Hamran

Another gorgeous sunny day, still perishing cold! We're heading south now and have been at sea since leaving Kirkenes at 12.30 pm yesterday, with brief stops at 7 ports until reaching Hammerfest is the most northly town in the world and centre of Sami culture. We arrived at 11 am this morning, departing again at 12.45 so not much time to explore.
Last night there was a Northern Lights call out, I bravely went up on deck while Syd wisely stayed in bed - I couldn't see anything and after a while retreated back to bed. I probably gave up too soon as others said it was a good show -typical!
Just before reaching Hammerfest, we passed the island of Melkøya (Milk Island) as it was known for dairy farming. In about 2008 gas was discovered in the area, and the island was chosen for a power plant to liquify the gas which is exported all over Europe, particularly useful when Russia invaded Ukraine.
The plant is currently closed for Easter and the workers are enjoying their break, skiing in the mountains.
The town centre of Hammerfest is on the opposite side of the bay from where the ship docked so it's about 25 min walk to get there. At -7° outside, Syd & I decided to stay on board but Karen & Alan wrapped up warm, took their spikes and set off in search of a shop selling tonic to go with our smuggled on board gin! Along the mountains above the bay are many fences to protect the town from avalanches.
In the summer, massive reindeer herds migrate from inland to the coast, many invading the town - popular with tourists but unwelcome by the local population.
The views from the ship as it navigates between islands this afternoon are awesome.
It still astounds us whenever we spot isolated houses on the coast as the mountains meet the sea.
Another brief stop at Oskfjord. Temp -9. This is a small harbour with houses hugging the coast.
We're sailing through the beautiful fiord, close to the surrounding mountains.
Soon after dinner this evening, we were lucky enough to see the Northern Lights. You need to photograph them to see any colour, otherwise it's just changing cloud like shapes across the sky. Still exciting to witness though.Read more