Reflections Galore and the Artic Circle

We woke up to the ship anchored at a perfectly tranquil bay with mirrored reflections of everything around it, including the Svartisen glacier in the distance.  It was so beautiful everyone on deck just held their breaths, waiting for the peace to be broken.  The mirrored surface was finally broken by the zodiacs taking us to shore to begin the short hike to the glacier. Some on board took the difficult hike option rock scrambling up to the foot of the glacier and were duly rewarded with a spectacular view. We were content to sit at the café to enjoy the view with waffles (what else!) and coffee.

View of the Svartisen Glacier from the café

I also did a short hike through the beautiful birch forest, teased by the sound of bird songs, but they were not easy to find among the leaves, unless they want to be found, as in the cocky pied wagtail below, hopping around the café grounds.

Pied wagtail

It was amazing how the mirrorlike reflections did not change even as the sun rose high up in the sky.  This was the reflection that greeted us as we returned to the ship. 

We continued our norlthward journey crossing the Arctic Circle, paying due respect with champagne on deck to note the passing of the Arctic Circle monument at Vikingen. It was an exhilarating moment for some who had also been to the South Pole and could finally be confirmed as "bipolar"...;-)  

The Arctic Circle monument at Vikingen

Next up was the island of Lovund, known for the kittiwakes nesting on a huge rock a short distance from the pier and the puffins nesting half way up the mountain. The kittiwakes were very visible but the puffins were too high up to be seen easily, even with a long lens. But we braved the rock scramble to viewing the area and was able to make it back down the treacherous wet rocks, content with having at least seen a few puffins.

Lovund, a peaceful village - it was heartening to see kids freely roaming the streets on their bikes in the mostly car-free town - not a common sight these days in the cities.

Bird condo!

Eurasian Magpie

The great view from the puffin viewing area - but also note the rocky downward path

A grey-faced puffin - apparently not all puffins have white faces!

This polished modern building was a bit unusual in this little village, population 500!  There are more birds than people here!  If I weren't already cutting it very close to the last zodiac, I would have found out more about it!