Author: Peg

Actually the Dramamine thing is wreckage of the future. They just announce in every possible language that big waves were expected from 6 to 9 this evening. My unfashionably early dinner is at 6.

If one Dramamine is good then 2 will be better. Right?

Had another fine day. In Throndheim
, population 280,000. The weather was sunny and above freezing. We were only there for 3 hours, but it was long enough to slip and slide the Two miles to a Cathedral ca 1070. As an American, I am always amazed at how old stuff is in the rest of the world.

And, soon it was time to scuttle back to the ferry

Back on the ferry it was time for a nap and then out on the deck to see a famous old lighthouse.

It is still a light station, but it is totally automated. You can rent the house part for a holiday, if you like.

Back from dinner. So far so good. It’s supposed to be all better by 10pm. Just about 730 now. Took a second Dramamine just now. Oh yes, a stack of dishes hit the deck as I was finishing up my dessert. Mushroom soup, salmon, strawberry sherbet.

For me, this was a great way to start the voyage. The ferry docked  at about 10am and it stayed parked until just now. 8pm. So, I had all day to wander around Alesund, a town of about 50,000. It was 50degrees and the wind howled something fierce. 

Wifi still sucks, but if I finish this quick enough, I can use the cellular signal. Found a use for a Google maps feature that I had never used. Wondering how I was going to find my way back to the ferry.  Well, I just punched the PARKED button. And when I wanted to return all I had to do was ask for directions to where I parked.

Happy with the food today. Fine breakfast, coffee and pastry on my walkabout, really nice dinner with a woman from Switzerland. Note to self: do not order from the vegetarian page in the menu. Where we were seated , we could hear but not see the cooks. One unfortunate cook was berated with: Use your eyes! You have them for a reason.

 

On my walk, I discovered a big monkey puzzle pine. Who would have expected to find one in Norway.  Apparently they were all the rage in Norway 150 years ago and about 20 years ago when the monkey puzzle pine became seriously endangered, Norway sprung into action collecting and saving seeds. Then again, the doomsday seed bank is in Norway. So, it makes sense. 

Think it’s best to get this underway while there’s still signal. 

It was a glorious day. Maybe the best one day train ride ever.

The train was fantastic. On time. Perfectly clean. And the day was picture perfect. 

After more waiting in line than was necessary, I got settled in my cabin. It was late arriving. Rough seas. That’s encouraging. The WiFi sucks. And, I was underwhelmed by dinner. I complained about it. Then I discovered that I am the first American to ride the boat. I fear I may be known as “that American”. Let us just say the served quiche which contained no eggs, no cheese, no crust. It was diced apples in a sort of lemon vinaigrette.  Writing this, I think  it might be some sort of a translation issue, perhaps they meant to say vegetable ceviche and not vegetable quiche. 

Have to wait and see what tomorrow brings  smooth sailing And better internet I hope.

Got myself to my lodgings by 2pm. And they let me in me in early. Think it’s because I looked so old and weary. It wasn’t an act. That gave me time to wander around Oslo and totally exhaust myself. 

From what I saw, I am charmed by Oslo. There are a lot of dogs. Huge dogs. Big furry creatures. Plus a lot of bull dogs. These seem to wear overcoats. The tiny kids are adorable in big puffy snowsuits.

Iceland Air was fine. It was late, but I got here. Speaking of here. As soon as I got off the plane in Oslo I unmasked and didn’t consider putting it back on. I saw one person wearing a mask after I left the airport.  

Food? Best meal I have had since Hawaii on the plane last night. Wonderful lox, cream cheese, onion and good bagel for breakfast. And a perfectly fine mushroom quiche With salad and bread and coffee for dinner. The residents of Oslo seem to love their coffee and sweets. 

Tomorrow it’s on the train from 8:30am to 3something in the afternoon. Then a modest walk to the ferry dock. The boat should be at the dock by 4pm 

Waiting at the airport. So far so good. Cell and WiFi pretty crappy. But no worries not I am past TSA.

Several hours later. The flight is going to be at least an hour late. Gotta love Icelandair.

• • IAD – OSL – Iceland Air
  • OSL (Oslo) – BGO (Bergen) – Train
  • BGO – KKN (Kirkenes) – Ferry 
  • KKN- BGO – Ferry
  • BGO – OSL – Train
  • OSL – IAD – Iceland Air

10,000 miles of “adventure”.

Let’s check the weather – Well, the 10-day forecast for the weather from Bergen to Kirkenes is not looking too good for aurora viewing.

