Tromsø Pub Day

From the hotel we can see the harbor, gondola, cathedral and part of the famous bridge to Tromsø.

On the waterfront, we discover pretty buildings, snow covered sailboats and fishing trawlers.

Tromsø is a picturesque city.

Time for a beer, or two, or......

Carol can't remember the last time she had a hot dog. This one is special. It's reindeer.

Tromsø Northern Lights Spectacular!

We have an evening boat cruise to chase the Northern Lights. The boat departs only a few meters from our hotel and goes for quite a lengthy cruise. 

The first sighting is disappointing. We can only see the lights in camera pictures. We have so far only seen the lights in our camera pictures. Are they ever visible to the naked eye?

As the trip progresses the lights become more intense. The boat's crew announces more intense lights.

Check out the Big Dipper in this one.

Just before turning for Tromsø, the lights explode. We begin to get colors other than green.

This one with a half-moon in it.

Multiple colors moving along the lower ridge of this one.

These lights are dancing. They are coming and going. They are exploding in brilliance suddenly and just as suddenly disappearing. And most importantly, these are visible to the naked eye in all their colorful glory!

Not only does the extra cost of this evening's boat excursion pay for itself with these pictures, but the entire purpose of the trip is fulfilled on this evening cruise.

CJ is happy.

Along the bottom of this one are different colors.

Kaia, Richard, and King Crab Legs

On our first evening in Tromsø, the restaurant we selected was fully booked. Walking the waterfront, fellow passengers recommended Kaia. We arrived to discover at least five others from our tour dining at Kaia.

We order the restaurant's signature dish: king crab legs for 2.

During the course of the meal our gluttony draws the attention of the owner Richard. We decimate the platter.

We attempt a booking for tomorrow evening. Richard informs us that the restaurant does not take bookings. That said, our desire to dine with him again tomorrow is logged into his brain and a table for two will not be a problem.

We do it again!

Alta to Tromsø

We have an early departure for Tromsø. We have clear skies and a winter wonderland. To we passengers the driving conditions are scary. To our professional driver, it's just another day at the office.

As we return to Norway's semblance of civilization, CJ is having a bizarre sensation. If not for the huge fiord running the length of the road to our left, we could be driving through Vermont. The homes and barns are placed along the road just like Vermont. The home styles and shapes are identical to Vermont. Homes painted yellow, painted red, and painted grey are identical to Vermont. As Yogi would say, "it's de ja vu all over again"

We pass a salmon farm.

At our comfort stop we find a weird elevator where one must hold down a button for it to move. We also discover best ever salted caramel ice cream. How good? CJ three scoops and a second serving later.

We pass the length of the Lyngen Alps, a beautiful snow-covered mountain range.

We catch a ferry which also serves as our lunch stop.

Following a second ferry ride and another drive through the mountains, we pass Tromsø's famous modern cathedral and cross over the bridge to the Tromsø island.

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