On Top of the World!

Tromso Cable Car is a must, especially if the day is like today!

(check out the link for opening times)

Family and friends tell me this greatly flatters but have a heart as I felt really on top of the world and the young Norwegian guy who took the photo was gallant with his compliments! So indulge an old lady and at least admire the view.

As can be seen the weather was perfect for this trip and although the photos are great I think the video clip brings the experience so alive

Thanks for your visit.. Sylvia

28th February 2010

Sandefjord

This coastal town is just a short distance from Torp airport. It is one station further on the line and only a five minute ride back to the little platform that serves the airport with a free bus service.

I have all day to spend here with a mid-day check out from the hotel room. After the revitalizing breakfast I took off to walk and hoping to find a circular bus route that would show me something of the town and coastline.

Managed to find my way to the bus station and asked the first bus driver  if I could take a circular ride. He said his route was about 1/2 hr and went out to a residential area and returned. That suited me fine. It first went to the sea front where I could see just how far the frozen sea has reached. At the outer part of the harbour were moored two cruising ferries probably belonging to the line that I had been on in Tromso.

Then out to what is probably a low cost housing area with rows of garage blocks. Some had been carefully dug out whilst others were well and truly snowed in. I cannot imagine what happens to the water at melt down time.

 I kept a careful eye on bus stops and identified one that I could get out at on the return in the knowledge I knew the way to walk back to the hotel. I wanted to see something more and at close hand the iced in boating marina.

So 20 mins later I rang the bell and alighted at a roundabout that had caught my eye during the outgoing journey. It had a centre piece which looked in bronze of a whaling boat with crew and the spear throwing pilot. It sat on the tail fin of a huge whale.

(pity about the fence!)

No matter how abhorrent you feel about this trade it is impossible not to admire the fortitude and bravery of the men who went out in the icy seas to do battle with this magnificent mammal. It was an impressive monument to the men. I am sure whaling is still a tough business but nothing compared to those days.

Another spectacular monument displayed the a rib of a whale.

I then picked my way thro a large park area with high snow ridged paths which were criss-crossed thro for the foot traffic and dog walkers. I found a small seating area with another statute looking out to sea. You could sit on the park bench and admire the view if you were willing to dig it out!

I was greeted by amused smiles by folk and I get the feeling they do not get too many tourists here. That is a shame because folk flying into Torp could enjoy what this small town has to offer and contrast it with the busy city of Oslo.

All the time I kept my marker of the church steeple as my guiding point back to the hotel . Back at 11:45 and just in time to finish my packing and check out. They have kindly offered me the facility of the lounge until 18:15 when I have booked my taxi. Free coffee and internet access is also available so what more can I want? Later I will go out and stroll to the nearest Pizza Parlour and pass the time having lunch.

My muscles are beginning to ache and the odd back twinges are becoming more than that after my struggle with luggage yesterday. I have found this trip pretty physically challenging, even more that Africa. But then I was a few years younger and had a willing helper to carry my baggage when I struggled. This time I have had to be more alert at all tmes and think ahead for my next journey or stopping point.. Having said that I would not have missed a single minute of this adventure, it has been extraordinary for many reasons. The weather, the kind people, the stunning scenery, the great contrasts and of course above all the joy I had watching the Aurora , not just once but three nights in a row. All from different locations and contrasting scenery. I have given some thought about what I could have dropped from this trip and in all honesty the answer is NOTHING. However, without a doubt the evening with Gunnar was the highlight .. a maestro of Theatre in all senses and I would probably have said the same even if the lights had not performed for us that night. But they did .. and that is what made it all so perfect.

I look back on that day almost 1 year ago when we were driving to St Andrews for lunch and saw a vintage car go by with the registration SMW 70 and felt then that it was a message that someone was looking after me. The waiter called it spooky.. and all were amazed at seeing St Adrews in sunshine on April 2nd with golfers in short sleeves, sitting on the terrace at 9 holes and being told that if they could not get a good score today then they never would! Then the early morning drive to Gleneagles with a slight morning mist and the deer on the edge of the golf course. Could anyone have been more pampered that day?! Right down to the morning send off by the children to the evening birthday carrot  cake .. not to mention the Joan Collins swimsuit!!

For those reading this Blog to gain travel information.. I must ask your indulgence for the personal items. This really is my diary of a special year, the generous gift from family and friends and a record for me to savour when traveling no longer becomes an option. More than 30 years ago I wrote a travel diary for my father´s 70th birthday adventure to America. We took Mum and Dad on a months tour of the States and I well remember the many evenings I watched him pull that book from the shelf and read a chapter, recall the day and read the menus. I also re-read that book  frequently and now I can put together one of my own. This time it will not be using the first colour dot matrix printer but in spendid glory of the digital and cyberspace  age!

