For the last few mornings we have woken up within the walls of some of the most beautiful fjords that Norway has to offer and this morning was no different. All around us, granite rose from the water and created the long pathway into one of the fjords of the Tysfjorden, one of the largest fjord systems in Norway.
Ahead of us was a small Sami village. The village is still in use, mainly as a summer area for the Sami people. When we arrived the town was empty but there was evidence of life with racks of fish, mostly cod but also some sturgeon, hanging out to dry in the open air. The fishing season is over, but the Sami dry the fish for many weeks before it is ready for use.
From the village we headed off for a few different hikes. The more active guests headed for a rugged hike to a mountain top, and they were rewarded with spectacular vistas. The trail was not an easy one but the hearty souls persevered! There was also the option of a shorter, but equally as beautiful, hike to a large waterfall that reminded some guests of a mini Niagara Falls. For those choosing a quieter excursion, a Zodiac cruise around the fjord walls gave us all the excitement we needed.
After lunch there was time for downloading photos, catching up on journals, or maybe a quick nap, before we disembarked to visit some large-scale petroglyphs at Leiknes, another site within the Tysfjorden area. The animal figures are believed to have been made just after the last ice age by prehistoric people about 9,000 years ago. The images depict deer, swans, and even a killer whale, and are spread out over a large area of flat rocks.
All of this would be enough to fill ay day, but today, we had yet one more adventure before ending our day. After dinner, we saw just how skilled our captain is at handling our ship, the National Geographic Explorer. As though paddling a small canoe, he steered us into the narrowest of passages through Trollfjord. We were then privileged to be part of a historic moment when the National Geographic Orion joined us as we entered the Fjord. To have the two oceanic vessels here at the same time, in one of the most picturesque places on the planet, was incredible. Everyone on both ships was cheering and clapping and having the best time. What a way to end such an eventful day.
