"M/S Nordnorge" ready for another roundtrip

The name of this ship, "M/S Nordnorge" may not mean much to any foreign visitors, but at the moment it is the most famous ship in Norway. This ship is one of the eleven ships in "Hurtigruten" (the Norwegian Coastal Voyage) that sails from Bergen in the south/west to Kirkenes in the north/east. A roundtrip takes eleven days. Eleven days ago NRK (The Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation) started a unique program: they sent the whole trip north continuously - in real time - from Bergen to Kirkenes. The program lasted for 5 and a half days. And it turned out to be a gigantic success. One of the most popluar programs ever made in Norway. People met the ship in small vessels, flags were waived, crowds gathered at the ports of call with bands playing - an unbelievable experience to watch. A commentator called it Zen-TV - a reaction against the hasty and quick-and-dirty TV filled with commercials we see every day. NRK have posted an excerpt here.

Hurtigruten usually passes beneath my windows just outside Bergen every evening, so why didn't I post this photo 11 days ago? I was ready on my terrace with two cameras and three lenses. But the ship chose an alternative route out of Bergen, and all I got was a shot with the ship so far in the distance that it was not worth posting. But today I was luckier, and here she is.

I wish I had been aboard ...

Evening atmosphere by a lake in June

We have now reached the period called summer in Norway. In western Norway we are south of the Polar Circle, but the evening is long, and it never gets quite dark.

It makes for many photos, but also for peace of mind. Even a half sunken boat becomes interesting.

One can ponder over the reflection of a straw in a lake.

Leaves of water lilies floating in the still of the night.

Mist starting to rise from the water.

PS Since it is now summer, my postings will be even more irregular than usual, so:

HAVE A NICE SUMMER!!!

Norwegian Wood

Nothing beats nature's own design.

Have a nice Weekend!

Red and Green

Two colours that go together well

In many circumstances.

Living water

One fifth of a second in the life of a wave.

Gulls Galore!

I haven't posted any gulls for a while, so here is a small sample.

Gulls are versatile birds. They may cruise silently along,

or they may quarrel violently with the neighbours.

They may sit contemplating on a skylight,

or they may follow in your wake.

And then they may leave - at least for a period. I'll join in the message on the board:

Thank you for the visit

Welcome back!