Sylvia March 3rd 2010

Sandefjord

The Aurora comes to dinner!

The plan was to chase the Northern Lights  but it joined us.
Gunnar, my true idea of a Nordic Viking , tough, ruddy face with thick gutteral accent, picked 3 of us up at City Living and then the final 6 from another hotel. The mother and daughter staying at the same place as myself were on a surprise 60th birthday trip. Mum was not aware until dparture time on Friday evening of the destination and therefore not well prepared. Just ordinary trousers and a light jacket with a wool hat in her bag The group from Maidenhead were well prepared and again this was a special birthday trip and the group frequently travel together. Warm clothes, rucksacks and tripods indicated a well researched trip and both excitement and hopes were high. To calm our expectations Gunnar showed up the map of the area he was prepared to drive to and would be in contact with some other guides to pass on locations of activities. However he said that for 3 nights there had been no sightings on his trip and only small activity on North Whale Island which I had seen. But they had not stayed for long and were not very bright. Fifty/fifty was the given odds so we headed first of all to base camp where Gunnar was to prepare our dinner in a Sami tent beside the fjord.

It was a magical setting and with full moonlight we could enjoy the wonderful scenery around. Gunnar gave us a constant flow of information and at times it was difficult to understand but soon we all became accustomed to his English pronunciation. We were greeted to a warm blazing fire in the tent and a circle of logs draped in reindeer skins to sit on. All the requirements for dinner was brought down on a sleigh.

We were then mesmerised by pure theatre as Gunnar explained the menu and his unique cooking style. Tonight it is cod  - now becoming rarer and expensive if from local waters. Potato wedges cooked with onions and a crispy salad. The fish had been previously prepared and marinated in lime pepper then wrapped in individual foil parcels. These were then hung over the blazing fire. As he prepared the potatoes, vegetables and salad we were given an insight into local life and in particular the rise and fame of Guide Gunnar. The picture is one of a group of tourists all wrapped in layers with assorted stupid hats that we would not normally be seen dead in sitting in a Sami tent around an open sparking log fire. Gunnar in short sleeves, thick muscular arms and a ruddy complexion after a day out ice fishing, wielding a knife that could carve a reindeer in half. The scene is set and we get to know each other and the reason we are here. Jo Lumley must have been employed by the Norwegian Tourist Board!

Drink selection was limited and all but one jumped at the option of Christmas Beer.. which turned out to be a nice light but tangy brew and a favourite at Christmas with the traditional reindeer. No there are not any old reindeers in Norway.. they are the main meat source so do not get too sentimental when out on a reindeer sledge ride!

Dinner was ready and a laden plate was offered to all. The cod was at least 2 inches thick, in steaks about 6in x 4. Very meaty and no bones.. what a new image of eating cod and a far cry from the thin and watery fillets that are frequently drowned in batter. Clean plates all around. Are you beginning to think we have lost the plot and purpose of this trip? No, as just like Scott we assigned ´volunteers´ to venture out into the cold and check for activity. Dessert was fresh fruit cooked in a wok with more than healthy chunk of butter, orange juice for the sauce and bananas to thicken at the end with cinnamon for the spicy kick. Topped with cream as we needed that extra layer of blubber to ward off the cold!

A selecion of teas, including Early Grey (!) was offered or coffee. I asked for a touch of cognac in my coffee and as if by magic a hip flask was produced from one of the group. A wise and well prepared man! Enjoying our coffees and conversations when Gunnar casually mentioned was anyone interested in seeing the lights! We just about fell over ourselves and went outside without all those extra layers of clothing we had carefully fortified ourselves with! No gloves, no hats , falling over tripods this excited group ventured into the cold cold snow. According to Gunnar the temperature was a warm minus 12. Perhaps it was the cold but something brought us to our senses and we went back in and gathered our warm gear. Gunnar went to the mini bus to fetch his camera which was all set up on the tripod and ready. He gathered us all around for the group photo and the Aurora played around us.

No need for us to chase, it had come to join us for dinner and it played alongside a full moon.

Photos: GuideGunnar - Arctic Norway 2010

There will be more updates to this diary  ..  but do check out photos from this group and other adventures  on  Gunnars Photo Facebook
Photo update from the Merry Group thanks to Gill!

