Melfjord/Traena
The National Geographic Endeavour has officially entered the land of the midnight sun. Having crossed the Arctic Circle early this morning, our days will only be differentiated by the passing hours and the automatic date change on our watch, as the sun will no longer set and rise, rather it will make a swooping circle through the sky each day, providing us with continuous daylight for the rest of our journey through the Norwegian fjords and up into Svalbard.
It is just as well that we now have 24 hours of daylight, as today was stunning and we did not intend to waste a minute. The morning started with a visit to Melfjord where we had a variety of activities to choose from: long walks up a glacial valley; short, meandering walks to really take in the incredible flowers that are in bloom; a Zodiac cruise along the fjord admiring the cascading waterfalls; or a quiet paddle in the kayaks watching the seals play and swim innocently. Sailing out of Melfjord had most of us sitting on deck, watching the scenery that gives rise to childhood images of trolls and fairies.
It is not only the landscape that leaves us lost in thought. The underwater world here projects itself as an exquisite place, full of life. Our Undersea Specialist, Dennis Cornejo, and I as his dive buddy, take the opportunity to explore this underwater world, collecting images for the guests of National Geographic Endeavour to enjoy.
Pictured here is a young Ling Cod found at 93 feet, as this fish prefers the deeper waters. Although it may look like it is hiding, this cave-dwelling fish is actually quite curious, making it easy to lure out. Growing to almost 6 feet, the Ling is commercially fished, as it has tasty, but coarse flesh; however it is often fished as sport, due to the fact it can be easily enticed by bait and lure.
Surveying the fish above the surface, our afternoon and evening were spent visiting the two fishing islands of Louvund and Traena. Filled with summer homes and small fishing warehouses, we enjoyed these islands walking their streets in the sun, conversing with the locals, and admiring the natural history. We fully took advantage of the midnight sun, staying on Traena into the wee hours of the morning, toasting to the magic of the Norwegian Fjords.
The National Geographic Endeavour has officially entered the land of the midnight sun. Having crossed the Arctic Circle early this morning, our days will only be differentiated by the passing hours and the automatic date change on our watch, as the sun will no longer set and rise, rather it will make a swooping circle through the sky each day, providing us with continuous daylight for the rest of our journey through the Norwegian fjords and up into Svalbard.
It is just as well that we now have 24 hours of daylight, as today was stunning and we did not intend to waste a minute. The morning started with a visit to Melfjord where we had a variety of activities to choose from: long walks up a glacial valley; short, meandering walks to really take in the incredible flowers that are in bloom; a Zodiac cruise along the fjord admiring the cascading waterfalls; or a quiet paddle in the kayaks watching the seals play and swim innocently. Sailing out of Melfjord had most of us sitting on deck, watching the scenery that gives rise to childhood images of trolls and fairies.
It is not only the landscape that leaves us lost in thought. The underwater world here projects itself as an exquisite place, full of life. Our Undersea Specialist, Dennis Cornejo, and I as his dive buddy, take the opportunity to explore this underwater world, collecting images for the guests of National Geographic Endeavour to enjoy.
Pictured here is a young Ling Cod found at 93 feet, as this fish prefers the deeper waters. Although it may look like it is hiding, this cave-dwelling fish is actually quite curious, making it easy to lure out. Growing to almost 6 feet, the Ling is commercially fished, as it has tasty, but coarse flesh; however it is often fished as sport, due to the fact it can be easily enticed by bait and lure.
Surveying the fish above the surface, our afternoon and evening were spent visiting the two fishing islands of Louvund and Traena. Filled with summer homes and small fishing warehouses, we enjoyed these islands walking their streets in the sun, conversing with the locals, and admiring the natural history. We fully took advantage of the midnight sun, staying on Traena into the wee hours of the morning, toasting to the magic of the Norwegian Fjords.
