Category: Nature

Views of nature and the natural world. Plants, animals, and wildlife from around the world.

Twelve-Years Ago (30-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Winter Vacation. Day 10: Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Norwegian Coastal Voyage Southbound (Mehamn to Tromsø).

On the second day of the southbound Hurtigruten voyage, the ship stopped in eight ports: Mehamn (01:00-01:15); Kjøllefjord (03:15-03:30); Honningsvåg (06:00-06:15); Havøsund (08:15-08:30); Hammerfest (11:15-12:45); Øksfjord (15:30-15:45); Skjervøy (19:00-19:45); and Tromsø (23:45-01:30).

At about 01:00 the captain made an announcement that Northern Lights were visible. I put some warm clothes on and went out. It was cold (minus 10 degrees) and windy. But the northern lights were brighter than I ever remember seeing before when growing up in Minnesota. It was hard to stand still for 10 seconds on a moving ship in the cold and heavy wind to take a selfie. I did hear that some of the folks that got off in Kirkenes also saw the Northern Lights that night (but didn’t wake the others up…). It was because of the view that night that I decided to go back to Norway in the middle of the winter in 2013 — and saw even more impressive displays in Tromsø.

Northern Lights Self Portrait. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 10 sec). (David J Mathre)
Northern Lights Self Portrait. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 10.5 mm f/2.8 fisheye lens (ISO 400, 10.5 mm, f/2.8, 10 sec). (David J Mathre)


Happy Birthday Dad — From Norway.

Two days earlier the family got together to have a birthday celebration for my father before the majority of the group disembarked the Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald in Kirkenes.

(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)
(Erik Mathre)

Twelve-Years Ago (29-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Vacation. Day 9: Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Traveling North Then South.

On the sixth and final day of the northbound Hurtigruten voyage, the MS Kong Harald stopped in four ports: Båtsfjord (00:30-01:00); Vardø (04:00-04:15); Vadsø (07:30-08:00); and Kirkenes (09:45-12:45). After spending 3 hours in Kirkenes, the ship turned around and began the southbound voyage stopping at three ports: Vardø (16:00-17:00); Båtsfjord (20:00-20:30); and Berlevåg (22:15-22:30). All but three from our group disembarked at Kirkenes to return to Florida.

Norway Winter Dawn on the M/S Kong Harald Approaching Kirkenes. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 28-70 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 100, 70 mm, f/2.8, 1/2500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Norway Winter Dawn on the MS Kong Harald Approaching Kirkenes. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 28-70 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 100, 70 mm, f/2.8, 1/2500 sec). (David J Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)
Gone to See Norway Mathre Family Tour 2007 (David J. Mathre)

Twelve-Years Ago (27-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Winter Vacation. Day 7: Northbound Hurtigruten MS Kong Harald Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Stokmarkenes to Skjervøy).

On the fourth day of the northbound Hurtigruten voyage, the ship stops in seven ports: Stokmarkenes (00:45-01:00); Sortland (02:30-03:00); Risøyhamm (04:15-04:30); Harstad (06:45-08:00); Finnsnes (11:15-11:45); Tromsø (14:30-18:30); and Skjervøy (22:30-22:45). As we move farther north, the amount of time that the sun is up keeps decreasing. It was almost 11 AM when I took the first image in this post. By the time we arrived Tromsø later in the afternoon it was already dark. In Tromsø several from our group went dog sledding. After the ride we had coffee in a Sami tent (lavvu). At the end of the day back on the ship I got to play King Neptune for the “Crossing the Arctic Circle” ceremony. The Captain of the Ship and King Neptune baptized those that had crossed the Arctic circle for the first time with ice water. For those that cross the equator for the first time the ceremony requires that they get their head shaved and kiss a fish.

