Norway 2017: Bergen World Cycling Championships, Day Two

In Bergen, they have a saying: "There's no such thing as bad weather; only bad clothing." The past two days were no exception, as we trotted out the umbrellas and rain gear while watching the 2017 World Cycling Championships which is taking place on the streets of this picturesque harbor city.

Two of the Norwegian team favorites,
Alexander Kristoff and Edvald Boasson Hagen, are covered head to toes
as they practice on the course prior to Sunday's big race.

Here are the Women's Junior racers
 pushing there way along the wet and windy Bergen waterfront.

A little rain won't stop the racers or their crazy Viking fans.

What was that saying again about "bad clothing"?!

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Norway 2017: At Bergen for the World Cycling Championships

After 6 days/5 nights on the Hurtigruten, the gang's all here and happy to be on solid (if rainy!) ground again, in Bergen for the UCI World Championships. Today's event: the Elite Men's Time Trial, won handily by Giro d'Italia victor Tom Dumoulin.

The gang's all here!
Photo compliments of the Shimano photo booth by the Start/Finish line.

Here is the eventual winner, Tom Dumoulin, gritting his teeth and about to begin the final climb.

If you go to Bergen, it's probably going to rain. So bring your umbrella!

Norway 2017: Last Day on the Hurtigruten

On our fifth and final day on the Hurtigruten, we enjoyed smooth sailing and sunny skies, with brief stops at Trondheim, Kristiansund, and Molde.

Clearing skies at last!

Taking shelter from the chilly wind

Awaiting the sunset before Bergen

Last chance for a photo opp

Holly capturing the fading light

Empty deck chairs at sunset

Southbound wake at sundown

Norway 2017: Trondheim Impressions

The ferry made an early morning stop in Trondheim, a very picturesque city with a history dating back to the Vikings era. We only had a couple of hours to visit there, but were able to stroll around and explore the old warehouses and churches in the heart of the city.

Memorial on the Old Town Bridge

Warehouses along the Nidelva River

The Gamle Bybro (Old Town Bridge)

Cobbled street in old town Trondheim

Old boats along the quai

Nidaros Cathedral

Norway 2017: Continuing Southbound Across the Arctic Circle

Day three on the Hurtigruten brought more low clouds (i.e., rain and fog) as we made our way along the Lofoten Islands and back south of the Arctic Circle. Will have to return someday to see the legendary mountains. Still, no shortage of photo opportunities (if you don't like the weather, wait...)

Entering the Trollfjord in the fog

Photographers line the bow, hoping for a break in the clouds

Low clouds block the view in the legendary Troll Fjord

Globe marks the spot where we passed the Arctic Circle 

Free champagne for crossing the Arctic Circle? Not on the Hurtigruten.
But they did provide free cod liver oil! 

A rainbow signals better weather ahead

Norway 2017: Night Lights and Night Life, in Tromsø

Our second night inside the Arctic Circle, we were really hoping to catch the aurora borealis, especially after enjoying sunny skies during the afternoon. By evening, however, the clouds had returned, along with more rain. But the rain didn't dampen our spirits, and we ventured ashore to check out the Saturday night scene in Tromsø.

Craig and Holly looking for northern lights

Tromsø is the home of the Mack Brewery, the northernmost brewery in the world.
Although the tasting room was closed by the time we arrived in town, there were no shortage of other bars still open, and bursting with college kids. Luckily we managed to find an "age appropriate" pub to sample the local brews.

John and our new friend Bjørn debate the merits of early retirement 

Back to the ship

Norway 2017: Above the Arctic Circle

The days are shortening, and the sun (when we can see it!) is at a relatively low angle, making for interesting and dramatic light over the mountains and fjords.

The ever changing view from our deck

Low clouds before sunset

Panorama