Crossing the Arctic Circle

Thursday 14 December

Last night we were called outside a couple of times to see northern lights. The first call was around midnight and people hopped out of bed, threw a few clothes over their pjs, then coats, scarves etc and out they went. The lights were just visible but certainly not bright enough for a photo. We were not long back in bed when we got another call and repeated the process.

Morning scenery

Then, this morning we crossed the Arctic Circle and got a call to go outside and see the marker. I tried to take a photo but it was dark, I had the camera on the wrong setting and the ship was moving so no success. But I did get a picture on the special Arctic Circle stamp I bought today.

Our ship has it’s own postmark.

At 10.15 we had the Arctic Circle ceremony, which involved a visit from King Neptune outside on Deck 7. Each person then sat on a bench and had ice water ladled down the back of their neck. They were then given a glass of aquavit to warm them up. We three participated and were shocked at just how much water and ice went down our backs. I was wet right down to my undies and had to completely change my clothes, but not until I’d had a cup of gløgg to follow the aquavit. Judy decided to try the jacuzzi seeing as she was already wet, but it wasn’t very warm and the bubbles weren’t working, so she wasn’t in for long.

King Neptune and the ice water

After lunch we docked at Bodø. Rob and Judy went on an excursion, a coastal walk. I walked into town for a little look around. The paths were very icy and thought they had put grit in most places it was a bit slippery so I was happy to get back to the ship.

Bodø

Once we were moving again there was a talk about the history of hunters and trappers in the Arctic. Then it was time for a snooze until dinner. We needed it after our broken night’s sleep.

This evening we are in the Lofoten Archipelago. We stopped for a while in Svolvær and on the water’s edge we saw the racks for drying cod. This is one of the main products of this area. On the mountain behind the town is a rock called “The Goat”, which is lit up at night. It is popular with rock climbers who jump from one horn to the other.

Svolvær

I had just got ready for bed when we were called out to see the northern lights. Once again they were a little disappointing, very pale and low in the sky, but like last night, quite a few shooting stars.