Karen and a Crab
We are now 306 miles above the Arctic Circle and within a few miles of the northernmost point in Europe in the small island town of Honningsvag, Norway, which overlooks the pristine bay of the Barents Sea. Only 126 miles to Russia, the population here is only 2,500 inhabitants and approx. 5,000 reindeer. Income is from the fish industry and tourism. It's interesting to note that the reindeer are the property of the indigenous people of Norway, the Sami who use them like horses.
The first scenic fishing village we toured was Karmoyvaer, approx 20-min drive from town. A very quaint village with only 60 inhabitants, it is nestled at the head of a narrow fjord. We saw several Cod drying on racks and numerous fishing boats in the harbor. There are only 5 children in this village and no school, so parent's drive them to school in Honningsvag. Karen enjoyed the "Gallery East of the Sun" owned by a German lady who does beautiful artwork and jewelry.
Our next stop on our tour was the tiny village of Sarnes (8 inhabitants). Here we learned about the King Crab that thrive here in the fjord. In fact, the largest king crab they caught was 6-ft, weighing in at 22 lbs. The one Karen is holding is much smaller. Neither Bill or Ric were willing to hold a crab so Karen had to step up!
We learned a lot about King crab which are invasive in this area and the government is trying to keep them from spreading to other areas.
Although at sea level, the landscape looks much different with very few trees and plenty of tundra surrounding the beautiful fjord. This evening we turn south where in a week, we'll see night once again.
Later on board, we enjoyed tea onboard in the Wintergarden, which ment we had a late dinner.
This evening we enjoyed a one woman show put on by our cruise director, Heather. Her talent was amazing.
The first scenic fishing village we toured was Karmoyvaer, approx 20-min drive from town. A very quaint village with only 60 inhabitants, it is nestled at the head of a narrow fjord. We saw several Cod drying on racks and numerous fishing boats in the harbor. There are only 5 children in this village and no school, so parent's drive them to school in Honningsvag. Karen enjoyed the "Gallery East of the Sun" owned by a German lady who does beautiful artwork and jewelry.
Our next stop on our tour was the tiny village of Sarnes (8 inhabitants). Here we learned about the King Crab that thrive here in the fjord. In fact, the largest king crab they caught was 6-ft, weighing in at 22 lbs. The one Karen is holding is much smaller. Neither Bill or Ric were willing to hold a crab so Karen had to step up!
We learned a lot about King crab which are invasive in this area and the government is trying to keep them from spreading to other areas.
Although at sea level, the landscape looks much different with very few trees and plenty of tundra surrounding the beautiful fjord. This evening we turn south where in a week, we'll see night once again.
Later on board, we enjoyed tea onboard in the Wintergarden, which ment we had a late dinner.
This evening we enjoyed a one woman show put on by our cruise director, Heather. Her talent was amazing.
Whoa, that is one giant crab...way to be adventurous, Karen!
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