Home - Tuesday 26th February 2019

Today we docked at about 6 in the morning, went to have Breakfast, and then went to collect the car (the luggage was nearby so it was all very convenient!).

Drove home starting at 8.30 AM via the Tyne Tunnel and two stops, one at Blyth and one on the A14, and arrived home by 2.30 PM. Good end to our brief holiday!

Unloading the luggage!

Alesund Norway

This Sunday we are in Alesund for the day. We were an hour late due to strong winds.

We then took a two hour coach trip around the town and surroundings: Interesting Art Nouveau architecture due to a big fire in 1905. We then had a walk into town and bought the last fridge magnet!

Boudicca approaching Alesund at 1030AM Local time

Salmon Fishery

Lighthouse attached to Hotel- very expensive to stay!

Old German Gun emplacement

Not Narvik today!

It was supposed to be Narvik, but apparently another cruise ship has taken the only berth with damaged stern gear!

So the Captain has diverted down to Alesund in Norway, where we arrive tomorrow. It's a bit grey and raining today. At lunchtime we passed out of the Arctic Circle, past a globe on Vikingen Island.

Then past Torghatten which is a granite mountain on Torget island - with a hole through the middle.

Finally, there is a secret Norwegian Waffle recipe from Bodo!

Waffle recipe - Top Secret!

Globe on Island

Hole through Torgatten

Tromso for the day

Tromso today, started with light snow, and then changed to rain and dull weather.

We took a fast catamaran to s Fjord, stopping to see some Norwegian submarine pens by a naval base (inside a mountain. Then on to some ice at the end of a Fjord to see White Tailed Sea Eagles.

Back to get a Tromso fridge magnet in the rain. We have British Night on the boat this evening, where there is Fish and Chips, nut roast, Chicken Korma and Roast Beef on the menu!

Our Catamaran

Boudicca in Dock

View from our Balcony into Tromso

Watching for wildlife

At the end of the Fjord

Submarine pens

Pen entrance

White tailed Sea Eagle

Northern Lights - Thursday 21st February

We had a really good display of the Northern Lights. Started around 9PM and the Captain invited us onto the flying bridge, then  took pictures from the top deck. They were really dancing ...

Bodo - Norway

Today we are in Bodo in Norway.

A bit late leaving as the wind meant we were portside on the mooring, so the lower door could not open fo a while, so we are staying on  for an extra hour to make up.

Last night we saw the Northern Lights. Very visible, but not good for cameras.

Today we had a tour to see the water swirls at the Saltstraumen Maelstrom, then a walk into town. Weather seems fine for another sighting tonight, we'll see!

Wall painting in Bodo

Boudicca in Bodo

The rough water ..

Bridge over Maelstrom

Small glimpse of the Aurora (please excuse the Iphone!)

Boarding Boudicca

Today we had breakfast at the Premier Inn. Then a little shopping  and a drive down to park and boat.

We got on board within 30 minutes unpacked. And now having tea at 3 pm. Meet some people we saw on the Far East cruise and quite a few familiar crew. Was nice to be back in the old cabin!

Our deck area

Boudicca

Newcastle

Cabin

Newcastle

Today we drove to Newcastle (just over 4 hours) ready to board Boudicca at about 1.30 PM tomorrow.

Long drive, stopping off at Blyth's Services for some Greggs soup and shopping and M&S. We are staying at the Premier Inn North shields by the shipping terminals, it has free parking whilst we are away.

Not too bad a place to stay, with a meal deal Dinner and `Breakfast in the Brewer' Fayre next door.

A14 Roadworks at Cambridge

Ram Jam Inn on A1