Friday 10th November-Andalsnes

OK – so I missed out yesterday, cos there wasn’t a lot to report, except rough seas, Peter’s classes, and the desire to get into the fjords, port and flat water.  We got there in the end, the ship tied up about 7,30pm and we had a brilliant night’s sleep.  It’s nice when the bed isn’t doing it’s best to chuck you out.

Thing is, it was a bit too much of a good thing.  We didn’t get up till 9am, and it we weren’t ready to leave the ship until 10.  We had plans today though, in the form of a lovely pointy hill right outside the port.  Last time we’d visited Andalsnes, we’d taken a walk up it, and got as far as a viewing platform about ¾ of the way up.  This time we planned to reach the top.

We wrapped up well, thermals, layers, coats, gloves and hats and set off with purpose.  We reached the base within minutes and started up the first leg.  The Norwegians take care to make things accessible to everyone, even the mountains!  A ramp leads from the base meaning even wheelchairs can reach the lower viewing points.  Awesome.

A view from the lower slopes.  Still a long way to go yet. 

The hill is really steep and really hard work.  (Especially for the not so fit such as ourselves).  We started to peel layers off, and wish we’d remembered to bring water. We met people on the way, either going up or coming down.  The younger ones hurtled past us, the older ones tended to have gone so far and started to come down. 

I was surprised when we reached the snow line, as I’d expected it to be higher, but at least it resolved our water problems.

Onwards and upwards we went.  There are parts of the climb which are quite steep.  The Norwegians have provided rails and chains to help, which are very much appreciated.

The views all the way up are brilliant.

Still going up.  These steps run alongside the cliff edge, but there is a chain alongside for the fearful.  (Like me),  We had our microspikes on too, they added confidence on all those steps. 

I even walked out most of the way onto the viewing ramp, although I stopped at the point where the floor becomes  a metal grid and you can see through it.  Peter was perfectly happy there though.

He was also happy to keep going, although I was worried about time and light.  In the end, I waited whilst he went on up for a few more minutes which turned into well over half an hour, because he was determined to get to the top.  He didn’t quite make it to the summit cairn though, although it was near as dammit.

Then  it was time to come down.  I tried the “Winter Route” and decided it was too hairy, so we went down the way we’d come.  It seemed to take forever to get down, but finally we reached the road back into town, and the ship and at last, Tea!

A really good walk.  We loved it. 

There was one little cloud on our day when we got into the cabin though, somebody had sneaked in and blocked out the window in preparation for rough seas.  The captain is expecting really bad weather, and has warned us that once we have left the fjord tonight, we are going to feel it.  He told us that he has two Norwegian Pilots on board, and they are going to do their best to keep us sheltered by hiding behind the various little islands along Norway’s coast.  When that isn’t possible, we are going to be at the mercy of waves up to 7 metres high.  That’s big!

 Peter and I have decided to spend a night in then.  That is, we’re gonna sit in the cabin and watch Star Trek on the laptop.  Tomorrow we’re due to arrive in Berge. Hopefully the weather won’t slow us down too much.