Sunday, 17 November 2024

Waiting in Bodo

Woke to another dark morning but there was hope on the horizon with broken cloud in the east and snow predicted to the south.  We were hoping to get away early but it appears the Captain has decided to leave as late as possible to avoid as much rough weather as possible so we left Bodo at 11.45am  As predicted we are sneaking behind the islands on the way down so we are hoping to get to Trondheim around lunch time tomorrow.

In the mean time we are tracking south and due to cross back over the Arctic Circle around 4pm.  We didn't do lots today, it was a day of packing, working out who owes who money that we've lavished on each other over the last fortnight.  Pam was the book keeper so it all worked out well because the rest of us had no idea what was going in the high finance department.

We did watch a demonstration of traditional Norwegian Sami cuisine.  Because northern Norway is so cold there are no flies.  In winter also there is little rain, just metres of snow, so basicly it's cold and dry.  These are perfect conditions to dry the cod they catch by the thousands, they are cleaned then hung for 3 to 4 months to dry out, in the process they lose 90% of their body weight.  When they are completely dry they can keep for up to 10 years.  One of the ways they are eaten is - they get a hammer and smash the cod then strip it into pieces up to about 5cm long, it is then eaten as a snack with beer or with a morning coffee, we had a taste, it's not about to catch on in Australia!!!  They can also soak the cod in water for about a week when they regain their weight and texture and can be used in soups, cod cakes or grilled.  Didn't have a taste of this delicacy but my imagination draws some poor conclusions on the final product.

I also think I've found God!! He is one of the ancient ones but his message holds true to this day - Norse mythology cofirms the idea that Norsemen treated alcohol (known as the devine beverage) as a sacred beverage to honour the Gods of Asgadr. Might have to do some honouring myself later this afternoon??!!

Early morning sunrise....at 9.30am

The sun is now over the yardarm and is on it's way down.

A little sunshine on a cold Bodo morning


My kinda God

Dried cod, hammer and stump in the background

Not delicious...not even a little bit

The shipping lanes are getting active again

Bit close for comfort to this island


Our moon tonight



  

6 comments:

  1. Looks like you are all having a great time. Bloody cold and miserable looking though.

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  2. Great photos. Hope you’ve all had a great time and hopefully no lost passports etc on the return journey.

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  3. Looks cold and foreboding Vern. Love the pics again. As for the fish. Ummmm. Pass.
    Always been a disciple of the Gods of Asgadr myself. Been practicing the faith for years.
    All Hale the Gods of Asgadr. 🙄
    Sounds like a large Norwegian Wench is clearing her throat. Enjoy the last few days. Safe travels home.
    Jr🇦🇺
    The Armchair Traveller.

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  4. Fantastic trip and blog Vernon and thanks so much for sharing and letting us follow along. Safe travels and trip home. Big hugs and love to all. Love Deb and John xxx

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  5. The waters look so calm, hard to believe that it’s 10m waves close by! Looking forward to catching up when you’re home and hearing all about more of the trip! Safe travels home.

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  6. Loving the stories. I believe I could embrace the cod…just sounds like a fishy version of beef jerky. Photos are sensational. Sending heaps of warmth & love ❤️ xxxx

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Flights home

Pam and I headed out to the airport hotel about 3 o'clock on Tuesday afternoon.  Up and out of bed at about 2.30 the next morning so we ...