We started up the steep and winding road, pausing briefly to snap some shots of the valley below. Shorty after the photo stop, we entered the fog. And everything went white. There was still a ton of snow above the timber line. And actually, they only just opened the road for traffic. It's closed in the winter. Some of the snow drifts were as high as the bus and even higher. Imagine 11 consecutive hair pin turns through 15 meter high snow drifts on either side. We got to the look out which was completely surrounded with fog. It's unfortunate to lose the view. You really get a sense you are in the clouds though and it's almost more scary not being able to see below. You know it's a long way down.
After a coffee break at a little lodge, we continued our tour. Driving back down into the valley past slate roofed houses and some that looked like
Hobbit homes w grass, flowers and ferns on the roof, we drove past numerous waterfalls, pastures of grazing sheep, and more hairpin turns. We passed the town and pier where we arrived and continued up the other side on Eagle Road to another vantage point with stunning views. This time we saw around the bend a little to the seven sisters waterfall and an amazing view back at the village. The tour wrapped up shortly thereafter and had a little time to window shop Norwegian sweaters ($250?!) and pick up some postcards, and enjoy a coffee and cookie on the patio of a little cafe. Its not cheap here people and they don't mind taking Euros because they don't give coin change. I paid like $20 for postcards and stamps. So, if you get a postcard from me, frame it... It cost a fortune.
Apparently Geiranger is known for this special goat cheese. I looked for it in the grocery store, but no dice. You know me and cheese, best buds.
Another thing I am noticing, especially when docked with other ships is that all the shops and cafes that offer Internet are jammed. That's because the crew is always looking for good, reliable, and cheap Internet, especially in Norway where Internet service is unpredictable. In fact the only reason I stopped for coffee was because they offered Internet. I walk in and the place is jammed with the crew of the three other cruise ships in the harbor. Everyone is Skyping like mad on laptops. I couldn't even log on, let alone open skype. I'll be sending this blog via smoke signal. Just look to the horizon.
On the way out of Geiranger, we had spectacular views of three famous waterfalls: the bridal veil, the seven sisters, and the suitor. See pics.
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