To Alesund and beyond …
Days 1 to 3: Our memories of Bergen, on this occasion, are mostly moist but, down the deserted Bryggen, there were traces of the snow that had been as the skies threatened more to come:
The dark clouds stayed with us for the days that followed as the seas became more lively overnight. Down on deck 3 you could hear and feel the high waves slap against the hull in short sharp thuds. As the ship rolled from port to starboard or pitched from bow to stern, vivid, lively dreams filled the unconscious mind; mostly to do with falling. At Torvik and Alesund the skies became heavier still while the northern horizon looked less inviting than Mordor:
There was snow at high altitudes but nothing falling at sea-level; nothing until we reached Trondheim when it arrived in a gusting blizzard. Braving the swirling snows we headed ashore as cars with studded tyres spiked the tarmac and continued at speeds that would invite prosecution in the UK – they are prepared and capable in these northern climes.
At the head of the town, away from the river, we found Trondheim Christmas Market. The highlight was a Sami tent whose smoky interior was bedecked in furs, benches, Christmas lights and wood burning fires. Hot dark coffee in a womb-like interior made this the perfect place to hibernate as thick snow fell from a grey-black sky – memories are made of this (the second image definitely sparkles):
(click on the images to enlarge)
northumbrian : light 
Well, you would come to Norway in the winter! I assume the weather got more settled further north?
Oh yes, it definitely improved the further north we went – ruddy perishing though 🙂
That’s the arctic for you! 😀
Yup, totally unexpected 😀
Fantastic sky!!!! Lowering and moody. Just love it.
Thanks Cate, it is a spectacular place and it gets better!
Cold and dark it may be, but the photos are strangely inviting. There’s a richness and depth to the darkness. That Sami tent sounds like a fabulous cocoon.
I love it Julie – there is no bland change of seasons up there and it just gets better the further north you go.
Wow, very atmospheric all that deep blue light and lovely orange flames!
Fire and ice – a wonderful place to be – thoroughly recommend it!
Most atmospheric…..
Thanks Sue – a photographer’s paradise up there.
Great serie 🙂
Many thanks, much appreciated
Shot 5 with the brooding sky is my favourite – nice series.
Many thanks, mine too
Wonderful treat, Robin.
It was Jean – and now I want to do it all again 🙂
Lovely atmospheric shots!
Many thanks Graham
I should SO LOVE to be where skies look like that – if only briefly. But because I never shall be, I shall experience them vicariously through you ! 🙂
It’s good having you come along for the ride 🙂
Thankee – I like that !
That river mouth shot of Trondheim is magnificent! Maybe in Summer 🙂
Thanks Jo – that’s the plan, we go back in the summer. Well, Pam is always pestering me to go somewhere warm 😀
I hope you enjoyed it in spite of the weather! 🙂
We certainly did – the weather just got better and better the further north we went (if a little colder 🙂 )
HL = huge like as I love Norway, in general and Alesund, in… admiral! 🙂
https://myvirtualplayground.wordpress.com/2014/05/31/midnight-sun-alesund-norway/
Merci beaucoup et bonne année Mélanie – I remember your Alesund post – excellent and a little warmer than when we there 🙂 Norway just gets better the further north you go, especially in winter. All the best, R.