The Internet is very slow at present, sorry about the lack of Blog, will probably update when back in the UK. We are still greatly enjoying the cruise, indeed if arrangements had not been made for T42 we might have stayed aboard to Russia, the Baltics and Kiel Canal. Cheers Mark 

An early start saw a coach load from Voyager brave the Troll Road. Stein, our guide, had a good sense of humour with numerous Sweedish jokes. He was also very particular with timing and distances, ” You have 8 minutes and 4 seconds at this stop !” By the time we got to the top of the pass it was 6 degrees, but the wind chill factor made it feel sub zero. The road had up to 3 metres of snow either side at the top. A projecting viewing balcony, not visited by Hazel, had a jaw dropping view into the valley with an even more amazing road descending. its the closest thing I’ve seen to Stelvio Pass in Italy.

I really wanted a classic car to drive, but the coach driver did a good job. This was followed by the Troll Wall, a huge chunk of rock frequented by Base Jumpers. The drive back along the Fjords saw a few people nodding off till Stein told another joke. All in all another great day. Whilst waiting for our departure Hazel is kicking back with a Champagne Cocktail whilst I have a Neederberg Shiraz from Paarl in South Africa. Cheers !

Hazel at the top with bus and Stein in background.

Troll Path – upper

Mark at top

Troll Path – lower

Troll Wall

It’s been a very special day. After a good nights sleep I woke at 6 with a need to open the curtains……to a Fjord with snow capped mountains……and we continued to cruise in this wonderful Nordfjord for the next 3 hours. It was amazing talking to Mum and Dad in Australia whilst standing on the balcony watching this go by. Since docking at Olden we have done 2 excursions and hiked for 5 Kms up a mountain to see a glacier. Photographs don’t really do it justice…….I’ll sign off now and watch the departure as well as the cruise back down the Fjord whilst having dinner…..

Good Morning Norway !

Olden Lake

Olden Lake

She made it

A wet Voyager

National Day @ Bergen

The Brygen Warehouses

Norwegian Mark 2

Well after an excellent cocktail evening with the Captain, and evening meal ( with a couple from Launceston in Cornwall ! ), we have made our first port…… Bergan. The weather was a bit rough during the night, and Hazel hadn’t slept well, due to securing assorted items that started rolling throughout the night.

Although wet, we arrived on National Day, so everyone was in local costume. We joined them watching the various groups and bands marching along the waterfront. Most shops are closed but 1 sweater made it into Hazels bag whilst I purchased a brolly ! At the tail end of the marchers was a Mark 2 Jaguar, whew my fix for the day secured.

We have wandered back onboard for a coffee and lunch before our 3 hour guided walk this afternoon. Hopefully the cloud will lift for our funicular trip later on. Tomorrow will see our first Fjord !

Our cabin is the most forward and lowest with a balcony.

An early morning start yesterday saw us drive from the west to the east of London on the M25. Despite all predictions the journey was easy at 70mph most of the way. Despite heavy traffic the lack of intersections and use of roundabouts saw a much easier drive compared to Aussies love of traffic lights to snarl things up. Hazel did a quick search to find something for us to do before boarding, so a couple of hours was spent at the wonderful Beth Chatto’s garden. Fantastic use of plants produced atmospheric gardens in a relatively small area. Joining Voyagerwas easy, everything well signposted and organised. Compared to T42 our cabin is quite spacious, and the bathroom positively luxurious ! Overall we are very impressed with the ship, staff and facilities. The wifi is a bit limited so I might have to limit the number and size of pictures on the blog. The lectures have given us an apertite for the tours to come. At present we are still crossing the North Sea , quite smooth so far, on our way to Bergen

Bridge display by Captain

Cabin 6103

Another pleasant day spent yesterday around Stourhead House and Gardens. Today we return to Pyrford and T42, lost luggage ? and packing for Norway. If the weather holds up perhaps RHS Wisley Gardens.

Stourhead Gardens

Stourhead House Interior

Stourhead House

Moss rocks

Another early morning, can’t seem to get past 4.30am ! As its my birthday I was treated to coffee in bed, sleeping bag actually. The Bayan Audio Soundbook we got yesterday is an excellent bit of kit. Should help pass the evenings on T42, if I can last longer than 8.30pm. I opened my other present to myself, bought sometime ago, a narrowboat anchor and chain ! Talk about heavy….could moor the QE2 with it. I think Hazel needs to do some weights if she’s ever going to deploy it. A short drive down to Stourhead, where we are staying at the Spread Eagle Inn, built in 1770. The gardens close at 5, except for the guests of the Inn, who are allowed to wander around at any time. As they have over 400,000 people thru a year ! Hazel and I enjoyed a stroll around the lake, virtually by ourselves. Some pictures for you to enjoy….Cheers

Another early morning start saw our daily chores ( washing, engine checks and secret men’s business at the Elsan ) done and the short lock free run into Guildford where it’s possible to moor up at the bottom of the high street. The gongoozler (a spectator sport of watching canal boats trying not to crash or get stuck ) factor here is high, so you have to get everything right. We then attempted to get my birthday present for tomorrow, a radio for the boat. We had seen some online at Debenhams, but no you have to order them in. Next a HiFi shop willing to supply something that would fill the boats interior and empty its batteries within 5 minutes ! Then a general store which specialised in surly and sulky shop assistants. The Argos shop listed some perfect ones, alas that ones out of stock sir, and that one too, in fact we haven’t actually got any ! Finally we got to Maplins and found something suitable, having spent 3 hours and walked miles up and down the High street. As we had intended to get back to Pyrford to retrieve our luggage we pushed on home to get back by 5pm. This proved too ambitious, with a number of silly mistakes and poor helming on my part. We are both obviously not fully functioning with limited sleep ! To compound matters we arrived 15 minute past the Marina closing time and somebody had pinched our powered site. After a quick shower contact was made with Steve the Manager and I was correct in assuming that the luggage had NOT arrived yet. The only answer was to have a cider and look at some boats around the marina. Tomorrow…. Spread Eagle Inn @ Stourhead and Mark turns 45 !

12th May Lilac for Mum

Newark Lock with Newark Prioy in background

Great scenery along the Wey !

The grey Narrowboat is an 18ft Sea Otter, tiny!

Well after a fairly early rise, actually 4am, we finally set off at 8am with T42 all organised. As we didn’t have the new code for the shower block our wet room was used. The new shower unit is working a lot better, but a few air locks caused some flow and temperature fluctuations ! After an engine check it was straight out and into the locks. At first we were a bit rusty, but have improved with each one despite having the last 5 set against us.

Bowers Lock – showing a typical Wey Navigations lock, and Hazel doing her lock duties.

After arriving at the National Trusts Dapdune Wharf, where the old River Wey Barges were built, it was time for lunch, or rather Afternoon Tea / Scones, Clotted Cream and Jam!  We were briefly joined by a lovely steam powered launch. Tonight we will catch up with Penny, who helps look after T42, and try to stay awake longer. Tomorrow some shopping in Guildford before meandering our way back to the marina. Pre dinner drinks will be cider tonight, in honour of Richard and Christine. Cheers !

All arrived OK, minus 1 bit of luggage with all the boat bedding ! We will sort something out…

Hazel shattered, but T42 all sorted and stocked for our first run tomorrow. Time to ZZzzzzz