Sandvika, Svesjford
We've only been on the ship for two days now but are already slipping into expedition travel mode. Adventure. A growing curiosity and that strong desire to see 'what's around the next corner'. We are captivated by Norway's majestic beauty and as our understanding of the forces that created these steep walls and scenic valleys increases so does our appreciation of this place. It is easy to see how the people's relationship with the water and land has shaped their lives and we are equally enamored with the elegant aesthetic of homes, villages and farmlands.
Put simply, the landscape here is stunning. Today, there were more than our fair share of 'oohs; and 'ahhs' that rolled over the sea as we navigated toward Sandvika in Svesfjord. But equally noticeable were laughs and smiles from newly formed friendships born from this shared experience. With a flurry of activity and adventure, it has been hard to keep track of all that has happened in the last 24 hours and with more yet to come, perhaps best way to summarize the day's goings on is with this following list, titled simply:
The 10 things you need to know about Expedition Day 2:
1. Still Norwegian After All These Years—naturalist Steve Blamires recounted several thousand years of captivating Norwegian history just in time for lunch. Lesson learned? If you enjoy the ocean, have unusual fish cravings and find that you're self-reflective, hard working and resilient, you just might be Norwegian.
2. If You Don't Like the Weather Wait Five Minutes. We woke up to an overcast and foggy morning—more than acceptable penance considering yesterday's clear blue skies and balmy temperatures. Our spirits were boosted when the clouds cleared, but then it rained again, and a short while later, cleared again. Then, a few sprinkles and then sun, more sun and well, we lost track after that. But what's a few sprinkles to our crew of able-bodied guests, now seasoned explorers. There is no such thing as bad weather – just bad clothes!
3. Go West Young Viking? Find yourself banished from your homeland? Have an ocean going vessel in your backyard and an unrelenting wanderlust? Fear not dear Viking friend. Naturalist Jim Kelley offered a detailed description as to how the Vikings were able to navigate from Norway to Greenland and beyond using several basic navigational techniques, their exhaustive knowledge of the sea and something called the Stepping Stone Route… all sans GPS. Incredible!
4. Expedition Menu Planning. Scott and Schakleton added lard to their pemmican for extra calories. They called it hoosh and mixed with a little hot water slurped it down in one big gulp. Honored National Geographic Explorer Will Steger ate sticks of butter—that's right butter—literally biting off the end like a carrot. We're on an expedition for sure, but just because we're going to one of the most remote places in the world doesn't mean we can't enjoy three squares on the way. Spoiler alert—if you know anything about the National Geographic Explorer, then you also know that the meals served here are incredible. Amundsen fear not, we'll leave your salt pork alone. We've got tastier morsels to contend with.
5. We're Kayak Ready—The weather may not have been conducive to kayaking but that doesn't mean we aren't trained and prepared. We received a short briefing on the finer points of expedition kayaking. The result? It's Kayak Go Time—or at least it will be soon.
6. Calling all Trolls. Do you eat lots of porridge, have a spruce growing out of your nose and like to bowl? Then you might be a troll. Seriously. Naturalist Steve McClean gave a few pointers on the morphology and habits of the common troll (trollus commonus)—one of Norway's most prevalent but rarely seen inhabitants. This just in: Expedition leader Lisa Trotter has placed all staff and guests on double secret troll alert—we'll keep you posted.
7. We've Got Wildlife! While several notable charismatic mega fauna continue to elude us, diligent spotters have brought home several trophy sightings. Today's highlight: two harbor porpoises. Understandably, the bird watching expedition sightings are adding up quickly as guests and staff has identified enough species to make even the most rigorous life lister jealous. Here are a few: the Red-throated Diver, Eurasian Oystercatcher, and White-tailed Eagle. Not included on anyone's shortlist but still noteworthy were several flocks of Norwegian sheep. Considering their inherent cuteness and photogenicity, there are a valuable the addition to our ever-growing list of everything from ordinary to exotic. Speaking of which…
8. Polar Bear Update. While the captain has offered a substantial incentive (I could tell you, but…) for the first polar bear to be spotted by a guest, the bridge's railing remains notch free. (For every bear seen, a notch is carved in the railing.) Most logical explanation? There are no polar bears here, which considering we haven't even crossed into the Arctic Circle is a more simple fact than excuse. Regardless, several couples have vowed diligence in their quest to see THE first bear should one miraculously drop out of the sky in the next few days.
9. Afraid of the dark? Not a problem here. We've got just the solution for you: nature's arctic night light—the midnight sun. With sunset getting later and later the farther north we travel, we no longer experience total darkness.
10. Top Tips. National Geographic photographer Jim Richardson offered a few choice shooting tips. He suggested experimenting with camera settings and angles to create new compositions and image styles. Jim's solution for those 'failed' experiments? He gives them an unusual name which makes them more interesting!
