Bodo - Coastal walk

I know the time zones are all mixed up so Luke will get a birthday today and tomorrow.

Happy birthday Luke xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Up early again of course, put a load of washing on and went to breakfast, we had to get it done pretty quickly because we were due to cross the Arctic Circle sometime between 7.30 and 8.30.  At 7.55 we officially entered the Arctic and you’ll be surprised to know it’s bloody freezing, we expect a top of 4 degrees with a nice cooling breeze.  Called in to the little coastal town of Ornes, then as is traditional for an Arctic crossing there was a little ceremony and, if you were game and/or stupid enough you participated in an Arctic Baptism.

This is quite a simple ceremony which consists of the baptismee sitting on a bench seat while a member of the crew pull your collar away from the back of your neck and pour about a litre of water and ice cubes down your back, all while you’re wearing 5 layers of clothing to keep out the cold.  As reward each person is given a shot of schnapps after the event to prevent hypothermia creeping in.

Despite the possibility of dying of cold on deck in front of 300 passengers and crew, about 50 people braved the cold and fronted up for the punishment.  No doubt to your surprise Maureen, Pam and I stuck out our stiff upper lip and with some regret joined the line.  We were still pulling ice out of shirts, pants and coats half an hour after getting drenched.  I can assure you; one shot of schnapps is no antidote to a litre of ice down the back.  You've heard of the baptism of fire, this is a little twist on that theme.

Back to the cabin to defrost then an early lunch as we were booked on an Arctic Coastal Walk once we had docked at Bodo.  Bodo is further north than Iceland and further north than the populated areas of Greenland and with a population of about 55,000, fishing is the main industry, it also hosts a military base.  Arrived on time and we were straight on the bus.  Very interesting walk along the coastline near Bodo made more interesting because after a month of solid rain, today was the first sunny day since the end of September. The walking track was a fair layer of water and mud which made it interesting.  The walk was excellent though, detailed geological history of Norway and lots of Viking stories. We finished with a hot cup of home made honey mead which went down very nicely.

We allegedly walked past a Viking grave.  I admit there was a mound of grass which could have been a grave, it had a large concave area at the top which meant it had been looted sometime in the last 1200 years – it really is a cold case!!  It was probably a grave of an important person due to it being on a prime position on a headland overlooking the fjord, so looters would have wasted no time to steal any valuable gems/metals in the grave.  It’s a good story, someone 20 years ago could have also used a bobcat to build a mound and so a legend was born.

Got back to the ship as it was ready to cast off, got out of our muddy gear and prepared for our afternoon cocktail hour.

Woke up about 3am, up to the top deck to have a look at a minor northern lights showing and to watch as the captain navigated under a bridge....riveting stuff I know?!!

I know I write a bit too much but knowing my memory I’ll forget everything about this trip if I don’t write it down.  I will not test you on your knowledge of the trip on our return….even if you claim to have read every word!!!!

Crossing the Arctic Circle

Followed by a sort of sunrise

Some of the gang

Just one more

Just one more photo will make all the difference

Coming into Ormes

Leaving Ormes, very rural

Njord - Ruler of the Seven Seas

Ready for a baptism, Maureen has already seen the light

With Denise

Our walk - lots of pictures

Very muddy

and wet

Trying to avoid the worst of it

The easy part

They swim at these beaches in summer - current water temperature 4 degrees, summer temperature - 14 degrees, the guide told us the word from the locals is - if you go for a swim - you go in as a man and come out a woman.....

Over a babbling brook

Maureen worn out again

Nothing like a hot honey mead to warm you up

Lights and bridge at Storland

Certificate for crossing the Arctic Circle