David's Images of the Day Photoblog
Three White Pelicans in Flight. Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Florida. Image taken with a Nikon D3s camera and 80-400 mm VRII lens (ISO 200, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/1000 sec).
On the third full day of the northbound Hurtigruten voyage, the ship stopped in seven ports: Brønnøysund (00:30-01:00); Sandnessjøen (03:45-04:15); Nesna (05:25-05:30); Ørnes (09:00-09:30); Bodø (12:30-15:00); Stamsund (19:00-19:30); and Svolvær (21:00-22:00).
The ship crossed the Arctic Circle at 07:20, while it was still dark out. Champagne was served for those up early enough. Baptism for those that were crossing the Arctic Circle for the first time would be celebrated later in the afternoon. At this time of the year, and this far north dawn lasts a long time. The panorama view at dawn shows the unique pink color of the Belt of Venus and blue Earth Shadow below. Conditions have to be right to see these colors.
While in Bodø I took the bus tour — the city and out to the Saltstraumen. When conditions are right this has one of the worlds strongest tidal currents causing whirlpools or maelstroms. We weren’t there at the right time, and the weather was deteriorating. The bus driver wanted to make sure we got back to the ship before it left. Watch the time-lapse video, a scary ride in a snowstorm.
Later in the evening, we stopped in Svolvær and went to the world-famous Magic Ice bar. We entered what looked like a warehouse and were provided with warm coats. Inside the building were ice sculptures reflecting the life of the region and fishermen. Before leaving we were provided a drink in a shot glass made of ice.
On the sixth and final day of the southbound Hurtigruten voyage the ship stopped at: Ålesund (00:30 – 01:00); Torvik (02:15 – 02:30); Måloy (05:15 – 05:45); Florø (07:45 – 08:15); and Bergen (14:30). It was a foggy day. At one point the Captain sounded the fog horn to warn a lone fisherman in a small boat. Other than that time to pack up for the trip home.
Several Turkey Vultures have been spending the night at the house next door. I do not want them roosting on my solar panels. Most of the birds flew off when I went out to take pictures, but this one stayed put and kept eyeing me.
Macro view of a Brown Marmorated Stink Bug. There haven’t been as many around this winter, although there have been many Green Stink Bugs (smaller, and bright green).
