NB Day 4: Bødø

This mainland town in Norway, considered by some as the gateway to the Lofoten Islands, has a history that dates back to the Stone Ages, but it did not become a township until 1816.

It was one of the ports I was looking forward to visiting since we had a scheduled stop of just over two hours here. I even had a self-guided walking tour in mind … following a path described in the “Coastal Ferry Guidebook” (written by Emma Vestrheim) that I had purchased before we embarked m/s Havila Castor in Bergen. It wasn’t meant to be since this was the second day of my self-imposed quarantine.

At least Mui got a chance to stretch his legs and take some photos for me during his pharmacy run and meander around town … though he had to contend with rain most of the time. He found colorful flowers. He found interesting sculptures. No luck finding any Vicks Vaporub, however … the pharmacist explained that it simply isn’t stocked in Norwegian pharmacies … though it is available by ordering online. He was given an alternative ointment that I will use tonight.

Meanwhile, I entertained myself watching the activities portside, where rolls and rolls of thick ropes — perhaps hawsers — were being loaded onto the ship … along with some flat crates that I wasn’t able to identify.

The rain seemed to let up for a bit after Mui returned. However, by the time the ship was ready to cast off its lines, ominous grey clouds were once again portending more wet stuff and making my departure photos through the cabin window rather lackluster. I clicked the shutter anyway since who knows if we’ll make it back to this part of Norway again.Read more