The North Cape and The BIrd Safari

We  sailed by the northern most point of the continent of Europe, the North Cape or NORDKAPP. The weather had cleared so we could see this high plateau- complete with a monument and a gift shop/restaurant for the thousands of tourists that go to this point. Folks from the ship went there this evening after we docked. 

Our shore excursion was  a Bird Safari in a bird sanctuary about an hour from the port. We finally docked at about 6:10 and joined the big crowd waiting to get off and onto the tour buses. All the dining spots opened early and also stayed open late. 

We rode about an hour through very strange countryside. The midst hung over the cliffs and hills, there were patches of snow all around, there were little ponds and larger lakes around, there were even some small waterfalls. We came upon two small groups of reindeer. These were mostly white. I saw one with a big set of antlers. We both commented that this landscape  felt very surreal to us.

The reindeer are owned by the indigenous people of the area- the Samis. They used to be called Laplanders because this area was referred to as Lapland. That is not correct anymore. A Sami will never say how many reindeer they own because that is like telling/bragging about the amount of money you have in the bank. 

We drove by the only "beach" in Honningsvag- Copacabana. People were playing beach volleyball. Our guide said in the summer the water gets to 8 degrees Celsius...about 42 degrees for us.  In these waters a 600 pound halibut was caught....would feed a family of 4 for the winter...or close.

We headed out the one main road that went to the Cape and then we turned left down a bumpy to the fishing village of Gjesvaerstappan of 150 people. They live by the side of the bird sanctuary.  We boarded a small boat after walking beside a drying rack of cod fish being dried to sell for fish stock. Sure didn't smell good to us. Didn't want to take a bite. 

People could choose to put on warm suits, but I choose to not do that and tough it out. Jim choose to sit downstairs. The boat was off for the 20 minute chilly ride. Almost immediately we saw large groups of birds- millions and millions of puffins. Taking a picture that really that really showed them off also took millions and millions of images. 

Puffins come to this area the same day each year to lay and hatch their eggs. They come on April 14 between 5:00 and 8:00PM. The people from the area come to watch and celebrate Puffin Arrival Day...and the Puffins have even figured out Leap Year with its extra day.

We saw puffins, gannets, lots of sea gulls, white tailed eagles, and also cormorants. We also saw some seals playing in the chilly water. The Captain of the ship really could spot the birds.

We had fun, got very cold, and saw more birds than we could ever believe were in one small area. Coffee and hot chocolate were for sale down below where Jim was. We had fun chatting with a lady who was originally from Germany.

We got back to the ship at 10:30 and called Room Service for dinner. Our cheese burgers were here in less than 15 minutes.  Since the dining places were closed and we were sailing immediately, there had to be lots of folks doing the Room Service thing. Another reason that we really like this cruise line. Wonderful experience!