I told 'em Olden.

Easy to go ashore and walk about.

 Rush hour.

A phrase reverberated in my head: I lift up my eyes to the hills from whence cometh my help.

  I often wonder where MTL is.  If he is anywhere it would be here.

 Time to meditate with the Balmoral a safe distance.

Our RIB adventure

Rib adventure at Geirangerfjord

It took quite a while to get dressed in our life jackets and dry suits - no wonder toddlers get grumpy.  Next time I'll follow the nice young man's advice and remove my boots first.  A Viking gave us a safety briefing - don't stand up under any circumstances.  We were told to grip the bar in front but I was on the front row with no bar in front:)  RIB is a rigid  inflatable boat.  All is still and then vroom vroom - we bent over sideways one way and then the other-at tremendous speed I could feel my eye lashes parting.  He enjoyed taking us under the waterfalls and I was glad I had booked a hair appointment for later.  We saw an eagle and he pointed out the incredible farmsteads high on the mountain where families live incredibly self sufficient lives.

Such fun!

This could be the Seven Sisters

 

 

On Board Balmoral.

The more than adequate cabin.  At this end was a four door wardrobe with drawers and a safe and a shower room on the left of the photo  Should have tidied it first..

 We had a reassuring life boat drill the first morning.

 Bit of a popple which was my alibi for walking sideways into a rather gorgeous crew member.

 The Phillipino crew were delightful and could remember your name (Patricia) and favourite tipple.

Ashley  the entertainments director hosted great shows and did an incredible splits.  He told me he used to be a dancer.



Our first Port of Call: Alesund

If it looks as if the world has just stopped turning- that's how it was.  There was utter peace and drifting round alone was therapeutic - breathing air so fresh it reminded me of the Canadian Rockies.
The little villages are a bit New Englandish and it wouldn't have surprised me if Angela Lansbury had come cycling past.  I couldn't get lost because - as our lovely Finnish captain always said 'our beautiful chip - the Balmoral' was always in sight.
Alesund is pronounced Olesund.  We are in Norway of course.
More photos to follow and then I'll write about the cruise experience - which I'm still processing.

It's good to be home!

After all the excitement the garden was blooming, peaceful and welcoming.

 

 

Laburnum and clean pants

 Yellow for Alastair

 Irises

 Sweet scented Jasmine

 Red rose.

 Acquilegia - can't check spelling

 Clematis

 Maple

Meanwhile - in another part of the forest...

Australia actually -  where our Australian family have just spent a blissful week on this heavenly island somewhere near Brisbane. The bottom photograph is where they watch the dolphins leaping for joy.

 

I can't help feeling it's my turn and tomorrow I am off on the high seas for a few days.

Back soon and - as ever - keep the faith.xoxoxox