Bodo
Our last stop in the Arctic Circle was Bodo. We arrived in port around 8 AM and the skies were once again fairly grey and the temperatures were in the mid 60s. In the Arctic Circle temperatures do not change much from morning to evening so we dressed warmly for the morning temperature before heading out for our open air boat adventure into the Saltstaumen, Saltstraumen, also sometimes called the Bodo Maelstrom is a strait where two fjords meet. It boasts some of the strongest tidal currents in the world. Up to 110 billion of seawater force its way through a 2 mile long and 500 foot wide strait every six hours. Currents are strongest during the full moon. We fortunately missed the full moon. Our boat operator said he would not go out there during the strongest currents because it is too dangerousis. I must admit I was a bit apprehensive before the trip. Our departure for the excursion was a 15 minute walk from our ship. There were 4 RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boats) waiting to take us on our 2 hour journey to Saltstraumen, We suited up in inflatable suits and took spots in the middle of one of the RIBs. Each RIB holds 12 people and a driver. You saddle a seat and are packed in like sardines. The RIBs can go up to 55 mph so the ride is pretty exhilarating, and pretty bumpy.
On our way to Saltraumen we passed some nice scenery including some very unusual lava rock formations that date back tens of thousands of years, We also passed a large salmon farm and learned about how salmon farming is done, much of it computer controlled.
As we neared Saultstraumen our driver cautioned us to stay seated and hold on as we would feel the current. We began to see small whirlpools in the water and could feel the forces driving them. As we entered the channel where a large bridge crosses over the channel the currents became even stronger. Our driver rode us around a number of the whirlpools and as you neared them you could definitely feel the forces become stronger. I took some photos but they are not capable of showing the force of the current. Seagulls follow some of the whirlpools as they force fish to the surface.
During our trip we stopped at two different areas where sea eagles nest and I was able to get some pretty incredible shots as the eagles dove for herring that the drivers threw into the water. It was a pretty incredible experience.
For the return back to the dock our driver put the RIB into high gear for about 20 minutes. The spray and wind slapped against your face. Pretty much everyone used their hood and goggle. It was cold but I loved the feeling of the spray and wind on my face and head so I left them off.
By the time we returned to the dock we had experienced enough excitement for the day so we walked along the boardwalk back to the ship.
In the evening we had a nice dinner at one of the ship’s specialty restaurants and then went to an Irish comedian performance before heading back to cabin where we watched a movie before calling it a night. It was another great day..
This was our last stop in the Arctic circle and our last full day of no sunsets. We head further south tonight and will not get into our next port, Trondheim until 1 PM tomorrow.