We steamed in to Risor in Southern Norway during Tuesday morning. Our breath was taken away by the idyllic scenery along the coast and the entrance to the pretty village. It seemed as if the whole town came out to greet us and coming alongside next to the Christian Radich was the icing on the cake. The whole town has beautiful white houses which looked like a model village. A guide in fabulous traditional firewatcher's costume took us around the streets close to the ship showing us examples of the charming wooden houses.
He told us stories of local people as we took in the views and looked at the pretty gardens. The younger voyage crew stayed on the ship to relax and gave informative tours to intrigued passers-by.
Others walked in the local hills and went for a refreshing afternoon swim in a picturesque lake. When we came back to the ship there were several other ships and boats tied alongside making a very pretty sight with all the masts and the sails neatly furled.
Those of us on mess duty made huge quantities of coleslaw, chopped cheese, onions and various salad ingredients to take to the BBQ onboard the Christian Radich. The crews of nine vessels all gathered together for this banquet with a bar onboard the Dutch ship Eendracht. Thanks to all those who helped make such an unforgetable night.
On Wednesday morning the ships and boats sadly cast off from Risor and headed along the most scenic fjord we had yet to encounter.
giving helm orders for Cat to follow to steer the ship through the narrow channel following the Christian Radich and other ships in a parade of the ships. The fjord was lined with more pretty houses with their Norwegian flags flying high on their masts in honour of the passing ships. Many people were lining the shore and we waved and they waved back! Boats were also escorting us through the passage and out to sea. The experience was very special and none of us will forget it in a hurry.