Day four, Olden & the Briksdal glacier.

Threading our way towards Olden.

As usual, I was up early to catch the sunrise.

It was a bit cloudier today, but still dry.

Breathtaking in ANY light!

Arcadia ploughed on towards Olden.

It was encouraging to see things brightening up. Today saw the ONLY P&O excursion I was taking, as I usually like to make my own way to places (and it's FAR cheaper to do it yourself). I just had to visit the Briksdal glacier, and the only way was by the P&O coach, so I bit the bullet on this one.

Breakfast could WAIT while this sort of view was on offer.

Every minute, changing, more impressive, more staggering.

Sun peeping over the fjord ridge.

I still can't get my head around just how remote these places are.

I ALWAYS say it, but it amazes me where people will settle.

After another sumptuous breakfast and stunning window views (I always tried to get a table by the window), we arrived at Olden.

The boat quickly disembarked us, and we caught the bus to the Briksdal glacier. There was little else to do here in Olden. 

This was the first of many views from the bus as we made our way to the glacier.

This was probably the best day so far for incredible view after incredible view.

The jetty of a glacial lake - this showed promise, and the tour included an excursion on this lake. However, I had other plans......later.

Waterfall after waterfall, Peak after peak with the odd glacier thrown in - our senses were already in overload.

Glacial meltwater thundering down the valley.

Sunny and warm, in fact, the perfect day for it (or anything else, for that matter)

Yet another waterfall, Kleivafossen, but this one we walked under via that small bridge, and yes - we DID get quite wet (but the sun was strong, and dried us out quickly).

 Will you just LOOK at those views!

Making our way onwards at the far side of the waterfall.

Briksdal glacier was now in sight.

All of a sudden - there it was, a big, blue expanse of ice.

Mini 'icebergs' at the base of the glacier.

The camera just can NOT show the true blueness - it was overwhelming to our eyes.

The edges were dirty - testament that even up here, the air quality wasn't perfect.

Look closely, you can see some people walking on the glacier.

Cool ice, warm sun - tee shirt!

You could see under the glacier in places, and put out your hand to collect a drink of water that was millions of years old.

This is the bluest I can show you - you just HAVE to see it in real life to appreciate what I'm saying about the deep blue colours.

After a good while exploring the glacier, we set off back. This grass-roofed house nestled in the trees.

Back at the Glacial lake, we disembarked, and I said they could leave me here, I'd walk back to the ship.

People looked at me like I had a screw loose, but I knew I had plenty of time, I knew how far I had to walk, and how much time I had in hand.

I waited.......

Sure enough, the boat hove into view.

It docked, tied up and waited. Now for my plan.

I walked up to the 'captain', and asked if I could come aboard. He said this was a P&O excursion. I told him I was on the ship, but hadn't booked. Was there any way I could join it now? 

After a brief think, he said yes, but I would not get a seat, I'd have to travel on the roof. Now, I don't know about you, but I think I just got offered the best seat in the house!

Here we go then - with the 'proper' customers below me, we set off.

This is the life.

As expected, the scenery was just awesome! I could have taken a thousand pictures here. I have NEVER seen such a massive amount of beauty in one place.

And still, wherever you looked, settlements.

I am just lost for words.

Even a camp site!

People enjoying a row on the lake (with an engine - just in case).

The boat took us to the very top of the lake, then turned to come back.

A whole new set of stunning views met us as we turned.

No - not photosshopped, I really WAS standing on the top of the boat.

To this day, this shot is my desktop - it's about as perfect a picture as you could get - ANYWHERE!

Lying in paradise.

I REALLY enjoyed the walk back to the ship. A guy in a truck stopped when I was about 20 minutes from it, and gave offered me a lift. Not that I actually wanted one, but he was so nice and he just couldn't believe I was walking (even though I had proper boots on). He spoke good English, and I got a lot of interesting information about Olden from him.

Back at Arcadia, it was time to leave.

Bye bye Olden - I may never see you again.

All that walking had worked up a good appetite, so down to dinner I went.

As usual, a table by the window to check out the sunset.

The food really is a picture on these ships.