29th september 23 – 16th october 23 So whilst Nordnorskmarine were giving the boat some care and attention Steve spent a few weeks in the UK and Denmark visiting family and friends, returning to Bodo …
Bodø to Scotland – Homeward Bound
Norway
We leave Snow Bear in Bodø
On August 23rd, we returned to Bodø and are preparing to entrust Snow Bear to NordNorsk Marine for maintenance, including a prop shaft seal replacement. Sarah heads to Copenhagen for work and family, while Steve visits the UK to manage Brexit travel restrictions. Exciting future plans for Snow Bear to be revealed later.
Sunset and Aurora in Hamarøy – Laundry in Herøya
Before Sarah returns to work in Copenhagen, we spent serene evenings at Hamarøy, savoring wine and whiskey, even catching the Northern Lights. At Herøya, we enjoyed cost-effective amenities and a spring clean. However, our boat’s seal leaked from intensive motoring and glacial silt, necessitating potential repairs in Norway.
Recharging in Harstad
After a four-and-a-half-day sail from Svalbard to Harstad, the journey included both motoring and sailing, with sightings of dolphins and a swordfish. Experiencing nightfall was a novelty after constant daylight. A tense moment occurred when overhearing a mysterious military exchange between Russian and US warships. Celebration followed a safe arrival in Harstad, where the crew adjusted to Sarah’s impatience with fluctuating ETAs and Steve dealt with post-Brexit check-ins. The subsequent days were spent relaxing, drinking Cuban coffee, enjoying haircuts, a dinner with a friend, and replenishing supplies without the need for safety gear on Svalbard. Sarah finished her book, deeming it very good.
Photo exhibition at Skrova and a night out in Svolvær
17th June 23 We were recommended to stop by the little island Skrova, so we decided to get up and get moving. The trip out of Henningsvær is very pretty and the sunny weather is …
A day at Bjørnøya (Bear Island)
In a sheltered cove, surrounded by cliffs and curious seabirds, a tranquil evening turned into a practical day. Steve’s ambitious to-do list included fixing the stove and joining a northern naked bathing club. Despite anchoring challenges, a celebratory dip marked the end. Now, sailing towards Svalbard, they anticipate reaching southern Svalbard in 24 hours.
Approaching Bear Island
Navigating the chilly waters towards Bear Island at 74 degrees north, the duo battles exhaustion and irregular sleep during their 3-day journey. Despite fatigue, the allure of encountering whales and dolphins keeps spirits high. Groggy and disoriented, strange eating habits emerge, but Sarah’s adaptation brings hope for a better routine. Anchoring on Bear Island’s southeast side, they anticipate a windless night ahead.
To sail or not to sail
26th June 2023 The last week has involved a lot of thoughts regarding continuing North. As we have done the whole trip motoring, we are now anxious to get the sails up and do some …
Slow days in Tromsø
24th of June We had a fine day motoring to Tromsø where Steve had put on the “follow the route” function on the autopilot, so sailing without working was taken to a new level. Now …
Watching the sunset and sunrise at Risøyhamn
20th June 2023 As we had arrived a bit late (again) to our destination, we enjoyed another late meal without really realising because of the light. The light this evening was almost pink and gave …