The MS Nordkapp set sail around 10:30 last night. The cabin is small but comfortable – a real shower instead of a “shoilet”. This is a “working ship”, which means it carries Mail and cargo – including up to 25 cars, plus passengers who may only be going from one town to another. There are a number of tour groups in addition to ours including Great Britain, a couple of groups from Germany, and one from France. Dan even met a couple all the way from Australia, although we don’t know if they were in a group. Our group has a number of Californians and several from Orlando. Only one couple from up north – Maine.
The scenery is stunning. Lots of snow capped peaks and quaint villages. We are currently about to leave Ålesund, which features many buildings in the Art Deco style. At this point we are about 4 degrees south of the Arctic Circle. The sun has been out and the temps were in the 30s F – not too bad although the wind made it feel colder. A little nip of Jamison’s was in order after our walk.
The next stretch of our voyage may be a bit rough as we will be on more open ocean. Take 2 steps, grab hold of something, repeat…it’s looking promising for some spectacular Northern Lights, though.
And, success! Not once, but twice the aurora put on a show. Dan got great pictures, so check them out.