Category: Skyscape

Views of the sky. Sunrise, sunset, clouds, and weather

Twelve-Years Ago (28-January-2007) — Norway

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

The extended family was on a winter vacation in Norway, traveling north on the Hurtigruten ship M/S Kong Harald. This was day 6 of the voyage traveling north along the Norwegian coast. The stops on this day were in Øksfjord (02:15), Hammerfest (05:15-06:45), Havøysund (09:45) Honningsvåg (11:45-15:15), Kjøllefjord (17:45), Mehamn (20:00), and Verlevåg. During the stop in Honningsvåg we took a bus to North Cape (Nordkapp) traveling through the North Cape Tunnel. Later that night, the Captain announced that Auroras (Northern Lights) were visible.

Moon at Dawn Over Havøysund Norway. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs and 85 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 200, 85 mm, f/1.4, 1/180 sec). Modified using Nik Color Efex. (David J. Mathre)
Moon at Dawn Over Havøysund Norway. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 85 mm f/1.4D lens (ISO 200, 85 mm, f/1.4, 1/180 sec). Modified using Nik Color Efex. (David J. Mathre)
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Green and Red Northern Lights with the Big Dipper from the deck of the MS Kong Harald. Image taken with a Nikon D2xs camera and 12-24 mm f/4 lens (ISO 400, 12 mm, f/4, 13 sec). Raw image processed with Capture One Pro, Topaz Define, and NIK Color Efex Pro. (David J Mathre)


(Erik Mathre)
(Erik 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:  Yokohama.

It was clear, but cold when I woke up. The full moon was setting over Yokohama. What I didn’t notice the day before was Mount Fuji. I could see and take pictures of the mountain right out my cabin window. Before the sun rose, the sky above the mountain was lit up with the unique blue colors of the earth shadow, and pinks of the “Belt of Venus”.  Shortly after breakfast I was part of a  group that departed for the Hakone, Hiroshima, and Kobe Overland Field Trip. We would rejoin the ship in three days in Kobe.



Larger individual images in this slideshow can be viewed here.

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.

Three-Years Ago (24-January-2016) — Japan

Gone to See the World. Semester at Sea Spring 2016 Voyage on the MV World Odyssey. Day 19: Arrival in Yokohama, Japan.

After a long 10 days crossing the Pacific Ocean, the MV World Odyssey arrived in Yokohama, Japan. It was a cold morning, but many students were up on deck to watch the arrival. Dawn and sunrise images were taken from the deck of the ship. After breakfast, we disembarked and proceeded through customs & immigration. Everyone had to go through the process before we could return to the ship. I took a camera, travel tripod, warm jacket and gloves. It was cold, and there were some snow flurries. I felt safe walking around the Osanbashi Pier (and in Japan in general) with a camera since there were so many locals with cameras out taking pictures. I did several 360° degree image sequences using a Mindarin Astro rotating tripod head. These were then used to create Little Planet and Mirror Ball views of Yokohama and the ship from the Osanbashi Pier.

The MV World Odyssey about to pass under the Yokohama Bay Bridge as we arrived in Yokohama, Japan. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
The MV World Odyssey about to pass under the Yokohama Bay Bridge as we arrived in Yokohama, Japan. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
Anticipating Japan after a Long 10 days Crossing the Pacific Ocean on the MV World Odyssey. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)
Anticipating Japan after a Long 10 days Crossing the Pacific Ocean on the MV World Odyssey. Image taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera and 23 mm f/1.4 lens (ISO 1600, 23 mm, f/1.4, 1/30 sec). (David J Mathre)



Later in the afternoon I made two 360° time-lapse videos. The first of people enjoying the day at the Yamashita Park along the Yokohama harbor, and the second from a park with a view of view of the Osanbashi Pier and the MV World Odyssey. The images were taken with a Fuji X-T1 camera that was controlled by a Mindarin Astro 360° rotating head on a tripod. The time-lapse videos were then created using Photoshop CC and Premiere Pro CC.