Lofoten Excursion

Today was a bit farcical. We had to go ashore in the tender boats and then be driven around the islands by bus. There are only 25,000 people living here, spread throughout several towns and villages over the five larger islands in the archipelago. When several hundred cruise ship passengers arrive the single lane roads are choked with buses.

We left early and apparently missed the worst of the local traffic headed for the beach - the best beach in Norway is on these islands. To see one of these beaches we drove through a long single lane tunnel under a mountain and up a gravel road, where the bus had to turn around before reversing the rest of the way up the road. About eight buses ended up here so we could not leave until all of the other buses left. Add to that shemozzle a variety of cars and campervans parked along the side of the roadway. A few hardy souls were camping by the beach amongst the sheep. A friendly cat then appeared wandering amongst the tourists!

While we were on our tour the Viking Sky berthed at the dock. The picture shows that ship behind a replica viking ship. There's not much point putting on a photo of a Norwegian beach when we have so many wonderful beaches!

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