Into the Arctic Circle!

We woke to a very different view and temperature! Oh wow. It was FREEZING outside. We all gathered on the viewing platform and the horn sounded as we crossed into the arctic circle. It was exciting. Here are some photos including of the little statue on the rock that indicates the arctic circle is here. 

Breakfast was on auto pilot because you just couldn’t take your eyes off the window.  So beautiful and we all here agree that our photographs do not do it justice at all. The sparkle in the snow in particular. The flat, limited palate so lovely. 

At some point I had a quick chat with Sara, Nate and Dulcie who had all been toy shopping. The low pixel pics are really quite odd and lovely: 

The evening tour to Lotofen with Angela, Vickie and Peter (UK) was spectacular too. Lotofen is known for its northern lights (strike 1) , the midnight Sun (strike 2 although getting there!) and small villages, fishing, hiking and extraordinary views - (yes! home run on the extraordinary views). Here are some:

What is that doing here?  It is an idea for a painting.  I’m collecting a fair few of those this trip

Vicki and Peter also worked in local government.  Terrific fun.

It started snowing!  But soon I understood it was pelting ice and joined everyone else back on the bus

And then the snow cleared but not for long. The light and snow situation moved  a lot  during the bus trip

evokes the wonderful art of Clarice Beckett

This building that looks like an upside down Viking boat is the largest Viking house, reconstructed from the amazingly well preserved foundations uncovered several years back. It is thought that approximately 60 people lived here with their animals segregated in one part. 

Back on the Ship it was all snow play time on the upper deck. Angela made me take off my gloves and make a ball with the snow. I was completely taken by surprise to discover how soft and gentle it was!  The snow falling softly unlike the pelting type earlier in the evening.  The scenery was eye popping.  

Formatting… sorry but having too much fun to fathom it