In each cruising area we look for one perfect photo – a balance of content, color, contrast, clouds, sky, and water – which creates a heightened emotional response for us (or you might say evokes a major buzz) and reminds us of what we loved about that part of the world. Eventually it may end up on a wall in the house, the equivalent of a hunter’s mounted trophy head.

This morning, when the sky was unusually clear, with a hint of cumulous clouds to come, we broke camp in search of a prize catch.

This shot gives a feeling for Norway, with its steep mountains and occasional dwellings on tiny patches of land.

Norway is filled with narrow channels of which the one ahead (100 feet/30m wide) is a reminder.

As you may have figured out, we are partial to mountains covered with snow. They are dramatic with clouds, in the mist, or with a backdrop of blue sky, and there are lots from which to choose.

Another tight squeeze. This photo has the clouds, mountains, and a bit of boat, but the lighting is not right on Wind Horse.

Waterfalls are always interesting. This one is OK, but we have better from earlier in the year. Still, it was fun getting off the boat and into the dinghy for a look

Now for a nonsequiter. We belong to a soaring club in Tucson, Arizona, where there are foreign pilots training in F16s at the local Air National Guard base. These youngsters occasionally join the soaring club for some extra stick time (real pilots prefer to fly without engines). A few years back a pair of Norwegians were at the club and we got to talking.

So, we felt we had a proprietary interest in the maneuvers of these jet jockeys as they buzzed us.

Now the interesting part. We were just entering a small fiord, when the lead aircraft (above center right) pulled a hard left turn (at least four Gs), then rolled level, went into a 45 degree climb (they could have easily gone vertical), with the wingman never missing a beat. To a sometime acrobatic glider pilot this was a jolt of adrenalin. Thanks guys.

In direct contrast to everything else we have been seeing a souvenirs of visitors. How insulting this must be to the Norwegians, and how stupid to advertise you are defacing their lovely country. If anyone knows these folks they should tell them to wise up! And maybe invite them to remove their graffiti.

Back to the hunt. This anchorage, Haversand, may be tops on the list for ambiance in Norway (so far). 180 degrees of beach at low tide with snow capped mountains in the background. Hard sand bottom at 30 feet (9m) and just enough room to swing.

We have been out in the dinghy snapping photos as the light and sky changes.

We like today’s photos, but none of them quite come up to what we want for our trophy.

Having given up getting Wind Horse into the photo we were having afternoon “tea” on the flying bridge clad in t-shirts, hats, and of course shades. As we were munching our home made biscuits, thick with Spanish honey, the clouds started to build on the mountains to the north. Grab the cameras, put the polarizing filters back on, and…

…at least we can give you an indication how wonderful it is to experience scenery like this from your own home.

If you want to get out the sand toys, the beach is three boat lengths from the transom.

Finally, we have a candidate for our best photo of Norway contest. This one, really captures what we love about Norway. Of course, there is lots of territory left to cover.