Hello from St. Petersburg. We have now made an overnight ferry trip on the Princess Anastasia (the Princess was a member of the Czar's family the Communists murdered almost exactly 100 years ago). Our first impression of the ship was favorable compared to the Viking we have previously sailed and will two more times. Newer paint, carpet and other décor. However, when we were confronted with the ship's systems and meals we quickly altered our view. The buffets do not approach Viking. Can't drink the water-must buy bottled water from them. Furthermore, at the buffet where potable water is available a sign is posted not to fill water bottles. Really? Nonetheless they delivered us to St. Petersburg. Now for customs. Upon leaving Helsinki we were thoroughly assessed by a Russian official. Fully two occasions of seriously ... read more

Spent just one night in Tallin, which was sufficient. The old town is fairly condensed with encroaching buildings that obscure the view. Folks here are rather different than Scandinavia. Drivers more aggressive, especially the taxi delivering us to our apartment. There is less refinement. We board another ferry for a hop across the eastern Baltic to Helsinki. Unfortunately Trump and Putin will also be there, creating a traffic nightmare and making our movement more difficult. There seems to be no reason for the meeting, other than assuaging Trump's narcissism. Oh well, we do have a few shots of Tallin for you.... read more

We are now above 68 degrees latitude, and the temp is reflecting the change. Recall our bragging about the pleasant seventies in the large cities. At that time we too laughed at our folly over bringing jackets and sock caps. No more, we are some smart folks to bring them. Its cold and windy here. Temps in mid fifties and sometimes windy. No not like Iceland, but still windy. And this is the middle of summer! What's the temp where you are? These are the islands of craggy sharp mountains. There is some grass farming here, but not like we saw at the lower latitudes where folks bailed their back yards. Growing season is shorter even for grass. Yet, there are sheep and even some cows, but no horses have we seen. We are sure the ... read more

We continue our journey north, arriving at Trondheim after eight hours and three ferries. Cost of these (expletive deleted) ferries is adding up. Insult to injury we waited on one 45 minutes. When combined with road tolls and eight plus dollar gas, moving about the country ain't cheap. Traveled much of the day on an E (European) designated road. In Germany, France, Italy, or most any other country an E designation is equivalent with our Interstate system, and generally better constructed. In Norway, not so much. There are limited access highways near major cities, like Bergan, Oslo or Trondheim, but out in the country, the E designation carries a bit more variability. It seems to mean the road will be wide enough for two cars-most of the time, and generally have a marked center line, although ... read more

We have now landed on the coast after traversing the Troll Road. Before starting up we stopped for one of HP's countless shots where a Swedish couple began babbling to a clueless HP. He requested English, but they insisted there is a Swedish tag on the car. Sorry folks, only rented there. In perfect English they excitedly inquired if we were on our way to Trollstigen. Well yep, we sure are. They gushed about the beauty of the area, but the wife soon expressed horror at the drive finishing with "sure happy I was not driving". HP shared this info with Bird who became a bit irate at the anticipatory dread that was instilled in her. Obviously, we had success in the drive and still comment about the wimpy flatlander Swedes. This is not a frightening ... read more