We’ve crossed the Arctic Circle (note the latitude above for official confirmation), setting three personal records in the process. The first record is earliest crossing. Most years by May 18th we are happy to be at 56.5 degrees. And here we are ten degrees closer to the pole.
The second record is warmest water. The 49.6F looks toasty, but a few hours previous we were in a gyre with 55F (13C).
And for our final record we offer this sunset, at 2300 Norway summer time. That’s the latest sunset we have seen, and in another week there won’t be any sunset at all.
We’ve made landfall in the Lofoten Islands at Reine, in the southeast corner of this archipelago.
This is one of the few towns around that maintains a traditional fishery. Those are cod drying on the racks above the building. There’s lots more to tell about this fascinating business which we will get to in a few days.
You have to love a country where they still fish from varnished timber hulls (and there are lots of these around).
The “marina” at Reine is tiny, the view spectacular, and there’s wifi in the air.
We are going to put down temporary roots, catch up on design work, writing, boat chores, and enjoy the ambiance.
For closure we offer another first. As in, the first time in a year, since the Bahamas, that we have had our window awnings set. Did we mention the weather is spectacular?
Posted by Steve Dashew (May 19, 2009)
May 19th, 2009 at 7:26 pm
Steve, I am really enjoying your journey and chuckle at your wonderment of the awe inspiring North. I wish I was with you. One small point, those fish drying racks are called flakes. Fish and brewis is a delicacy. Drop in on your way home and I will give you a meal you won’t forget.
May 20th, 2009 at 4:52 am
Well, look at that…
For a decade or two, we’ve had a poster of a small town in Norway with a steep mountain towering over it. But we’ve never known where the photo was taken. Then your first photo of Reine jumped out at me, with that very familiar mountain. With a little help from Google Earth, I’m now certain the photo for this poster was taken from the strip connecting Reine to shore.
Thanks!
May 20th, 2009 at 6:06 am
Hi Guys.
I’v been lurcking on your site for a few years now, it just gets better as time goes on…It’s great that you share information so freely….Thanks so much for that…
….I like the little red and white double-ender tied up alongside you at Reine…Looks real seaman-like to my eye…
Keep up the good work…..My Kind Regards, Noel in Kiwiland….