NORTH OF 66 TO THE LAND OF THE MIDNIGHT SUN

Cuddle up!

Tromso has been the starting point for many a polar expedition, its moniker as “Gateway to the Arctic” well earned. Located inside the Arctic Circle at a latitude of 70 degrees north we arrived on 11 June - well and truly in the land of the midnight sun - the middle of the night as bright as midday.

Here's licking at you

Can I come home with you?

We began our explorations with a drive to Kvaloya Island to visit Tove Sorensen’s Husky Wilderness Camp.











Tove is a well known dog sled racer having competed in the Finnmarkslopet, the world’s northernmost and Europe’s longest sled dog race.  She has also competed in Alaska’s Iditarod race and we watched an interesting film showing the dogs’ journey from Norway to Alaska.  We patted and played with some of her 300 dogs, cuddled puppies and stroked new borns whose eyes had barely opened.

Returning back to town we visited Tromso’s Polar Museum. Testament to Norway’s heritage, the Museum is full of interesting hunting, trapping and exploration displays - and in particular the achievements of the great Norwegian explorers Amundsen and Nansen.

Tromso's Arctic Cathedral

Leaving the Museum, we walked across the bridge from the main part of town to take a look at the unusual Arctic Cathedral located on the mainland.  Constructed of concrete, steel and glass, the Cathedral’s interior is illuminated by indirect light and three crystal chandeliers designed to resemble ice formations.  One is drawn to a striking stained glass window which occupies the entire east wall behind the altar.

Glorious day atop Mount Storsteinen - Ocean Princess
at dock in the harbour below

The day was clear and sunny so a ride on the cable car to the top of Mount Storsteinen was a must.  We were rewarded with a glorious view over the Tromso area, its islands, waterways and snow capped mountains. 

We had walked a long way and a ride back to town on the city bus was very appealing.  Now sensitized to Norway's high cost of living we didn’t flinch at the $9 per person bus fare. Rather, our feet gave grateful thanks.

Sailing away from Tromso that evening our heading took us northwest across the Norwegian Sea with our next destination in two days at 80 degrees latitude in the Svalbard Archipelago at Spitsbergen.

Wolfgang fits us up in Chef's jackets for our dining extravaganza

Our Head waiter flanked by the Maitre D' and
Executive Chef (no pressure) serving the
Strawberry Cracked Black Pepper Sherbet 

Our adventures continued that evening when we participated in the Chef’s Table, an evening of fine dining with wine pairings and the opportunity to talk food with the Executive Chef and the Maitre D.  The evening began in the Galley where dinner service was in full swing.  

Dressed in white Chef coats, we watched the proceedings while we enjoyed Hors d’oeuvres comprising a Ginger & Red Chilli Tuna Cocktail, Foie Gras, Mini Quiche and Orange Bacardi Lobster Panko - served with perfectly chilled French Champagne. 

Leaving the Galley we moved on to the steakhouse restaurant where a special table had been set for our group of ten.  Alongside another table was ready for the Executive Chef and his colleagues where the finishing touches were put to the remaining courses, the first of which was Asparagus Risotto with Langoustine & Lobster Claws. This was followed by Strawberry Cracked Black Pepper Sherbet topped with Grey Goose Vodka. 

Executive Chef Erik applying the port wine
reduction to the Baked Camembert Cheese

The main course was a combination of Prawns, Roast Veal Chop & Beef Tenderloin served with Green Peppercorn Sauce, followed by Baked Camembert Cheese in Port Wine Reduction.  For dessert a Drambuie Parfait with a Raspberry Heart.  

This sumptuous meal was accompanied by a French Chablis, a California Merlot and a Chilean late vintage Sauvignon Blanc. 

Certainly another day to remember, hard to beat!