June 25
At Sea
So what does one do when at sea all day. Let’s find out. Oh, we crossed the Arctic Circle . . .
[For the Super, why not begin the day in the spa . . . ]
[Then up top for fun in the sun . . . ]
[Why yes, I am having a delightful read. I just can’t remember what it was?]
[I can’t remember what the Super was reading either . . . ]
[Then on to the pool where Arctic Circle celebrations were about to begin . . . ]
[The buffet line under the big screen . . . ]
[Bags of ice in the pool – cold water for crossing the “Arctic Circle,” don’cha know . . . ]
[The Super, with Ole in hand, ready for her “Arctic Circle” crossing . . . ]
[We’re ready!]
[Cruise Director Corinne lays out the plan . . . ]
[The assembled masses assembled . . . ]
[Corinne led the way, the first to cross the “Arctic Circle” . . . ]
[Some began with a belly flop . . . ]
[The Super is assisted into the pool . . . ]
[Don’t get Ole wet!]
[She appreciates a helping hand . . . ]
[And made it . . . ]
[Woo-woo!]
[A dollop of blue whipped cream indicates she made it with a frozen nose . . . ]
[With a glass of champagne for warmth . . . ]
[The Arctic Circle? Well, actually we didn’t really cross until later in the evening . . . ]
[Well, Ole got to celebrate too . . . ]
[Mmmmmm!]
[And they kept coming . . . ]
[And coming . . . ]
[And coming . . . ]
[And everybody had a cub reporter . . . ]
[The Super gave me her aquavit . . . ]
[Akvavit or aquavit (also akevitt in Norwegian) is a distilled spirit that is principally produced in Scandinavia, where it has been produced since the 15th century. Akvavit is distilled from grain and potatoes, and is flavoured with a variety of herbs. Akvavit is also popular in Germany. Akvavit gets its distinctive flavour from spices and herbs, and the dominant flavour must (according to the EU) come from a distillate of caraway and/or dill seed. It typically contains 40% alcohol by volume or 80 proof (U.S.) The EU has established a minimum of 37.5% ABV for akvavit to be named as such (Wikipedia).]
[Here is a primer on how to drink, and respond to, aquavit . . . ]
[Uff da fy da!]
[Meanwhile, the cruise continues . . . ]
[After hours of research, I now believe this is the Gjemnessund Bridge in the distance.]
[As we meander through a bit of an island-crusted inland waterway . . . ]
[The Gjemnessund Bridge (Gjemnessundbrua) crosses the Gjemnessundet strait between the mainland and the island of Bergsoya in the municipality of Gjemnes. The 1,257-metre-long (4,124 ft) bridge was the longest suspension bridge in Norway until the opening of the Hardanger Bridge in 2013, although it did not have the longest span (623 metres or 2,044 feet), being eclipsed by the Askoy Bridge. Gjemnessund Bridge was opened in 1992, and has 21 spans with a maximum clearance to the sea of 43 metres (141 ft). It was built as part of the Krifast project, the mainland road connection of the city of Kristiansund (Wikipedia).]
[Of course, I may be totally wrong about this bridge . . . ]
[And this is Torghatten, a granite mountain on the island of Torget in Bronney Municipality in Nordland county. It is known for its characteristic hole, or natural tunnel, through its center. It is possible to walk up to the tunnel on a well-prepared path, and through it on a natural path (Wikipedia).]
[This has to have been used in a sci-fi movie?]
[While at sea, it’s fun to go to lectures. Here are two . . . ]
[Then you may as well just keep partying . . . ]
[This was the Explorers’ Society party for the guests who have previously sailed with Viking . . . ]
[Then joining Anne and Bill as we enjoy a pre-dinner beverage . . . ]
[As we await . . . ]
[The evening’s entertainment . . . ]
[A rather unique island formation here as I lean over fellow diners for the shot . . . ]
[I searched for a “nipple-topped” island but couldn’t find a name . . . ]
[Then nighttime entertainment, the Viking Vocalists performed the ABBA Songbook . . . ]
[They were really, really good in their cover. As I recall, two of them were from London, one of the guys was from Hesinki, and one of the gals was from Belfast (?) . . . ]
[The ABBA show started at 9:15. After it was over, we went out when an announcement came were nearing the Arctic Circle . . . ]
[The rest of the photos are of that event, marking the farthest north I have even been.]
[That globey looking thing is the marker . . . ]
[From the bedroom . . . ]
[On the next day, we would arrive in Leknes . . . ]
[The proof!]
The colors live a remarkable life of their own after they have been applied to the canvas. ~ Edvard Munch
Up Next: Homecoming?
alexandriacardinals2.wordpress.com 