Watch this short Video Clip from NASA about what creates the Aurora

Thanks for your visit : Sylvia
 28th February 2010

Tromso Wilderness Centre - Dog Sledding

Tromso Villmarkssenter a great place for both summer and winter activities and a perfect location for Dogsledding

Take a ride with me and experience the bone shaking excitement!

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Yes Saturday was an exciting day for me as I had made contact with the Centre and told that they would be picking me up with another couple  from Maidenhead.  Just the three of us as normally they are pretty busy with large groups from the cruise ships. That suited us just fine! 

First we were taken to 'kit up' and the changing room had a huge selection of all weather suits, hats, mittens and boots. It seems when they have large groups from the ships they are provided with all the necessary clothing. Apart from an extra pair of mittens it was decided I was pretty well equipped in my pink parka and multiple layers!

It was amusing to see rows of boots, all labeled at the heel with a large L  or R. So leaving the warmth and comfort of the cabin we headed out to be greeted by excited dogs.

The Centre has over 240 dogs and each one has its own kennel out on the snow proudly displaying their name. The girls seemed to be able to identify every one and could recount the special personality quirks of each. All were happy to see folk and seemed anxious to be one of the chosen band to work that day. Great noise and excitement all around as harnessing started.

It was explained that the two front leading dogs are usually female because they always respond to commands. The power dogs are usually the final two, 

They decided to use the opportunity to exercise some of the dogs they plan to use in the forthcoming Arctic Huskie Race. So 3 sledges went out with an edge of competition. The young woman driving mine will be part of the team competing this  March. I sat under a pile of furs thinking it would be a nice gently ride. Boy was I in for an exciting bounce around. It took me back to my motor cycling days when it was needed to lean and move to counter the tilts on curves. I was pleased that I had waited that extra year for this experince as I needed every back muscle to work. It was truly exhilarating and the scenery stunning, especially when we topped a hill to see spread below us a partially frozen lake.

So much information and magical scenery to take on board but at this stage I was just hanging on tightly and hoping we would not spill! At times we stopped just to enjoy the scenery. The cold crisp blue light was very special . It also started to snow and somehow I preferred that to blue skies and sunshine. To me it was truly Nordic and everything I had imagined.

At the command the dogs turned and it became evident that we were now on the home stretch. They picked up speed and it reminded me of a pony ride when they are aware of going home. Even before we reached to top ridge we heard the welcome home from the dogs left behind.  

Back to base.. fuss the dogs. It is an important part to thank the dogs and they all loved the fuss and attention.

Hard to move away but as we walked back through the kennels we noticed great piles of food including sacks of salmon steaks. (no need for a freezer here!)  This is in preparation of the Arctic Race as they have to take all their provisions with them. It is worth mentioning this amazing event and I am hoping to put a link in the Blog to follow the Tromso teams in the 2010 event.  Each team can start with 14 dogs which are all chipped and registered. The team must finish with at least 6 dogs but those 6 must have been in the team at the beginning. Hence the chips to check.  The other dogs might well have been retired thro injury or tiredness.  They will pull for approx 200 kms per day and the race starts on 13th March and expected to finish on 30th. It is the longest competed  Huskie Race. 

Race Link follow the Tromso team check in/out each day Tove Sorensen and Tore Albrigtsen  Daily Progress

Now off to visit the new puppies. There were  large enclosed runs  set aside as maternity areas! We were fortunate to be there at a time when two new mums were prepared to display their babes. Maggie and I selected one each for attention and a cuddle. She put hers safely under her jacket where it was happy to snuggle down. They were such fun to watch that it was difficult to tear ourselves away but it was time for lunch and a warm up.

We entered the traditional Sami tent with a central blazing fire. The smell of the pine logs and the hot soup was intoxicating and we settled down to hear more about the life at the centre and their hopes and dreams for the forthcoming race. First we had the soup from the stew and curled our cold hands around the steaming hot mugs. Both Duncan and I suffered from cold camera trigger fingers as no way could we take our photos with the thick gloves on.

Then we had a plate of reindeer meat with chunky veg. (hearty food!) and follwed by some home baked cake.

All too soon it was time to be taken back to Tromso amid excited chatter in the vehicle. We all had more to look forward to and plenty of wonderful memories to look back on.

Got back to the apartment to thaw out a little and prepare for the evening trip out to see if I could catch the Northern lights.I was too late for the cable car so I contacted a guide who accepted to take me on a trip that night as long as I could get to the hotel pick up point and did not mind joining a group.  

