Nordfjorden, Norway
During the early morning hours the Endeavour cruised east into the heart of Norway and into the fjord system named Nordfjorden. The scenery became more dramatic as we sailed deeper into the fjord. High peaks frosted with snow surrounded us and begged our camera’s attention. Just at breakfast, at the very end of the fjord, we docked in the tiny community of Olden. Motor coaches took us along the Olden River and wound through the valley where glaciers appeared in the distance and were reflected in the mountain lakes at the road’s edge. We disembarked and began the final leg of our morning’s excursion. A trail to the toe of the Birksdal Glacier was a comfortable walk. The myriad of wildflowers caused us to pause many times to photograph and songbirds provided a constant escort. Cascades and waterfalls poured into the valley floor and it was easy to drink in the stunning scenery in every direction. There were horse drawn carts for those who chose to ride. The local breed, the fjord horse, a sturdy and handsome animal pulled the carts at a gentle pace. Their manes are kept neatly trimmed and their coloring is uniform. Because our brilliant weather continued throughout the morning we found ourselves shedding sweaters and jackets along the trail but when we reached the glacier a cooling breeze poured off the ice. The melt-water, laden with glacial flour, burbled among the rocks in the streambed. After making our way back down the trail, again by horse drawn cart or on foot, we relaxed with tea and rich pastries in the cafeteria.
Most of our afternoon was spent cruising back out of Nordfjorden. By late day the weather had changed but we eagerly launched our Zodiacs and donned our rain gear for a short cruise at Selje. We were able to get close looks at a number of gull species, ducks and shorebirds.
Captain Joachim Saeterskog hosted our welcome cocktail party and we were introduced to the officers of the Endeavour. Heading north in a night without darkness we gently rolled in the swells, with dreams of tomorrow’s adventures.
During the early morning hours the Endeavour cruised east into the heart of Norway and into the fjord system named Nordfjorden. The scenery became more dramatic as we sailed deeper into the fjord. High peaks frosted with snow surrounded us and begged our camera’s attention. Just at breakfast, at the very end of the fjord, we docked in the tiny community of Olden. Motor coaches took us along the Olden River and wound through the valley where glaciers appeared in the distance and were reflected in the mountain lakes at the road’s edge. We disembarked and began the final leg of our morning’s excursion. A trail to the toe of the Birksdal Glacier was a comfortable walk. The myriad of wildflowers caused us to pause many times to photograph and songbirds provided a constant escort. Cascades and waterfalls poured into the valley floor and it was easy to drink in the stunning scenery in every direction. There were horse drawn carts for those who chose to ride. The local breed, the fjord horse, a sturdy and handsome animal pulled the carts at a gentle pace. Their manes are kept neatly trimmed and their coloring is uniform. Because our brilliant weather continued throughout the morning we found ourselves shedding sweaters and jackets along the trail but when we reached the glacier a cooling breeze poured off the ice. The melt-water, laden with glacial flour, burbled among the rocks in the streambed. After making our way back down the trail, again by horse drawn cart or on foot, we relaxed with tea and rich pastries in the cafeteria.
Most of our afternoon was spent cruising back out of Nordfjorden. By late day the weather had changed but we eagerly launched our Zodiacs and donned our rain gear for a short cruise at Selje. We were able to get close looks at a number of gull species, ducks and shorebirds.
Captain Joachim Saeterskog hosted our welcome cocktail party and we were introduced to the officers of the Endeavour. Heading north in a night without darkness we gently rolled in the swells, with dreams of tomorrow’s adventures.
