The Northern Lights

We were so lucky, we had picked a good week.

The New Moon.

Those elusive lights came out almost every night.

The sad thing was, I did not pack my digital SLR camera,

what a twit I am.

But a chap who did, allowed me to take these images

off his camera. Hence the poor quality!!

So they are not great.

Not that sharp.

But at least I have something to show.

As you look up into the black sky and a zillion stars,

you see her coming.

Slowly building.

As she appears, she fills you

with a feeling of wonder that I have 

never experienced before.

It is quite spiritual.

Surreal.

You have to put your exposure on delay to capture

as much light into the camera as you can

without distorting it too much.

The small white lines are stars.

So there I was with my silly little compact camera !

While all around me, there were men with their tripods

and proper big cameras.

But I did not give in.

I snapped away happily, only to look at the screen and see a blank !

That was until I got home and loaded my images onto

the laptop.

Hey, wow, look at this I shouted.

I have captured something.

It might be small but it is there.

And this is it below.

My very own Aurora Borealis.

I have lots more like this one,  not really worth showing you.

Not when you see the fantastic images that are on the Internet.

I am so happy I saw Aurora Borealis.

I am delighted that she made it onto my camera somehow.

So, my tip is...

Do not delete all blanks if you do get to take a photo of 

Aurora Borealis.

You may have a surprise in store when you get home.

Husky Dogs next time.

Love 

C

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We Sailed Away On The Hurtigruten's Finnmarken

 It was a lovely bright sunny day as we approached

 Bergan Norway.

We flew over Frozen Lakes.

 We flew with SAS Airlines, who were brilliant.

Everything went smoothly from check in at Heathrow 

to landing in Bergan via Copenhagen.

The Finnmarken looked welcoming in the dock.

Our baggage was waiting for us by our cabin.

I had chosen cabin number

666 my lucky number 6 x 3.

Located right at the back of the ship.

Great position as the door to the deck was next to our cabin.

Perfect for those mad dashes to get out on deck in the middle of the night when

Aurora Borealis pays a visit.

First thing was to check out the ship and the routine.

Nice Gym, but I will not be paying any visits that is for sure.

Great Sauna.

But I do not like Sauna's either. 

Suffocating.

Heated outdoor pool and very hot Jacuzzi's.

I did pack a costume and flip flops.

But, I did not have the courage

to take off my clothes and face the 

bitter cold.

We never got bored on board.

There was lots of opportunity to get off

and have a walk around the towns.

Or just sit and read with a mug of nice hot tea or coffee.

I would recommend the Hot Drink Package.

And I would recommend that you take 

cupa soups with you too.

Our cabin was always lovely and warm and welcome.

The shower was great.

Linen perfect.

Toiletries.....take your own.

As we passed over the Arctic Circle, those brave enough

were Baptised by Neptune.

This lady had won the competition.

She had guessed the time closest, that we would cross 

the Arctic Circle.

 And was the first to get Ice poured

down her back !

 I do not know this gentleman but

it is a good shot of Neptune.

Not looking to bad for his age.

We sailed Northwards.

Towards The North Cape.

The weather was wonderful.

The scenery was breath taking.

 This is the front or Bow of the ship.

This was a great spot to photograph

the Northern Lights.

If only I had packed my SLR Digital Camera!

Silly me only packed the compact camera....

As you can see I was well wrapped to face the bitter cold winds.

There were not many of these actually.

But at the Bow it really is cold as you sail into the wind.

I had worried that I would not have the right or enough

warm clothing.

I got it right, thankfully.

I shall list what I took at some point.

See, the pool looked inviting !

There was ice on deck.

So I gave a little swim a miss.

Hubby went in though.

He loved it.

One evening we were paid a visit from a Norweigan Fisherman.

He brought with him King Crab

for us to see and hold.

And that evening we were treated to a

special banquet in the restaurant.

The most amazing spread of Seafood and Fish

as well as meats and vegetarian foods.

 Late afternoon in one of the ports.

The Hurtigruten Fleet are a good looking bunch

of ships I think and painted in good colours.

Some ships look awful., mentioning no names.

But I do think the Hurtigruten have got it right.

We loved this trip.

We would go again.

It is not cheap.

But it was an experience that we will never forget.

Next time I will show you....

You will have to wait and see what part three will be.

Love

Carol

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Norway And The Beautiful Skies

On 5th February 2013

we set off on an adventure like no other.

The point of this trip was to see the Northern Lights.

I love Norway anytime of year.

But I have to say I was knocked out by the sheer

tranquillity of the place and amazed at the ever changing skies.

As I am a happy snapper and have so many images I want to
show you, I thought I would do this in manageable bites.
Starting with...
The Skies Of Norway.
No words.
Just the images for you to enjoy.
If like me you can see beauty in such things.

Just a quickie here.

This images below was through the window of

our cabin.

I will try to paint this one day.

I promise myself!

Some images are blurred, I know....

But I like them all the same.

Sometimes, more.

It is easy to just flick quickly through these photos

and not see much...

But look much closer at the detail.

It is sublime.

The skies change so quickly.
Another very good reason why if you wish to see
The Northern Lights
Do It On A Ship.
You need to keep moving.

Last of all.

Us.

Just about to take a ride in a Sled with the Huskies.

I hope that you enjoyed this post.
I just loved every singe moment of this trip.
And I was NOT cold ever.
In fact we got too hot !
The wonder of the right clothing.
Maybe I should post a Blog on
What To Take To Norway In Winter !
Next time I will post on ?
You will have to wait and see.
Love
Carol
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