Still cruising!

 We entered the Arctic Circle today - 

my first time in this part of the world!

Romsdalsfjiord was quite stunning as the daylight appeared. We are docked at the very end of the  fjiord. The town was quiet, streets empty as we tied up. Unfortunately, it was quite cloudy, meaning we couldn't see where the gondola reached the top of the mountain. 

We left the ship and looked down into crystal clear waters. I had seen many jelly fish as we cruised in the fjiord, but now there were considerable numbers of sea urchins. A walk along the edge of the fjiord gave us interesting vistas. 

The sun broke through the cloud, and so we took our chance on the gondola. The views down to the fjiord were spectacular.  Unfortunately, we followed people's advice and clambered and scrambled, with John's helping hand, over rocks and mud to see the same view only higher up. Needn't have bothered, really. Same view only with bruised knees!

Another day at sea. There were fewer activities than usual, or so I thought. The consensus was that we weren't attending the  talk! Jake started to insist that we went to Line dancing - John and I were not keen! " I will go by myself then," she said. John and I looked at each other! This was really a sign for us to go with her!

Rather, reluctantly, we all took to the floor. The first dance got your heart racing! I didn't really help myself because I was laughing so much at my efforts. Jake seemed to pick it up quickly, John was ace at the lasso action, and any twirling made me dizzy! As much as we didn't want to go, I bet the next time Line Dancing is on the programme, we'll be  there!

Awake early today to see us 'glide' into Tromso. It was cloudy and cold - 9C. There are patches of snow on the mountains and quite a lot of activity on the water - fishing boats, a naval ship, as well as the ferries.

Getting ready to go ashore for the day was an effort - there were thermal long johns, thermal top, jumper, trousers, down jacket, hat scarf and gloves! I look like the Michelin man - for any who remember that advert! 

Shuttle buses took us from the ship into the town. We wandered into a glass shop and were luckily enough to be able to watch a couple making whisky glasses. Their English was impeccable, and they happily let us watch them while they talked us through the process.

The evening entertainment was an organ recital in the Artic Cathedral - very impressive! 

23/10

Beautiful day greeted us as we headed towards Alta. Could have been a disaster when the captain announced " Whales on the starboard side!" As you can imagine, most of the ship rushed to startboard! I did see a pod from my balcony!

The scenery is beautiful. Crystal clear water, sunny cold skies - fabulous sunrise today.

Once again, John and I were 'dragged' to line dancing! We really did try our best and managed to do the 'grape vine' steps. Luckily, no lasso today! 

Our cruise is being changed slightly following concerns about bad weather up here. We are leaving Alta at 2am instead of being here all day tomorrow! We docked about 1pm and, after lunch, took a shuttle bus into town. Frost was on the ground with many icy puddles. As the sun set at about 4:15 the cold soon crept in - 3C is rather parky!!! 

Instead of a siesta, we started a jigsaw - kept us quiet for an hour! 

We actually saw some of the 'Northern Lights - could only see it through the phone camera not the naked eye!

The seas have become wilder and we are experiencing  severe gale force winds. The deck have been closed off - don't want anyone being blown over! It was difficult to sleep with the wild rolling of the ship and the accompanying orchestra of clanging coat hangers!

Attended a  talk about Pop Art  - there is an interesting Art gallery on the ship. This afternoon, the talk is about Street Art.

Gave Line dancing a miss yesterday - the ship was  rocking and rolling too much! Went today - it was quite difficult as the ship was rolling again but we all managed to stay on our feet!