Hammerfest
Wednesday started with more juddering after all the night-time juddering, as we briefly visited small ports. At least we managed to shower while in port, which makes it easier. Post breakfast there was a fierce storm with black clouds, white horses and freezing rain. Fun to watch from inside, until the storm receded as we steamed into Hammerfest, past a large gas facility. 
We left the ship for a bus, booked to carry us the short distance into town. It was very icy underfoot and we certainly needed our spikes on the hard-packed ice. First came the church, which sadly was just about to hold a funeral, so we caught a brief glimpse before being turned away.
We cautiously walked to the museum, but didn't have enough time left to explore it properly, so we grabbed a hot chocolate in the cafe instead. The museum shop had part set up like 1930s.
Hammerfest is a large town of 10k people, with many hotels, modern buildings and offices, much of it focused on the energy industry. It feels less friendly and homely and even more functional than the other ports we've visited, and the snow in town was dirty. Back we trudged to the bus station for our transport to the ship, with little regret that it was such a short stop. There were plenty of the ubiquitous little fishing boats as well as the larger modern gas & oil ships, but only one yacht, a large traditional one, and no marina.
As we watched Hammerfest from an open deck, we heard the church bells ring for the funeral and saw hooded crows flying past the ship.
Lunch was extra busy because everyone who'd been on shore descended on the dining room together, for the last hour of service.The wind and waves got up again as we had a fascinating talk from the crew on how the ship is run, in the engine room, galley and the bridge. 55 crew in total. Senior officers work 12 hour days for 22 days (2 trips), the 22 days off.
The talk finished just before dinner, another good meal, starting with reindeer soup. More chatting with our dinner table mates, and reading in the evening. Called put at 9pm for NL though they were quite faint again.
Early to bed for an 8am start tomorrow.
We left the ship for a bus, booked to carry us the short distance into town. It was very icy underfoot and we certainly needed our spikes on the hard-packed ice. First came the church, which sadly was just about to hold a funeral, so we caught a brief glimpse before being turned away.
We cautiously walked to the museum, but didn't have enough time left to explore it properly, so we grabbed a hot chocolate in the cafe instead. The museum shop had part set up like 1930s.
Hammerfest is a large town of 10k people, with many hotels, modern buildings and offices, much of it focused on the energy industry. It feels less friendly and homely and even more functional than the other ports we've visited, and the snow in town was dirty. Back we trudged to the bus station for our transport to the ship, with little regret that it was such a short stop. There were plenty of the ubiquitous little fishing boats as well as the larger modern gas & oil ships, but only one yacht, a large traditional one, and no marina.
As we watched Hammerfest from an open deck, we heard the church bells ring for the funeral and saw hooded crows flying past the ship.
Lunch was extra busy because everyone who'd been on shore descended on the dining room together, for the last hour of service.The wind and waves got up again as we had a fascinating talk from the crew on how the ship is run, in the engine room, galley and the bridge. 55 crew in total. Senior officers work 12 hour days for 22 days (2 trips), the 22 days off.
The talk finished just before dinner, another good meal, starting with reindeer soup. More chatting with our dinner table mates, and reading in the evening. Called put at 9pm for NL though they were quite faint again.
Early to bed for an 8am start tomorrow.
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