Bergen to meet up with Barbara for a holiday touring Norway. During our tour we took a hurtigbåt to Flåm, train to Oslo then on to Bodø via Trondheim and used the Hurtigruten service to Svolvaer on Lofoten and back via Trondheim, Brønnøysund and Kristiansund to Molde, where Barbara departed and I rejoined Ataraxia.

Chilling in the Ice Bar in Bergen.

Oslo - bird's eye view.

Passing the Arctic Circle marker Southbound at sea. There is a similar monument beside the railway which we had passed on our journey Northward to Bodø.

Top of the World! Up a hill overlooking Svolvaer in the Lofoten Islands.

We had two nights on the Hurtigruten vessel Vesterålen and added trips on Nordlys and Finnmarken to my earlier crossing on the Nordcapp. 

Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.

While I was away Ataraxia sailed on. On Wednesday 10th Pauline Vik-Vestly joined the crew and Ataraxia motor sailed in the sun down to the guest pontoon in Børøysund. Fishing efforts hauled eight mackerel and Susan's eyelid. They fried and ate the mackerel. Susan's eyelid was returned to her for use when sleeping.

On 11th she sailed in clear blue skies to anchor at Lya. Statues of a mermaid and a walrus were an unexpected bonus.

Kristianund guest pontoon was the destination on Friday after a a few hours of sunny motorsailing. 12th July celebration on Ataraxia was for Orla's birthday - a meal at the Smia (smithy) which is Kristiansund's oldest building.

Celebrating Orla!

Light winds on Saturday the 13th meant another motor / sail to Molde for an extended stay.

The view from above Molde.

Steve and Susan journeyed home and the remaining crew cleaned ship and enjoyed the Molde jazz festival.

Show us your jazz hands, Pete.

During this period Orla and Nikita left for home, so when we made ready to depart the crew was Steve Pickles (master and commander, under God and the king), Peter Struthers (young sailor of the year, since his seasickness healed), Pauline Vik-Vestly (Pete's girlfriend and useful arranger of things Norwegian) and Trevor Watson (fridge door operator / beer bosun).