July 20 Kristiansund Norway

A pleasant day at sea cruising south along the Norwegian coast and we arrive at Kristiansund.

 As we entered the harbor, three cannon blasts came from the fort on the hill.  There was a distinct echo for each shot.  I want to ask the captain why we did not return fire.

 Our tour was via motor coach and Viking ship to the island of Haholmen.  We left the city and immediately plunged 250m below the ocean in a 5.7 km tunnel.  The tunnel charges 100 NOK (about $11) for a car to pass through, replacing a ferry boat that ran every half hour.

 Countryside after the tunnel

 A replica Viking ship, the same as they used for ocean crossings and the first exploration of North America from Europe.  I personally was glad that the waters were calm and flat.

 Part of the island of Haholmen, where there's a hotel.  Other than water activities, there's not much to do there.

 This is either Viking art or an indication that Disney's global empire has reached Norway.  There is a Norway in EPCOT.

 In the early '90s a Norwegian adventurer built two replica Viking ships and sailed them around the world.  Sometime later both were caught in a terrific storm and sunk.  This theater, which shows a documentary of the boats, contains the salvaged remains, which is about one half of one boat.

 After coffee and cake, we toured the grounds.  Just to annoy me, I'm sure, the cake was topped by the traditional Viking garnish of coconut.

 Replica Viking craft sitting in the tiny marina

 A fierce Viking canine being groomed on an adjacent craft in the marina.

 On to the Atlantic Road, back in our coach

The Atlantic Road is a collection of amazing bridges crossing tiny islands.  This bridge does come down on the other side, and not just drop you into the ocean.

 On the island of Lyngholmen they've constructed a walking path.  We could circumnavigate the island on foot in about 15 minutes.

 We completed a large loop back into Kristiansund, passing some interesting items.  Here's a local bus stop shelter out in the country.

 Back in Kristiansund we walked into town, successfully finding fresh flowers for the stateroom.  Here's the local public art.  A sculpture of the Klipsish woman, symbol of the hardworking women of the city from this important era in Kristiansund's history and Herring boy who represents the next era.

 The church

As we exited the harbor, the residents of an apartment building nearby enthusiastically and patriotically wished us well.