Through our smudgy porthole, we caught sight of the official marker assuring us that we had now crossed the Arctic Circle and were approaching the zone within which the Northern Lights would be most visible.
It was difficult to believe the terrain could become more rugged.
We left the ship in the Lofoten Islands and made our way to a Viking Feast.
The hall is a reconstruction of the largest Viking hall yet discovered and has been built just up a hill from the archeological site. Like the reconstructions at L’Anse aux Meadow, it is substantial, comfortable and very well-built.
The local Chieftain welcomed us, proposed toasts of mead and led the ceremonies to propitiate the gods.
The witch displayed her talents, including a flash of explosive fire.
The food was plain, but well-prepared and delicious. Eaten with a knife and spoon since forks are for moving hay to feed the animals.
Amanda (far right) joined the revelers as they danced around the fire before we headed back to catch our ship at the next port.
Back on board, we again headed north through the inner passageways among the coastal islands. In the Trollfjord, the ship turned its spotlights on portions of a glacier as we sailed by. On deck around midnight we also saw our first glimpse of the northern lights, which were quite faint, but discernible.