The Amazing Lofoten Islands
Lofoten is an archipelago, lying within the Arctic Circle
at about 67 degrees latitude. Juneau, Alaska is 56 degrees, so
these unique islands are way up north!
A few months ago, President Evans told us that we
should take a trip up north and visit Lofoten.
So we did!
The scenery is magnificent!
A lot of cod drying goes on here.
"Stockfish is unsalted fish, especially cod, dried by cold air and wind on wooden racks in Norway. Drying is the world's oldest known preservation method and dried fish has a storage life of several years."
We didn't see any of this - it was too late in
the season...
... but we saw a lot of these empty drying racks
dotting the landscape.
Lofoten is an archipelago, lying within the Arctic Circle
at about 67 degrees latitude. Juneau, Alaska is 56 degrees, so
these unique islands are way up north!
A few months ago, President Evans told us that we
should take a trip up north and visit Lofoten.
So we did!
"Stockfish is unsalted fish, especially cod, dried by cold air and wind on wooden racks in Norway. Drying is the world's oldest known preservation method and dried fish has a storage life of several years."
the season...
dotting the landscape.
But, first things first.
Our "new friends" came to visit us in Norway and
we were thrilled!! We were so excited to experience Lofoten
with Rick and Jolene!!
We flew way up to Bodø where we spent the night.
This picture was taken about 12:30 A.M.
This picture was taken about 12:30 A.M.
The ferry didn't leave until later in the day so
we toured around Bodø, going up to an old
fortress.
Looks like it was built in 1810
There was a great view of the city.
Took a drive to this beautiful area, Saltstraumen,
where the world's strongest tidal current occurs every 6 hours.
In line for the ferry to Lofoten, we met this adventurous group. Eighteen young Christians had been traveling and camping all over
Finland, Sweden and Norway. They said they would be in
Kristiansand in about a week so, of course, Elder Nelson, told them
about the center and invited them to come by and get some home
made cookies. Unfortunately, they didn't come to the center, but Jim tracked them down, waiting to get on the ferry to Denmark and surprised them with a bunch of chocolate chip cookies. They couldn't believe that he remembered. Hopefully they will have good memories of Mormons!
Our first views of Lofoten, right off the ferry.
"What is the good of experience if you do not reflect?"
Several bridges connect the main islands.
We were lucky to have gotten hotel reservations
in the little fishing village of Henningsvaer.
(I found this view from the web)
Driving to the hotel, we spotted this big fox.
Our hotel - Finnholmen Brygge, a restored
building from the early 1900's
Even though we didn't arrive until after 10 p.m.,
they kept the kitchen open to feed us four hungry
travelers.
Two choices - fiskesuppe (fish soup) or...
...fiskegryte (fish stew)
They were both delicious!
Love these cute bowls!
The rooms were advertised as being small and simply furnished. True.
We weren't quite sure if the sun was setting or rising.
It never did get dark - this was at 1:30 a.m.
A typical scene at breakfast - tubes of
mayo, shrimp cheese, bacon cheese, pork cheese
and different kinds of caviar. Just spread it on
a piece of bread, add a slice of meat, cheese, a few
slices of cucumbers and maybe a slice of hard
boiled egg.
Henningsvaer is delightful!
It was a cloudy day but, no matter!
Quaint
and charming.
Jim would much rather make new friends than
look around in tourist shops.
The Annual Viking Festival
The Viking king and his entourage arriving.
The king opening this year's festival with dances and
lots of skål (cheers)!
I asked this modern Viking, what was the significance
of the metal wolf head necklaces. He told us they were
"just Viking bling".
Recognize him?
Jolene's and my favorite Vikings!
This would be fun in the back yard.
The festival took place in a beautiful area.
Of course, there is beauty all around.
Serene villages.
Waterfalls!
Fjords!
Wildflowers!
Open seas!
Beautiful reflections!
"Reflections are a second chance to see the wonder."
Rugged, jagged peaks!
Snow capped peaks!
More fishing villages.
What to do with the old phone booth?
Turn it into a mini library, of course.
We visited this old beautiful church but they
charged to go inside. There was also a charge
to use the W.C., so we didn't.
No problem - we soon found this.
How about these cool swings?
Stunning views everywhere!
Beautiful scenery! Beautiful country!
Beautiful trip! Beautiful Friends!
It's a beautiful life!
