I wonder why- it may be reveled in time; be patient.

My next move wasn't in my plans and it is rather out of character for both the intention of my trip and my personal preference. However, listening within, I felt guided so Monday evening I boarded a smallish (by cruise ship standards) cruise ship from the Hurtigruten lines. I was headed for Bergen along the coast. I had a small room - exactly what I intended on the top floor.

Since I didn't get much walking in while driving the rental car ( not counting across town the get and rerun the car 😅) I got off the ship at several ports and had close to 13,000 steps the first day and 9,500 before breakfast on the second, 15,000 total

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We crossed the Arctic Circle the first day. There is a small island with a big globe that marks the spot.

Shortly after, there was a ceremony on the upper deck to celebrate the occasion. After the Captain drank a champagne flute of it, they gave all the passengers a souvenir spoon and a taste of what keeps them so healthy in the North. I remember my dad taking cod liver oil tablets every day for years. Liquid tasted a bit fishy but but wasn't bad.

That evening the Captain came out again and toasted an aperitif while we sailed past the mountain with a hole in it. Do you see the hole?

The ship made numerous fifteen minute stops to deliver or pick up cargo. We even got a new motorcycle, wrapped in plastic on a pallet at one stop. On half hour stops we were encouraged to get off and explore a bit. Weather or age didn't seem to discourage folks.

The photo above shows the Seven Sisters mountain range. I have to say, I've seen some amazing sites on this sail down the coast but the highlight of the trip was the second morning. We docked at 6:30 am in Trondheim for a 3 hours stop. My third magical trip to Trondheim!

Monica met me at Starbucks at 7 am for a final farewell until we meet again. Monica had been my rock over the past month. It seems each time we meet we build our bond deeper and deeper. It was a delightful walk in the rain for me (I had forgotten how I used to love the rain as a child) and as magical as ever being in her presence. I took a long detour ( I got lost 🤔) back to the ship, stopped to ask a Johova Witness for guidance, he had lived in Davenport, Iowa for four years. Made it back a half hour before the ship set sail and in time to get in on breakfast. Everyone eats boiled eggs from an egg cup in the morning. I'd not had them served hot before. It was heavenly.

I do recommend a trip to Lofoten. They say maybe your best chance to see the Northern Lights is October. However, she dances when the Sun shoots off extra energy and all the conditions line up. She says when she shows herself. I am patient, not attached to when or where I will witness this miracle. I only know it is in my future.

Here is a summary of just a few of my most favorite moments:

1. I opted for a manual transmission car to rent (far cheaper) and was delighted to discover it downshifted for me. All I had to do was upshift and didn't even need a clutch.

2. Pedestrians and sheep always have the right of way. It's very safe to walk about.

3. No stop signs in Lofoten. Only yield. What's the point in stopping if no one is coming! They only tell you to slow down for towns. You use common sense around curves. When you have driven out of the lower speed zone you get a 60 sign with crossbars on it. That is how you know it's not 60 any more. Then you are free to resume to 80. Someone needed to explain that one to me. I figured out the sped zones. There are no words saying speed limit, just a simple sign with the necessary number on it. Again, they must assume you are sharp enough to know.

1. I saw three particular events of raw courage. - A young man scaling himself up a massive boulder then triumphantly shaking his fists over his head. - people kyacking in turbulent, frigid water - a young couple stripped down to a swim suit and ran full force into the freezing water at Haukland Beach while someone photographed them, they squealed with delight! Cold water diving seems to be popular, but it was fun for me to experience a bit of their joy through observation.

2. Everywhere I turned there were many cameras with lengthy lenses. Numerous serous photography opportunities at every turn. Lee Navin would be thrilled and amongst his people.

3. Everyone wears rain gear and hiking trousers. The prevelant color if the outer wear in Norway is neon green, in Sweden we saw lots of yellow. Hiking pants are always two tone, a wide variety of colors.

4. Not counting the sheep and cows, the most prevalent wildlife that I saw were swans. They're everywhere, most churches (that I was in) had swan motiffs, I even saw a swan on the side of a truck. My symbol for diving deep (into myself) and also deep connection with my late sister Penny.

1. Cozy blankets and sheepskin pelts for outdoor enjoyment.

1. Woman from Germany in the ship peacefully planning the hand pan drum. She let me try playing it. Most impactful was the discussion we had about photos. I told her I noticed several people asking to take her picture. I would love to have her phot but I felt it may be an invasion of her privacy and I'd rather just remember with my heart. She said she has taken zero photos in this trip. She'd rather see the entire landscape and treasure it in her soul. She was practicing be here now. I told her the next morning what an impact she had on me.

2. Three people running up hill with a tire tied to them. Endurance training?

3. Stepping into warm bathroom floors.

4. Lessons learned, time shared, and inspiration gained with spending time with Monica and Maria. It's been the greatest gift of my time in Norway to be able to spend as much time with Monica as I did.

5. Learning about the Green Initiative and how they reward companies that promote working green. The 2025 ban on all fluorocarbons. The privacy protection laws. The concern for the citizens and children. The licensing laws and the tax incentives to drive electric.

6. Ambulances neon yellow with lots of flashing blue lights along the sides and top.

7. Lots of camper vans like Jon and Teri's Sunshine. A popular brand is Sunlite.

8. Bus stops every few minutes. They only stop if someone wants off or on. Sometimes there is a shelter and sometimes it's just a bit wider spot on the road with a bus sign.

9. Oncoming cars tip their head with a tiny wave of thanks when you pull over to let them pass.

10. I was wrong about green roofs being on abandoned buildings. They are intentionally planted, with timber support beams on the eves to hold the foliage in place. They want the building to fit into nature. Sometimes they are planted and now you can even purchase compost bags filled with plant material to pile on the roof and just slit open with a knife. Then the plants establish themselves.

11. Walking groups of school children

12. The discovery that I am not afraid to be afraid. 🤓

13. Discovering I love pepper sandwiches, blue cheese, chia pudding, spelt bread, and ginger shots!