The turning point

Kirkenes is close to the Russian border. It’s the final port of the Hurtigruten service. When we left there this lunchtime, we headed south and will visit all the ports again as we return to Bergen.  (Well, rough seas have already meant that calling into Vardo on the southbound journey has been cancelled. Our first cancellation so far.)

We went on a trip to the Russian border. We obviously couldn’t risk even setting as much as a foot over there ! 

The sun made its first appearance since the end of the summer. Locals here celebrate this event (days off school) and our local guide, who is married to a Sami, serenaded us with “yoiking ” on the coach. 

This blip was taken by the frozen lake not far from the border. It was the first blue sky we’ve seen since leaving Oslo.

Extra : ships docked in Kirkenes where the sea is frozen in places.