So later that evening I slid off  in many directions! and eventually found the collecting place on time.  

 

Thanks for your visit ..Sylvia

27th February 2010

Hunderfossen Winter Park

This time my ticket conversion was compled on board the train and my instructions were to go to Wagon 443 and seat 5. Sure enough the ticket collector came around with a batched of slips and handed out to those of us who had completed the booking on the internet. The name Winterbottom amused him!
The train was full and so many travellers who were geared for ski-ing. My travel companion explained that it was the childrens school winter break and many were off to enjoy a stay in holday cottages. These cottages are frequently lake side and used in summer for sailing, fishing etc but this time of year provide facilities for winter sports. It struck me that Norway is very much like Holland with strong family actvities. Everyone from toddlers to grandparants carry their gear in backpacks and share their loads. My companion was friendly, cultured and informative and was interested in my plans and somewhat surprised that I was not taking the more usual tourist tour. He gave me lots of tips.

As we left Oslo the mist cleared, the sky changed to blue , the sun came out and the snow shone thro white and sparkling.

The dirty slushy snow of the city became virginal and unmarked apart from where the odd bird had landed or wild animal walked. The scenery was magical, acres of Christmas tees in all shapes and sizes with branches laden so they drooped downwards. Colourful wooden houses dotted around with roofs laden with snow proving how well insulated they were. So many of the charming houses had minature replicas in the gardens for childrens play houses. Logs were neatly stacked and uniformly cut. Oh what would they make of my untidy wood store?!
We then came to the areas of the lakes.. frozen solid and lttle to define the shoreline. Only snow coered boulders marked the beaches or landing jetties defined where boats were normally moored. This is obviously a summer playground with individual lakeside cottages. In places the water had frozen in the shape of ripples.. just stopped in time. Far too interesting to doze off but dusk was starting to set in.

Lillehammer was the first major stop and this was the location of 1994 winter Olympics. My friend told me that the Americans enquired where the city and moutains were when they arrived to compete! It looked an uspoilt charming town. My destination was 10 mins further on so I started to prepare myself for the onslaught of the cold. It was begining to get dusk and looked pretty cold outside. Said farewell to friendly conductor and my mentor and found myself just with another person and child on a long, lonely and snow covered platform. I had to wait to see which way they walked to know how to get out. On leaving, all I saw was wooden cottages and a few paths that had been partially cleared. Asked the young Mum if she spoke English and of course got the indulgent smile and a perfectly spoken reply. She directed me to the Winterpark.

Explore the Winter Park yourself

This is an area set aside after the Olympics and turned into a Park with not only a host of adventure activities but the most southernly Ice Hotel in Norway plus ice Cathedral. Boh are carved out early in January, weather permitting and stay until melt down. Although no seniors discount advertised (I had enjoyed 50% for the rail travel) was told I could go in as an under 145 cms! Child tickets are based on height.. and I asked if I could be under 120cms as they were free! I did get the priviledge of being taken to a pony driven sledge, covered in a fur blanket and taken for a tour of the area so I knew exactly what I wanted to return to on foot to visit. The heat from the pony wafted in waves of steam and his muzzle was covered in long icicles,

So much to observe and learn! Just pick up and wooden chair on skis and push yourself around like riding a scooter. Young children happy in the front and being whizzzed around by grandparents. Teenagers using them for fast track races and an old Michelin lady trying to get the hang of it before approachng the downhill slopes! I found the braking system of dragging a foot useful and effective. My boots are proving the biggest bonus. In them I feel secure and warm. The long collapsible pole I brought is also fantastic,not only for extra confidence but a good indiicator of snow depth if you are in danger of wandering from a path.

I decided to venture into the Troll cave.. which is a bit like our fairground Ghost train but on foot ! The Trolls are human and time their confrontaions for maximum effect! They had a hay day with me!

Of course my visit really was centred to the ice hotel and cathedral. My expectations were to sit at the bar ad have an aperitif! That idea was frozen out by prices, starting at 10 pounds for a long drink to 25 pounds for a wine! without ice of course!

It was just so interesting to see the carvings, bedrooms and imaginatio that goes ito it all. Well worth the visit, I headed off for the souvenir shop where I noted a sign for coffee.. I have learnt from the station that you pay for a hot drink and then go to an area where you make what you want. There is a range of thermos flasks with water, coffee hot chocolate etc.. This time the instant coffee types or teas for you to select and the thermos was hot water, After I had poured mine, I realised that the water was not very hot. At 2.50 a cup and in need of a warm brew I complained. The girl was pleasant and told me to prepare another and she would bring a boiling kettle to fill it, This time it brought laughter all around as it melted the plastic spoon in the cup!

