Norway in the frame...
SILEBY Photographic
Society held its weekly Zoom meeting on Monday, February 8, when one of its own members, Lionel Blower, donned his speaker’s hat and presented digital images under the title ‘Norway’.
Lionel and his wife visited Norway in July 2019 before there were any rumblings of a world-wide pandemic about to hit, and with care-free abandon they boarded the small ship, MS Boudicca, at the port of Dover for a journey which would take them across the Arctic Circle before arriving at Longyearbyen and on to Pyramiden, Spitzbergen, and all picturesque points in-between.
A small town with a population of 2,500, Andalsnes was the first port of call, and located along the Isfjorden at the mouth of the Rauma River, hosting the terminus of the picturesque Rauma railway line.
Continuing its journey to Honningsvâg, the ship passed many small islands along the Norwegian coast, each with their own notable characteristics, including Torghatten, known as the ‘Hole in the Rock’ and the Seven Sisters mountains on the coast overlooking the Lofoten Islands.
Whilst being blessed with glorious weather throughout their tour, passing the sign for the Arctic Circle heralded noticeably cooler temperatures but also meant that there would almost be 24 hours’ daylight for the next few days.
Many small settlements were evident on either side of the ship where the locals’ requirements appeared to be well served by newly-built bridges and regular ferries, and the snow-capped mountains beyond provided lovely images.
Honningsvâg, the administrative centre of the municipality, provided passengers with coach access to the North Cape, the northernmost accessible point of Europe, a bustling town with plenty of interest for those wishing to explore on foot and home to a Norse mythological figure, the troll.
Longyearbyen, a small coal-mining town and the capital of Spitzbergen was the next port of call. This Arctic town housed just one hotel, a few shops, a church and living accommodation for the locals, sturdy enough to withstand the often severe winters which came their way.
The modern Svalbard Museum chronicled the region’s natural and cultural history and although live polar bears were nowhere to be seen, a life-like stuffed one was on proud display outside the building.
Back on board, the ship sailed close by the Postbreen Glacier as it journeyed towards Pyramiden, a deserted Russian coal-mining settlement. Due to its remote and secluded location and small population, limited numbers of passengers were allowed to cross by tender to explore, but those who did were fascinated by its history and almost ghost-town atmosphere.
Abandoned in 1998, inhabitants at that time seemed to have left quickly, leaving behind their belongings before the town was evacuated.
Passengers ashore were escorted by armed personnel to protect against unwelcome bear visitations but, needless to say, none were seen, despite the threat being taken seriously just in case.
Returning to the Norwegian mainland, Tromsø was next on the itinerary, a major cultural hub above the Arctic Circle. The city’s historic centre is distinguished by its centuries-old wooden houses, and the 1965 Arctic Cathedral, with its distinctive peaked roof and stained-glass windows, dominated the skyline.
On to the Lofoten Islands, the ship called in at Trolifjord, a wonderfully picturesque inlet, just wide enough to transit, and leading to a small campsite area and couple of isolated buildings, before turning round to rejoin its passage to its last port, Stavanger.
Stavanger, Norway’s port for servicing the North Sea Oil industry, is known for its colourful houses and delightful narrow streets in the old part of town.
Lionel’s factual commentary was supported by lovely images illustrating their journey and he was thanked by John Hoogerwerf, President, for a very interesting and enjoyable evening.
The next Zoom meeting will be held on Monday, February 22 when the first of the Quarterly Competitions will take place. The judge on the evening will be Gary Langley, DPAGB.
Anyone wishing to become a member of Sileby Photographic Society, enabling access to the weekly Zoom meetings, should visit the contact page of the SPS website, when further details will be issued.
The programme for the current photographic year is also available to view.