Thursday 4 August

This morning we woke to sunshine & blue skies & a stunning view as we crossed the Arctic Circle sailing through channels & past small islands & rocky mountains. We had a relaxed morning as the ship didn't dock until 2pm so we enjoyed 2 lectures from our resident experts. One was on geology which was fascinating & equivalent to Geology 101 at Uni (so he said). Certainly was a lot to take in so hope we don't have to do an exam!  Next lecture was on Viking history which was also very interesting. In some ways 'Viking' is another name for Pirate!

After docking in Torghatten in a very pleasant little bay, we boarded Zodiacs (rubber boats) to take us ashore to do a hike/climb up the mountain to walk through the hole in the middle. This large hole was made by the sea, but is now 120 metres above the sea caused by the rising of the land above the see & not from the sea lowering. Fascinating stuff. The walk was fairly arduous but we all completed it & were rewarded with wonderful views at the top as well as along the way when we looked up from the rocks we were climbing over! 

After this amazing walk we headed back to the ship, however Jim took a detour to the pleasant little beach where families had gathered, disrobed to his undies & went for a swim - fortunately we have no photos!! 

Back on the ship, we had a few more brief information sessions on Sea Eagles (we had seen one), sinking of the German war shipe - Tripitz (can't remember exact spelling) in a fjord in 1944. For Chris' info - the British just couldn't destroy this mighty ship, though they tried with all kinds of bombs until they finally asked the inventor of the Dambusters bomb to design one especially - it was called the 'tall boy' & this did sank the ship.  Next we had a bit more geology & finally something about the Norwegian Royal family.

Another brilliant day - feeling very blessed!