Drive to Arctic Circle 66o 33’N Norway

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Another fantastic drive today especially the first part along the “17”. This took us across from the coast at Bronnoysond, round several beautiful fjords until we rejoined the main E6 - the road which goes from North to South of the west of Norway. Up to this point we had to drive south east rather than north as no other way round except by the coast road which would have involved lots of mega expensive ferries.
We have seen lots of signs for elks but to date only seen one mouse, one fox and one very quickly glimpsed small deer. Spotted an animal in the road ahead and glory be we had our very first elk. This was very young, small
with legs like sticks and no antlers to speak of. We managed to get some photos of it running along beside the motorhome trying to get out of our way. 15 minutes later we came across another, this time near some water and twice as big as the first. Stayed long enough in the open to change to the big camera lens. The elk really is quite an ungainly creature with its oversized head. This one also didn’t have proper horns just furry knobs so we wonder if it had shed one lot and was growing its new set ?
After the excitement of the elks we are now all ready and waiting for our first reindeer sighting.
We had the first part of our wonderfully scenic drive to ourselves as the road was very quiet. We followed a wonderful river which collected more water the further we went along from some quite sensational waterfalls from the mountains. We followed it all the way to Mo I Rani where it would have joined the fjord to the sea there.
The last few miles of the drive was across much more barren countryside with mountains topped with snow on all sides and far less lush vegetation.
We reached our stopping spot for the night at the Arctic circle where there is a shop and restaurant building and some monuments from the WWll.
There are also some special monuments denoting the Arctic circle and then lots of cairns put there by the visitors all round the area. We built a tiny one just because….
After dinner wrapped up really well, not against cold as it wasn’t but against some very large mosquitoes as already had a big ankle bit from first outing, and went for a stroll across the road where there is a river and an obvious major mossie breeding ground.
11pm as I type this and still broad daylight. Should not go dark at all.

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Photos

ELK
At last -we found an elk. Enormous beast and this one only has velvety stumps for antlers so assume he is growing his new year's set.

Snow capped
mountains en route for the Arctic Circle

Salmon river
So clear we could see right through the water. Good enough to drink.

Made it
To the Arctic Circle in Norway

Arctic Circle
The first time we crossed it

Had to take these
so we can send off for our official "crossed the arctic circle" passports when we get home.

Our campsite for the night
By the Arctic Circle visitor centre

11pm and still bright as day
over the arctic circle visitor centre buildings