Into Hardangerfjord

Exploring Hardangerfjord the Polarcirkles have been in use again. The weather was unkind for a large part of the day but there were at least some indoor options ashore.   At Ulvik, the landing is at Brakanes Hotel, with a welcoming lobby and large conservatory facing the fjord. There has been a hotel on this scenic spot for 153 years, the first building of 1860 had just four rooms.

The thirteenth century stave church here was pulled down in 1710, and its replacement had the same fate in 1858. The third and present church of Ulvik was completed in 1859, the pretty painted decoration dating to 1923.  Surviving valuables from the medieval church are in museums, in replacement a copy of the alterfront of 1250 hangs on the wall.

After lunch we landed at Agatunet on the western shores of Sørfjorden. This hamlet of 30 buildings dating from the Middle Ages to the present is one of the few remaining group farms in Norway. The buildings, local costume collection and fjord marine life all explained by local guides.

The Court of Appeals lodge built around 1250 is the oldest medieval building of its kind in Norway that is still standing on its original site.   Huge tree trunks make up the walls, and the later metalwork features on the door to the main room.

Saturday Morning to Monday Afternoon

Not long when there is so much to do.  A routine maintenance stop in Bergen involved a lot.  Activity for all departments througout the ship.  Deliveries, servicing of equipment, repairs, counting, clearing, cleaning ...

Those blue jackets for passengers, some 3,200 of them, manhandled from pallets on deck 2 into the Deep Store, right down in the hull of the ship.

Tests completed everything is ready.  Captain Rune Andreassen is on the bridge, and passengers are on-board. We first go back into the fjords for a few days then on to Scotland.  No better place than the Panorama Lounge for a comfy view.

Following Historical Footprints

One hundred metres above Eidfjord is the Hæreid mountain plateau, where those interested gathered for an explanation of the largest collection of Viking graves in Western Norway. Enroute we crossed the Eid river and strolled the gentle incline to the lake it flows from, before climbing to the plateau through forest.

The stone church of 1309 is now Norway’s only remaining Church of St. James from the middle ages. According to folklore it was built by wealthy landowner Rike Ragna to atone for her sins.

As the first visitor ship of the year, Fram was treated to a farewell from the quay. 18 year old resident Lill-Ida Nesheim sang three Norweigan songs that beckon Spring.

As we are travelling on , the fresh green colours of Spring are just beginning to show themselves in the spots where the snow melted first. But it is easy to see how artists are inspired by the palette of winter. Scandinavian Art and Outdoor Life were two of the lecture subjects today, before the Captain welcomed guests onto the bridge. After dinner, the Fram Fashion Show closed the day.

Gibraltar

Few places boast a view of two continents, but you do not even have to og to the top of the Jurassic limestone rock that constitutes Gibraltar to do just that. Africa and Europe are on opposite sides of the Strait that forms the entrance to theMediterranean Sea. Stiff breezes but beautiful warm sunshine showed off the spring wildflowers clinging to the rocks.

The best known residents of this densly populated British territory are the Barbary macaques of the upper slopes – where they are ready to amuse visitors with their antics.

In such a position to monitor the seas the first fort on Gibraltar was built by Moors. The last, major military construction the tunnels engineered by the British and Canadians during World War 2. The rock from these excavations used to create the airport runway still in use today. It may also be unique to Gibraltar that everyone can cross this tarmac by vehicle or on foot.

Back in the Water

Fram is back in the water. The gap in Fram's sailing schedule was to complete its five year classification certificate. A dry dock would probably come bottom of anyone's list of beautiful places that Fram goes, however they are fascinating, bustling places of work.            

Gangways are functional rather than sleek. The decks were filled with equipment, tools and cans of paint for the use of workmen.  

After 14 days of intense work in Bremerhaven their rubbish was lifted off by crane. Workers descended the steep stairs and bid farewell.

Tugs fore and aft set the ship on its way out of the dock. Lifeboats were re-united to their davits, and all was ready for final checks, tests and drill before heading out to sea.

 
All is set to continue the season heading north. Passengers will be picked up in Hamburg tomorrow as Fram heads for the stunning Norweigan Fjords…

Overnight or Overland to Agadir

Overnight to Agadir.   A modern city rebuilt after destruction by an earthquake in 1960.  The Kasbah with views over city and harbour survived.   A popular beach resort, the King has a palace in the city and visits reguarly.    In ruins, the Kasbah still gave a strong impression of it former strength.  The souk and the folkshow produced Morocco's promised colour.

The overland party returned after not only the excitement of Marrakesk but also the drive over the High Atlas Mountains to return to Fram.  Experimenting with the traditional mode of transport, some went camel trekking in the sand dunes.  Though it seems many preferred the camels carved in cedar wood in the souk to getting close to the real thing.

 

A jeep safari took in the Massa Valley National Park and returned to the harbour off-road along the coastline and the fisherman's simple homes.  

After another fabulous day in Africa, and as this voyage nears end, the evening was given over to a Phillipino Buffet followed by the ever entertaining Crew Show.

Africa - A new Continent for Fram

     A special day for Fram,  the port of Casablanca, the largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco, North Africa.  The very first time that the ship has been to this Continent.  Approaching in misty conditions the tower of the Hassan II mosque was one of the first sights, its minaret the tallest in the world at 210 m.  Designed by French architect Michel Pinseau and built on reclaimed land, almost half of the surface of the mosque lies over the Atlantic Ocean. 

     The calm of the mosque contrasted with crowded and hectic scene of other parts of Casablanca.   Local tea provided a welcome break.  By comparison those who headed to visit the political capital of Rabat loved its open spaces and groomed appearance. 

     A group set off from the ship to see Marrakesh, which entails an overnight stay, we look forward to hearing of their adventure when they rejoin Fram in Agadir tomorrow.

    

After a hot, steamy day the temperature dropped quickly after sundown. Then this evening, out of the freezer came a large block of ice for carving. Galley colleagues Rudolfo, Barry, Peter and Arsenio demonstrated their skills in producing cake and table decorations for an appreciative crowd.

Hannibal & Henry

     Today brought the chance to explore the Algarve Coast from Portimao.
     The Roman name for this harbour was Portus Hannibalis after the great Cartheginian military commander Hannibal.
     In the 16th Century not far away at Sagres, the third son of the King, known as Henry the Navigator gathered advisors at his Estate of Vila do Infante.  Here ships awaiting favourable winds were also catered for.

     Lagos, was capital of the Algarve region from the mid 16th to mid 18th centuries, and host to the first slave market in Europe. The market stands in the corner of the square, where the 500th anniversary of past governor Henry is celebrated with a statue.

     Cape St. Vincent Point is the far south western corner of mainland Europe, where views of the cliffs stretch to the horizon in both directions.

     With the beautiful beach Prai da Rocha just minutes walk away from Fram and sea temperature at around 22 degrees, a dip in the ocean was another popular option for the day.

   

The Capital

     One advantage of the approaching winter in the northern hemisphere is that you do not have to be an 'early bird' to enjoy the sunrise. The current clear weather is giving great spectacles of light at both ends of the day.
     The Vasco da Gama Bridge spans the Tagus River with a total length of 17.2 km. It was in full light by the time we passed under it on on our way into Lisbon.
 

      Old and new architecture not only rub shoulders in this capital capital city, they actually run into each other. The city sights, Cascais, Sintra and a fado show were all enjoyed.

     After dinner, a  fun test of things learnt on the voyage, led by quizmaster Frieda, was held in the Observation Lounge.   Somehow the two judges managed to keep a straight face through the laughter.