bathing by the arctic circle

we left the island of Dønna

and crossed the bridge over to a series of smaller islands, the main one being Seløy

these islands are quite flat so the prominent mountain Dønnamannen was most often in view and hard to keep from focusing on

we came to a small harbor with tourist accomodations including boat trips. the main season was over so there was not much activity. it would have been nicer to see this classic nordlands boat on the water but we got a chance to inspect it up close. the exceptionally beautiful and seaworthy design is originally from the sami or lappland folk and dates at least back to the viking times.

of course the harbor is situated with a clear view of the mountain in the northeast

but i was also impressed by the R:I:B.s (Rigid Inflatable Boat) with twin 350 hp motors. no wonder each seat has a solid hand grip. riding these boats anywhere is a memorable wet thrill for the young at heart, but even more so in these magnificent waters

the harbor with the mountain backdrop to the southeast is not too shabby either

we pulled over at a stop with some picnic tables for lunch. i spied a beach just ahead and went straight for it while the others were getting out the food

an incredible spot. just south of the arctic circle you would likely assume the water to be icy cold but the gulf stream brings warm water with itand this beach is very shallow so during the long sunny summer day the water temperature had risen to 'nippy'

i was fond of cold water swimming in my younger years but have become totally spoiled by the warm beaches in India. so i had no plan of taking any dips on this trip

but in these overwhelming surroundings i just had to commune with nature. nobody else was around and i'm sure i did not offend either Dønnamannen or The Seven Sisters

after all it was only a quickie

by the time i returned the others had already eaten and were relaxing in the sun. i had a quick lunch and we made our way over the bridge to the last island.

more to come

this is the ninteenth post in a series of photos i took on the Helgeland coast in Norway at the end of August.

links to previous posts: @eolianpariah2/a-sunset-walk-to-the @eolianpariah2/rust-by-the-seashore @eolianpariah2/friendly-robots @eolianpariah2/a-hike-in-forslandsdalen @eolianpariah2/more-seaside-rust @eolianpariah2/an-evening-walk-along-the @eolianpariah2/gone-fishing-in-leirfjord @eolianpariah2/the-bridge @eolianpariah2/the-old-house-by-the@eolianpariah2/morning-walk-along-the-leirfjord @eolianpariah2/fagervika-sunset @eolianpariah2/an-odd-form-of-treasure @eolianpariah2/let-s-go-fisshing @eolianpariah2/rust-as-art @eolianpariah2/another-evening-walk-in-leirfjord @eolianpariah2/a-cloudy-day-on-alsta @eolianpariah2/what-s-in-the-boat @eolianpariah2/taking-the-ferry-to-donna