June 13, 2017



  After trying to return to sleep since 2:15 a.m., I finally got dressed and ventured out into the morning overcast daylight at 4:45 a.m.  There was a slight wind and a pleasant temperature of 12 C as the ship slowly glided in the 127 mile long Sognefjord with its steep rock sides lining the route to reach the hamlet of Flåm, Norway – winter population about 250, on a spur fjord known as Aurlandsfjord.  The tops of the mountains still had visible patches of snow, waterfalls cascading down from more than 400 meters, and cloud bottoms grazing the mountain tops.  Occasionally, some blue sky appeared and the sun tried to break through the clouds. I spent 90 minutes enjoying the view, before an unsuccessful attempt to sleep before the alarm sounded at 7:15.  Steps 5302 (about 4 km)

  Flåm’s geographical location is Latitude:60° 51' 40.1897" and Longitude:7° 6' 55.562". Oslo, Norway’s capital, is located at 59° 55' N / 10° 45' E, which is further north than Churchill, Manitoba, Canada, located at Latitude 58° 46' N and Longitude: 94° 9' W. Flåm is located on a finger channel of west-east aligned Sognefjord which flows into the North Sea.  The channel is known as Aurlandsfjord.  The ship was docked about 7 a.m., with some excursions off the ship leaving as early as 8:15 a.m.
  After breakfast in the dining room, we joined others in the World Stage theatre to await our assigned groups for 20-kilometre train journey on Flåmsbana (the Flåm Railway). Flåm is located right at the head of the fjord at 2 meters above sea level.  Our trip climbed to 811 meters above sea level, where the group alighted from the coaches and walked the short distance to the Vatnahalsen Hotel, where we were served small heart shaped Norwegian waffles which had toppings of strawberry preserves and a mild whipped sour cream to use as waffle toppings.  The group was able to explore the area for another 30 minutes before the next train returned to take us back to Flåm. 
   The journey is about one hour each way and at some points has a grade of 1 to 18. It took 20 years to construct in the 1920s and 1930s, snaking through 20 tunnels, 18 of which were hand dug and 20 curves.  Rather than building bridges to go over it, the Flåmselvi river was rerouted through a tunnel in one of the valleys.  There many farms balancing on the sides which are accessed by boat and vehicle. Passing in one of the valleys is Rallarvegen, “The Navvies’ Road”, a scenic recreational bicyclist’s route with switchbacks, formerly a service road for the Bergen Railway. The train stopped both ways for a five minute photo opportunity close to the waterfall called Kjosfossen.  Most photographers experienced a light spray.
    In the village of Flåm, by the old hamlet center is a wooden church built in 1667.  The town is alive with tourists staying of the RV park, one of the quaint hotels or bused in from Bergen to return on the railway.  There is a small alpine mall selling souvenirs including beautiful woolen goods – hats, mitts, gloves, socks, sweaters, vests.
  I was so tired after the journey that I skipped lunch to try to sleep, but only succeeded with resting for three hours.
  Tonight was the first of two group dinners for our travelling group.  The specialty restaurant had an Italian theme and served generous Italian size portions for four courses.  It was an evening to get to know the other eight members of the group.  We chose as appetizer Veal & Sage Polpettine or Zuppa di pesce – a hearty saffron soup containing mussels, clams, cod, and vegetables.  Only one pasta dish that was too big for two.  Main course was either Rigatoni with Italian sausage and olives or a Portobello Mushroom with spaghetti and zucchini strings.  To end the meal we both ordered a delicious Tiramisu.
   The Guest Performer in the World Stage theater was comic Paul Adams, which I skipped in order to have an early night.  I may be getting laryngitis.
  Steps 11,498
 














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