Coffee Warming By a Wood Fire after the Dog Sled Trip Tromsø. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 85 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 85 mm, f/1.4, 1/60 sec). (David J Mathre)
Coffee Warming By a Wood Fire after the Dog Sled Trip Tromsø. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 85 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 200, 85 mm, f/1.4, 1/60 sec).. (David J Mathre)
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King Neptune and the Ship Captain Performing a Baptism at the Crossing the Artic Circle Ceremony. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 200, 24 mm, f/6.3, 1/200 sec). (David J Mathre)




Twelve-Years Ago (26-January-2007) — Norway

Gone to See Norway 2007 Family Vacation. Day 6: Hurtigruten Coastal Voyage Traveling North.

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). We were in Bodø long enough to visit the Norwegian Aviation Museum. 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 are ice sculptures reflecting the life of the region and fishermen. Before leaving we were provided a drink in a shot glass made of ice.

Ørnes Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 28-70 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 400, 28 mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Ørnes Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 28-70 mm f/2.8 lens (ISO 400, 28 mm, f/2.8, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Unmanned Lighthouse between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Unmanned Lighthouse between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Unmanned Lighthouse between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Unmanned Lighthouse between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Færøy - a Fish Carrier between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Færøy – a Fish Carrier between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Mountains, Snow, and Glaciers between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Mountains, Snow, and Glaciers between Ørnes and Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Belltower in Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 360 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Belltower in Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 80-400 mm VR lens (ISO 400, 360 mm, f/5.6, 1/250 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Picasso Frykt For Bombing. Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Picasso Frykt For Bombing. Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/45 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/45 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/100 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/100 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/80 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/80 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/50 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/50 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Norwegian Aviation Museum in Bodø Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/60 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Røst Ferry Unloading in Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Røst Ferry Unloading in Bodø Norway. Image taken from the M/V Kong Harald on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/125 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/10 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/10 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/8 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/8 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/10 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/10 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/6 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/6 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/5 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 35 mm f/2D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/2, 1/5 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/90 sec).. (David J. Mathre)
Magic Ice Bar and Ice Sculptures in Svolvær, Norway. Image taken on Day 3 of the Northbound Hurtigruten Voyage. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 50 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 400, 50 mm, f/1.4, 1/90 sec). (David J. Mathre)

Three-Years Ago (25-January-2016) — Japan

Gone to See the World. Semester at Sea Spring 2016 Voyage on the MV World Odyssey. Day 20: Hakone.

Our group departed Yokohama for an overland bus and high-speed train tour of Hakone, Hiroshima, and Kobe. The first stop on the bus was at Fuji Hakone Izu National Park where we rode a gondola up Mount Komagatake. A short hike on an icy trail brought us to the peak (1327m). I could have used crampons on my boots, and was glad I had a walking stick. It was very, very cold, but we had a perfectly clear view of Mount Fuji covered with snow and Lake Ashi below.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.

We then visited a Shinto Temple in Hakone. I focused on the “water purification” process before entering the temple. One or two other tour buses with students from the ship happened to be there at the same time so we had to be careful which bus we got back on.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.

We were dropped off on in Hakone on the shore of Lake Ashi with free time to get lunch. Several of us stopped at a local noodle restaurant for lunch. We were given menus with pictures of the different meals. I selected the  “Smelts and Buckwheat Noodle Soup”. The waitress kept asking if I knew what “smelts” were. They looked like the fresh water smelts my grandfather would bring home from Lake Superior.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.

After lunch we waited at the Pier for our “Pirate Ship” ride on Lake Ashi. That was hokey. The tourist pirate ship looked exactly like the one I rode in Gdansk, Poland — except with Japanese pirates.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.

The tour bus picked us up at the other end of the lake and brought us to the Hakone Open-Air Museum.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.

The final stop for the day was at Tenseien Yumoto Spring, a traditional Japanese hotel/spa in Hakone. When we checked in, we were given traditional Japanese Kimo’s that we were to wear during our stay. The room I was in was traditional Japanese style — minimal with a low table and pot of green tea. Later on the room was rearranged with a futon on the floor. Our group had its own room to sit for dinner, but we selected our food in a traditional Japanese buffet along with the other hotel guests.



Individual images in this slide show can be viewed here.
Color versions of the images can be viewed here.