July 1
Well another year begins!
Another sea day today so not much to add, we have seen lots of whales and a good exhibition yesterday of a humpback breach.
Interesting lecture yesterday from the Marine Biologist Chris, part of his speech on the endangerment of sea life was on the fairy penguins at Burnie and how they are being threatened mainly from humans. Some good slides on the warning signs at the back of West Park Oval.
We did however pass the North Cape and had a good view from our balcony. We go there on Tuesday.
July 2
Hammerfest
This was a beaut town of 10,000 and lots of different coloured houses.
Supposedly the furthest Northern most city in the world, famous for the Polar Bear Society which is also a Museum. Lots of fishing boats as well.
July 3
Murmansk
The lower highlights of our cruise so far, but not a total dud was our visit to Murmansk in Russia.
This area is famous for the only port access for supplies to Russia in the second world war as they were cut off completely in the Baltic Sea by the Germans.
A very industrialised City of 370,000, not the cleanest and of course it took ages for immigration to clear the ships so we could go ashore.
Heaps of stray dogs although not a problem.
We visited a museum which was quite good, lots of Arctic animal exhibits and the history of Murmansk. Even saw a real lathe and it took an excited Tony back to his APPM days of fitting and turning.
The highlight was the visit to the memorial for the soldiers from the war and the massive statue made of concrete was 35 meters high.
Poverty screams out here even though its a reasonably young City 1916 the buildings are old and dilapidated.
Had a good night last night Karaoke and two for one drinks. Good night
as we had put our clocks forward 2 hours the night before and then 2 hours back again meant we could sleep in.
July 4 Honningsvaag (North Cape)
US independence Day the Americans are going to celebrate. Big night tonight, should be fun.
We arrived into a picturesque Port to see a huge the Crown Princess ship 3,500 pass. and the town full of Tourists plus the sun was shining.
A very tidy place lots of typical Norwegian houses in this fishing village.
Climbed up quite a steep track to get a good view of the Town and Port.
Didn’t get to the North Cape, all booked out and the local bus only going at 5pm but feel we’ve done a lot here and are going back ashore to visit “the ice bar”.A brand new ice bar is designed and built each year since 2004 carved out of ice from Lapland lakes. For the price of $26 you get warm clothes, 2 non-alcoholic drinks, one of them in ice shot. We’ll see what its like later, should still be standing I guess.
July 6
Sea day and nothing to write home about.
Had a big celebration last night lots of dancing and fun got to bed late but could sleep in a bit this morning.
We are having heaps of problems getting this blog sent and hope to get it right soon.
Interrupted State of Origin to read your blog, score now 34 to 18 with 7 mins. to go for a Qld win.
ReplyDeleteMurmansk sounds interesting, and your photos are excellent, you both look good in red. The last one a bit unclear, but looks as if you are in a cave. Your trip is nearly over and sounds as though July 4 was a very good night. Looking forward to your next episode. Love lots
Blogs coming thru fine here!!! OMG Dad, you are still wearing those summer shoes when you are in the Arctic Circle and at a Ice Bar!! BRrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, put some warm shoes on!! You will get a cold!!!!!!! Listen to your daughter for a change!!! Looks like you had a good time here!! All is well here!!
ReplyDeleteOr it won't be a cold, you will have FROSTBITTEN toes!!
ReplyDeleteGood to see you two are still enjoying yourselves like naughty teenagers. Now Tony, get some socks on :) Looking at your photos makes me cold as here in Sweden it's not as cold as Germany which is surprising. Time will tell though. Keep having fun.
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