Barents Sea & Arriving Tromso
It’s a day at sea, on our way from Svalbard to mainland Norway. Last night we left Bear Island at recap time, and started our crossing through the Barents Sea, which took all night and most of today. Finally, in late afternoon the faint shape of land appeared on the horizon, and we knew our goal was in sight. The crossing was a little windy, and of course had some “rocking and rolling” along the way, but we made it on schedule, with everyone intact!
At about 1745 ( 5:45 pm ) we picked up the two Norwegian pilots who will help the bridge crew maneuver National Geographic Explorer through the fjords of Norway, and to our final destination of Bergen. But before we get there, we still have six days exploring this amazing coastline and those magnificent fjords! Let’s get started!
Now we’ll spend several hours continuing through the waterways on our way to Tromso and our full day of hikes and tours. We’re lucky, the weather has decided to be cooperative, and give us a great view as we head toward our destination. Just about 2030 ( 8:30 pm ) we slide under one of the bridges that connect Tromso to the other islands around it, and pull up to the fuel dock which will be our birth for the next nineteen or so hours. After dinner we’re free to go ashore and explore town on our own; just be back before 5:15pm tomorrow!
