Hamarøyneset

It's another clear sunny day for today's continuing journey south. There was a brief stop at Harstad at 8am where Syd and I took a stroll round the deck to enjoy the fresh air. Overlooking the dock are some very smart apartments that we could look straight into from the deck - I guess the lack of privacy is compensated by the beautiful view when there are no ships in!
Next we approached Risoyhamn via a marked narrow channel that has been dredged to allow ships to enter the harbour. Flocks of sea birds scattered as the ship made its way. After a brief 15 min stop, we sailed under the Andoya bridge across the channel.
We pass through the Lofoten archipelago to our next few stops, surrounded by beautiful views. It's noticeable that there are more trees hugging the side of the mountains and it is becoming warmer. Quite a few passengers are sitting outside, still wrapped in warm coats and hats but enjoying the sun.
As we approached the next port, Sortland, for a bit of fun we were invited on deck to wave flags at the excursion bus as it passed over the bridge above us.
We then docked at Stockmarknes for an hour, just enough for a brief walk.
The temperature was a balmy 1°! There is Dypp Sauna on the quayside - a sauna followed a dip in the freezing water did not appeal!
The Hurtigruten Coastal Express Museum is located here, where the coastal express route was started in 1893 to serve the local communities between Trondheim and Hammerfest. It later became the Bergen to Kirkenes, now served by both Hurtigruten and Havila.
We're now passing through narrow straits of the Lofoten Islands, navigating carefully around small islands, with mountains rising on either side. It is stunningly beautiful. I spotted a house on one of the tiny islands - how remote is that!
Impossible to capture the sheer beauty of this area in a few photos.
When we dock at Svolvaer, Syd & Alan will be visiting the Lofotpils brewery .
The Aurora was visible again last night but we didn't venture out on deck this time.Read more