Northwest coast - September 6, 2013

We stopped at two ports during the night, Mehamn and Kjellefjord. These two towns in the northeast of Norway are mainly known for fishing and related activities. When we passed by Mehamn the first time, our guide pointed out the rock shaped like a bishop on his throne, called Bispen Mountain. It seems like all people like to name rock formations.

Our next port was Honningsvag for a brief stop to let the passengers off who wanted to visit the North Cape. They would rejoin the boat at a later port.

Havoysund Norway

We also made another fifteen minute stop in Havoysund (sund means sound). We had stopped there briefly last Wednesday and there was something very appealing to me about this city. I am sorry we did not have time to explore it. There are wind turbines on the hill overlooking the town. It is nice to see the Norwegians trying alternative forms of energy, even with all their oil. Our guide said they are even trying to harness wave action (which they have plenty of) for energy. The town looks very well kept with its colorful houses all along the waterfront.

We continued sailing southwest past the many islands and straits along the coast of Finnmark. The next port was Hammerfest. We had had an early morning stop here last Wednesday. This claims to be the world’s most northerly town (a town being over 5000 people). It has claimed the polar bear as its symbol. We had an hour and a half to walk around the town, taking pictures of all the polar bear statues, blue pavilions, and flags. I even joined the polar bear society which was formed to raise money and awareness to protect the polar bear. (I got a pin.)

 

Hammerfest Church, Hammerfest Norway

Another point of interest was the beautiful Hammerfest church. It is another triangular shaped church with a large stained glass window behind the altar table. We also walked up to see the Catholic Church, St. Michaels. It was a small white building, with the church on the second floor.

Don was particularly interested in the liquefied gas installation on Melkoya Island  just outside of town. Gas is piped in from the Snow White (Shjohvit) gas fields far out at sea. The gas is processed on the ocean floor and sent to this plant to be liquefied and transported in huge red tanker ships.

Liquefied gas plant near Hammerfest Norway