Oh, there are weather “alerts too”. Which sound pretty ominous when translated.

POTENTIAL DISRUPTION DUE TO COASTAL EVENT
ISSUED: 6:13 AM FEB. 24, 2022 – EUMETNET – METEOALARM
Local moderate icing on ships in exposed coastal and fjord areas in Finnmark, partly also in Troms. Rapid enough ice growth can cause a small boat to lose stability, capsize and sink. For larger boats, slippery decks, railings, ladders and icy lifeboats and other rescue equipment are expected. Icing can damage radio communications if the antennas freeze. Moderate ice growth on the front / wheelhouse of the ship. Remove ice from the boat.
POTENTIAL DISRUPTION DUE TO WIND ISSUED: 3:13 AM FEB. 23, 2022 – EUMETNET – METEOALARM
From Wednesday night southerly stiff gale 15m / s, periodic strong gale 20. Decreasing Thursday night. Rough sea and white foam from breaking wave peaks. Medium high waves. The wave crests are breaking up into sea stingrays. High waves. The sea begins to roll. The sea rocket can reduce the field of vision. Consider leaving the boat lying.

It sounds like fun! I believe that these warnings apply to this week. Next week might be better.

Kirkenes, where the ferry turns and heads south is on the Russian border. I had actually planned on taking the bus to the border. Rethinking that plan. 

As Carlton always said: If you think you are having fun, you are having fun.

They flew over Arlington National Cemetery.  I didn’t see them until they had passed the cemetery. So, it could have been a missing man flyover. Or they could just be out flying around enjoying the 70° weather, 

Went downstairs this afternoon, and what did I find?

The Asylum brought a petting zoo in today. Fortunately, it was warm. So, the cow was able to stay outside.  It seems like a lot of work, but, it was sorta cute.

One lady was trying to take pictures of the animals with her iPad. She asked me to take the pictures with it for her. Not a problem.

And why exactly do I think I need all this stuff?  I got my clothes nicely curated. But this stuff is something else. I got most of it into the pack. And the pack now weighs 10.5 pounds. That means I added 5 pounds of junk to my bag. Will reassess tomorrow.  Who knows, I might actually “need” all this stuff? 

Oslo is looking to be in the 40° and sunny range when I arrive on Saturday at noonish. The next day, Bergen,  where I get the ferry, is supposed to be in the 30s and snowy. You take the weather you get. 

Life continues at The Asylum. One functional resident can’t take it anymore and he is moving out. For many, leaving is an economic impossibility. For others, self-included, not sure that there really is a better option.  For the most part, The Asylum means well. Bless its heart. 

This is what I am going to stuff in my pack:

1. 1. 1. Wool Hoodie
      2. Wool pullover sweater
      3. Wool T-Shirt – long sleeves
      4. Silk base layer T-shirt
      5. Synthetic T-shirt
      6. Synthetic tank top – really underwear
      7. Some underwear – one bra, a couple of panties
      8. Really long heavy wool socks 
      9. Normal wool socks
      10. Swimsuit. You never know. 
      11. Allbird winter sneakers
      12. Nightgown
      13. Heavy leggings
      14. Base layer bottom
      15. Base layer top

 Plan on wearing jeans, t-shirt, wool pullover sweater, heavy wool sweater, undies and socks of course, and waterproof duck boots. Carry my overcoat. Stash hat, gloves, scarf in the pack.  

Counting on this layer system to keep me warm and dry. I will end up wearing leggings for pants. Which is not great. But, most of the time I’ll have my coat on. And, on the ferry. Well, it’s a  ferry. They don’t have a dress code. 

That’s my table and origami mat and old 12-inch wood ruler. As seen by the kaleidoscope and Pixel 6xl.

Finished the taxes. All ready to mail them off to the CPA. Since there is no mail pickup tomorrow – I have them “aging” for now. So, if I get the little old lady yips – I can go check things for the 257th time. Never mind that that is what I pay the guy for. 

Ordered an additional memory card for my GoPro. Just in case there are lots of photo ops. I am not real optimistic about the aurora. Whatever happens. Happens.  It would be fantastic to just see stars. And not freeze to death!

Ok, I remember how to update the blog from the iPad and snag the photos from the phone.

Also, checked, there seems to be WiFi on my ferry. No telling how good it is.

Did a little test packing today. I am really counting on the weather being cold but not much below freezing. Nothing says that I have to get off the boat.

By this time next week I’ll be there.

Tomorrow maybe get the taxes wrapped up. Or not.