The restaurant was worthy of a look as it was decorated with Trolls and enchanted figures, wonderful log fire and a menu of reindeer, fresh salmon and other local delicacies. Main courses were around 30 pounds and 10 for starters or desserts. Thank goodness for the extra pack of sadwiches back at the hotel and the museli bars I had been nibbling on all day. All indoor areas had places to shed your outer garments and hang up. Young children are broungt in, ski suits discarded and out from their backpacks will come small flasks with a hot drink. They are so well organised and the kids active and well behaved. Braziers were doted around the park ad whole families would sit, enjoy the warmth whilst the kids played in ice shutes, curling, and all sorts of things.

Time to walk back to the station but before I did I needed to establish how to cross the railway line for the return train. When I arrived I could not see anything obvious and wondered it it meant walking over the track. Better be safe than sorry so I started my enquiries at the park entrance. It involved 3 people before they all fell about laughing as they realised that at this point it is only a single track so only platform on one side! I started my 10 min  walk back to the platform with a smile on my face. The temperature was minus 20 but apart from one hand (camera button!) I have not felt cold. The walk was good and well lit but it was pretty virginal snow as most visitors arrive by car. I kept myself warm by walking the station until arrival of the train and it only picked up 3 passengers here, For this part of the journey I had paid 9 pounds extra for Komfort Klass.. tempted by the offer of reclining  seats and free coffee. I had thought that at the end of a long day I would be in need of both. Again everyone sheds their outer layers as the temperature is kept very warm. But how do I shed 3 pairs of knee length thermal knickers in public!? The journey slipped by and I was amused that the guard stepped off in short sleeves at each station. I decided not to attempt the walk to the hotel at 11pm so another taxi. I picked up a mug from the desk and came to the room to make a brew and have my sandwiches.. plus of course check my EMails!

It was pleasant to sleep under a thin duvet and now sit up in bed and type my diary without any extra warmh needed. This is far better than Casa M but I am sure it comes at a cost. The electric element I have brought is great and my toothbrush comes in handy to stir the tea forgot to bring a spoon) Breakfast is at 6am so I am 1 hr late! But I have completed my diary for  Day 1.

Day 1 - Alicante to Oslo

Well my alarm was set for 02:45 but I was awake and up before it and spent sometime checking weather forecasts for Oslo before leaving my warm bed. Somehow time drifted and I was later leaving Casa M than I had planned but was on the motorway at 03:50. Could not make up for the late start because of high winds. Even in my small car I was frequenly taken by a gust. However little traffic on the road so that helped, I arrived at Claus airport parking to find another car parked with headlights on and gates firmly locked.  Five Spanish lads who were also en route for Oslo to compete in ice skating. They were pretty agitated as not getting any response to open the gates. They were relieved when I pulled out my mobile with the office number in my contacts. I obviously stirred the night watchman from his slumbers and the guard dogs as well. It took another 5 mins for him to appear wth 4 chasing and threatening looking hounds, A mix of Dobermans and Alsatians who chased us to the office. The night watchman (Asian extraction) explained in broken English/Spanish that both mini buses were out of action. With 5 occupants in the other car plus me it became a complicated affairs that dragged on to the degree that six travellers were were getting agitated over check-in times. The Spanish were sent off in their car to the airport to drop off 3 excess passengers and return back to the parking place. I spent the waiting time changing from my driving shoes into my snow boots. A diffcult task normally but the ´vicious´ dogs thought it a great game and were just big softies who wanted to play and get some attention. Whilst one ran off with a shoe the others vied for some attention from me or played with the laces. Under less stressful circumstances it would have been fun and they were great dogs. Then the watchman took us in his car back to the airport. It was nearly 6am before we arrived at check-in and somewhat wound up. Surprisingly the flight was very busy with a mix of Nationalities. Many Norwegians returning from a holiday break in sunny Spain, some Spanish going for a winter ski break and a rotund old lady looking like the Michelin man. The check-in guy noted my 13k luggage and then my hand luggage so decided to get me to put that on the scales as well. Raised his eyebrows and smiled when the combined bags weighed in at 22k. One of the few passengers that morning not sent off to the cash desk for excess payment. Stripping off and decanting computer at security was fun and I was more than happy that they did not make me take off my boots. At Alicante I have the boarding queue worked out. No need to join the rush, just look for the dis-abled lift.. this bypasses the stairs and takes you to the front of the queue at the bottom. The other punters who have rushed thro the desk are still queuing on the stairs. So I was one of the first on baord and soon sitting comfortably in a window seat ready to catch up on sleep.

