Carnival Pride 10th June 2022 Part 7

Thursday 16th June 2022 Today the ship has arrived in Olden, which is far inland and north on the map, and 'the gateway to the glaciers' according to one plan. The fjord looks beautiful here at the furthest point of it, with high snow-covered mountains towering way above us. There are shops near the terminal area and a village further along so we have plans to walk along the waterside this morning and enjoy the cold and the views.

The valley in fact goes a long way further inland from where we are berthed but is not navigable for us. When we arrived on deck this morning we discovered that the cruise ship ISLAND PRINCESS is at anchor on the far side of the fjord and her passengers have to go ashore by tender, so we feel very fortunate to be where we are. One friend is working today but later told us that there had been a power cut in the night for about half an hour. He had noticed that our speed had dropped and so he got up and dressed, to check with staff. They said that our speed had dropped to only about 3 nautical miles an hour before recovering, but all was well eventually. He also discovered during the day that there was no on- line internet access via the ship and he had to use his own phone to be able to work. That was thoughtful of him to check during the night. After breakfast three of us went ashore for a brisk walk, which of course had to start in one of the small quayside shops to buy local products. Then to avoid having to walk on the main road we used the local paths that had been created. As we walked towards the end of this part of the fjord we were amazed at the steep height of the snow-capped mountains beside us. I noticed one map described this area as the Gateway to the Glaciers. It was certainly cold and the air still but fascinating, as we are far north and seem to be far inland in the Norwegian landmass. Our walk led to another part of Olden with a few more shops near the water, and we could see the local church even further along the valley.

After taking a few more photographs and admiring the mountain views, we headed back to the ship for a late lunch on board. Something I found during the afternoon was decoration along the top and surround of one of the passenger corridors. It was so attractive - it looked like braid, or possibly made of china, but it caught my eye and I had to photograph it. Touching it carefully with one clean finger gave me no clue as to what it was, but I enjoyed seeing it.

We sailed mid-afternoon and enjoyed a delightful scenic time on deck, wearing warm clothing of course, and looking at the mountains as we sailed away, and the waterfalls tumbling into the fjord.

We all met again for drinks before dinner. This evening we have booked to eat in David's Steakhouse, and this was a beautiful and enjoyable experience with particularly delicious food. There was no opportunity for photographs as other passengers were arriving or leaving this dining room. Overnight we sail south and are due to visit Bergen tomorrow for the day. I've been there before and always enjoyed my visit. When my father was at sea as an engineer in the early 1930s he visited there with the ARANDORA STAR and took several photographs of the quayside near where they berthed. I now have many of those photographs and have taken my own pictures in the same place during my visits. I like the idea of continuity and 'Following in Father's Footsteps'. Ships seen: Carnival Pride, Island Princess To be continued...