North Cape

Saturday 16 December

Today was or last day on the ship. We leave tomorrow morning when the ship docks at Kirkenes. But today we got as far north as you can go - to North Cape.

We had a light breakfast and a very early lunch today because of our shore excursion to North Cape. More beautiful mountains and narrow openings in the fjords like the one at Magerøysundet.

Magerøysundet

At 11.30 we docked in Honningsvåg and boarded a bus to take us to the North Cape. The drive there was better than the destination! We had an excellent guide who was both informative and entertaining. It is the bleakest of terrains. They have no soil and if they want to grow something they have to bring in soil from somewhere else. But that’s a waste of time as there isn’t enough sun to make anything grow. There are no trees on the island, it is basically just rock. What they do have is fish, especially cod.

By the time we arrived at North Cape it was nearly dark. In the information centre we watched a short film about the area and then looked at the metal globe on the point. There are also some sculptures called “Children of the Earth”.

North Cape

Children of the Earth

The last part of the journey to (and then from) the Cape was in a convoy with a snow plough in front and another vehicle in the rear to make sure we all got through safely. This is a government requirement at this time of year. We were very lucky as the place is renowned for shocking weather.

Back on the boat there was a presentation on Norwegian shipbuilding traditions. Then it was time to pack our cases and get ready to put them outside so they can take them off the boat for us in the morning.

In answer to Jenny’s question, there are about 300 passengers, but there are people getting on and off all the time at the many ports we call in to. We met a couple who live in Tromsø and are just having a short break going up to Kirkenes and back. Lots of people are doing the full 12 day return journey and lots, like us, will be leaving the ship tomorrow.