Ontime take off and it seemed no time at all before we were loosing height over a frozen sea and approaching Oslo. For me no on board drinks or eats.. Ryanair.. not a penny more! We landed 35 mins early which prompted me to check if there was a earlier train to Oslo centre. I had opted to take the train rather then Ryannair bus because it took me directly to the station where I could connect for my next trip toLillehammer. My plan was to use the statiion luggage lockers to store my travel baggage so that I could enjuoy the afternoon/evening without it. First I needed to convert my EMail train confirmation into a ticket and asked the shuttle bus driver how to do it and if there was an earlier train. He went off in one direction with my paperwork whilst another carried my luggage to the shuttle. It seems if I hurried I could catch the train 1 hr earlier than planned giving me the opportuity to check in at the hotel and return to the station for my next journey. They were super and both refused a tip.. but later I died with embarrassment when I calculated I was only offering them 10p instead of what I thought was a pound! The snow was piled high roadside and I watched in admiration as the returnig Norwegians started to dig out their cars left at the airport. The station! ah well if I had any thoughts of a nice comfie waiting room and a hot coffee then I was mistaken. It was not more than a glazed bus shelter beside a railway crossing. Only a name board gave any indication that it was a station.. The bus driver told me to SIT and he kept the vehicle warm and running until the crossing lights indicated a train was approaching. Then he carried my bag to the train, handed me into the care of the guard . All speaking just perfect English and so kind. I found my fellow travellers on this part were a Norwegian girl with a Liverpool husband. They were returing from a trip to Alicante and back to cold Norway. He explained that this winter has been particularly harsh and the forzen sea had nearly extended to Denmark, So all those flotillas of ice I had been admiring from the air in fact were proving quite a hazard. My Liverpool lad admitted to a dream of retiring one day to Spain as he was fed up with coping with the long harsh winters. He told me that he and his wife had been discussing me and trying to work out my nationality. They had noted the well prepared warm clothing and said I was the first Brit tourist they had encountered with suitable and sensible footwear! Well done Sandy! they were interesting to talk to but left the train well short of Oslo. As usual Ryanair airport is way out of the city centre.. in fact a train journey of 2 hrs. I arrived with 1 hr 49 mins before my next connection and the knowledge that my hotel was 5 mins walk from the station. A 5 min walk that cost me 11 pounds in taxi fare! each way! ..later I was able to compare that to the 4 pounds it would have cost to rent the luggage locker. However, it gave me the opportuity to settle into the hotel a lttle, add another wind proof layer of trousers, get a hot drink, eat my sandwiches and set off again. I returned to the station in plenty of time.

Now to Visit Hunderfossen near Lillehammer

Journey Start

Well I was about to say that the journey started at 5am at Alicante airport but in fact that is not strictly true.

It started one evening in Wales watching Joanna Lumley on the television fulfill her childhood dream to see the Northern Lights. At that time I was confident that Casa Mirande had been sold and I would have some money to spare for travelling.  I put the Northern Light experience at the top of my list but sadly the sale never materialised and my dream was put on the back burner.
If you missed the program watch a little here



Then came my 70th birthday and Sandy sent me the information  to select my trip from a list of options as a special birthday present. Many events conspired that it did not prove possible during my 70th year and planning went ahead for February 2010.  Suggesed cruise options were dismissed for many reasons which included high single supplements, and I spent many happy hours researching information on the Internet.

February was the selected month because the days were getting lighter and it would give some opportunity for day time sight-seeing.  The next important criteria was to select a guide who would be able to give me the best opportunity of success.  The one name that constantly came to the fore was Guide Gunnar.  So off went the initial EMail and his friendly response clinched the deal for February 28th 2010

Birthday donations were pooled to cover all the costs of flights, excursions, hotels etc and many family members and friends were generous. A round trip from Alicante - Oslo - Lillehammer - Tromso - Edinburgh - Alicante was booked and gradually all bookings were made, changed, and researched giving me many happy hours of aticipation. 

So here I am now sitting in my bed-sitter in Tromso waiting to be picked up by Gunnar for my night of chasing the Aurora.

I am  getting ahead of myself because since leavng Alicante there have been many wonderful experiences to write about. So my Diary will start with Day 1.