7/4/12 day 70: Leknes, Norway

Cloudless day. The air is so clean. After rehearsal for our big country July 4th celebration, I took the free shuttle to town with my buddy Chris. The town wasn't anything special... Maybe we didn't see the good bits but it just seemed like a way point for travelers passing through. We saw a bunch of hikers checking bus schedules and refilling water bottles and kerosene tanks.

The setting was nice though. Beautiful blue water butting up against Maine-like rocky coastline, with snow capped jagged mountains in the near background; it was dramatic and impressive.

At about 930 pm we entered the Troll Fjord. If you've ever been to Norway, you know that their national mascot is the troll. Troll figurines, troll mugs, troll pencils, troll posters... We did not see any trolls in this fjord, but it was still pretty awesome. At times, the walls of the fjord felt just feet away from the ship. Gentle waterfalls over mossy rock. The sun's light slicing through the canyon. It was extremely beautiful. After about 30 minutes the fjord ends, we turn around and head north towards Tromsø.

At 1030 we started the July 4th party in the club. I was skeptical but it was a hit. It had a country theme. The band and the singers sang some classic country tunes (and some not so classic, see Achy Breaky Heart) I sang "Country Roads" by John Denver. Although I must say, it wasn't the highlight. Had a fun night celebrating the independence of my home but at the same time definitely missed the company of family and friends. Oh, and the baked beans.