What a Blink

Newcastle’s Millenium Bridge is the first in the world that opens like the blink of an eyelid. When raised, the normally horizontal pedestrian and cycle path is 25 metres above the River Tyne, allowing vessels to pass.

Out of the city centre, the huge Angel of the North statue welcomes those arriving by road and rail.

Durham is set above a different river, the Wear.  A medieval Cathedral built as a shrine to St. Cuthbert at its centre. Across a green space, Durham Castle built as residence for Prince Bishops who ruled the area for some time from the fourteenth century.

The place that is now Newcastle was first called Pons Aelius after the family name of Roman Emperor Hadrian. The 117 kilometre wall built in the Second Century AD was also named after him and forms part of the Frontiers of the Roman Empire UNESCO World Heritage Site. Chester’s Fort was placed astride the wall, outside of which is the well preserved bath house, and a civil settlement which has yet to be excavated.

Bridge tours, lectures and the Captain's Cocktail reception took afternoon into evening, all in wonderful sunshine.



Olden in Nordfjord

The Captain hosted a bridge visit this morning and there were a couple of lectures before completing our journey down the Nordfjord.

Excursions that set out today from the pier in Olden enjoyed postcard scenes at the higher elevations. Snowy forests, mountain tops, frozen lakes and glacier views. A mix of sun, dark skies and snow as they explored. Some tried Svele - a Norweigan version of pancake. Some walked up a track to view the front of the Briksdal Glacier, an arm of the mighty Jostedals Glacier – the largest on the continent of Europe.

Karin has been teaching the skills of Hardanger embroidery, guests now getting to the final stages of a sampler.  Most would think the most difficult part is cutting the holes between threads. One slip and the entire piece is ruined. But no. Executing the fine Cable and Four-Sided stitches are even more challenging.

Pianist Bjorn has entertained many times during the voyage, but tonight he took to a different stage – with a lecture on Norway’s folk music, instruments and dances.