Bergen 60:23.84N 05:19.29E
16 July
A change of plans. The weather is still looking poor
for a North Sea crossing for a few days and so we abandoned the bus and sailed
into a Bergen. Not much wind, but then we were only going 12 miles or so
and 3-4 kts was very relaxing in a light breeze.
En
route
Swallow
rafted up in the Vagen
Bergen is a wonderful place! It may have looked a
little black at time - but no rain. We arrived in the Vagen to find all berths
full and rafted up 4 deep to a Danish boat. Very friendly couple and
apart from a little boat to boat clambering, a perfect spot. We are
surrounded by ancient buildings. From the 12th century Marian Kirken, the
remnants of the royal palace (Bergen was Norway's capital for many years) to an
array of Hanseatic League buildings. There is a good fish market at the
head of the Vagen and supper on deck was fresh prawns and crayfish with hot
smoked salmon and smoked eel - and an excellent Austrian Riesling courtesy of
Martin.
Dinner setting
Bergen is surrounded by mountains and built on a series
of hills - with lovely cobbled streets and beautifully preserved old wooden
houses.
Ann was happy as there are two 12th century churches - the
Dom Kirke and the Marian Kirken - very different but both very fine - and a
good 15th century altarpiece and an exuberant baroque pulpit.
