ARCTIC ADVANCE 2009 ARCTIC ADVANCE 2009

Tuesday, July 21

Return from Mehamn is easiest by air, but I do it in style by boat. First the bus to Kjøllefjord, to embark at 1730 on the Kong Harald, which makes the daily trip from the Hurtigruten along the Norwegian coast. On one hand a beautiful cruise liner with the typical retired cruise public, but also a working freighter, with among others beer kegs unloaded in Kjøllefjord.
A good hour later we pass the Nordkinn, this time for a sea view. After the stop in Mehamn meals on board: rich buffet with seafood, lobster, king crab, etc.! Later that evening Berlevåg is served. I sleep on a seat in the observation lounge. Local walks today: 5.6 km.

Wednesday, July 22

After seving Vardø and Vadsø, arrival at Kirkenes 1000. Walk (11.8 km) in this city on the Russian border. In a pub I chat with a sober Englishman and a drunken Fin. Bij 1830 the bus to the airport for the return to Oslo.
I will need to get used to the nocturnal darkness again....