So, I wonder how many survived the bonfire last night? lol.

We have an all-day tour today – Alesund’s Magnificent Mountains and Fjords. We love mountains and fjords. Let’s go! Ut-O, Bob let me know that he’s not feeling well and it would not be a good idea for him to take an all-day tour. Sad he’s not going but yet excited to see what the day brings.

Alesund is a town with a blend of coastal, alpine magnificence and unique architecture. Its art nouveau architecture appeared after a fire destroyed much of the city in 1904 (destroyed over 850 houses). More than 50 architects and builders designed the new city, which spreads across several islands, in the art nouveau style that still graces Alesund today. For nature lovers, the city is a great base from which to explore nearby mountains, fjords and waterfalls.

Our tour left early. It’s a cloudy day but not raining so no complaints here. As we drove out of the city, our guide told us about the architecture that replaced the colorful wooden homes that were destroyed in the fire of 1904 (my brain was thinking, surely, I hope it didn’t have anything to do with a bonfire…kidding). Soon we were in an area of beautiful farms and fields. Orchards with many kinds of fruit trees, strawberry fields (YUM) and hay. We traveled along the fjord that our ship traveled through yesterday but this time, we’re seeing the small towns that dotted the landscape.

We stopped for a photo op. There was a fish farm right below us. Different perspective, for sure. A giant cargo ship coming down the fjord that looked so tiny because of its surroundings.

We continued traveling and saw some charming, country churches. I had no idea how old they were. The Old Stordal Church (Rose Church) looks unassuming from the outside but the entire interior was decorated in 1799 by traveling craftsmen in a type of rose painting. These original paintings make the church unique. Many of the artifacts are relics from the old stave church that was located here in the 12th century. We did not stop here for a tour. Maybe next time.

Soon we pulled over for a short walk at Gudbrandsjuvet (Rt 63 between Valldal and Trollstigen). It’s a narrow ravine (16 ft) and high (82 ft). The rushing water is deafening through this narrow canyon. There’s an elaborate, curvy, metal walkway along and over the water. It’s a metal grate so you can look straight down and see the water rushing under you.

So many charming farm houses in the countryside that look like several generations have lived there over the years. Some houses were ‘fixer uppers’. I took pictures to show Bob. Normally, I’ll spot one as we’re riding and we’ll both say, fixer upper. O, there were some good ones today!

The road started to change. We are climbing in elevation but not winding turns, just gradual and soft as we are meandering through this valley. I felt so small as I gazed up to the mountaintops. You’d see other tour buses in a distance and they looked miniature. The scenery is spectacular.

I know it’s been a day or two since you’ve seen a lupine picture so I must include some here. Iceland had miles of them, planted to help with erosion. It’s not strictly illegal to have existing lupines in a garden in Norway, BUT, it is illegal to sell, distribute or spread them, according to the Norwegian Environmental Agency (invasive species with negative impact).

We were driving through Reinheiman National Park through the Trolltindene Mountain Range. We arrived at a visitor’s center and told there are some hiking trails, if you’d like to walk and get pictures. The guide had mentioned there had been a very bad rock slide that took out some of the buildings and the road so it was closed ahead. I believe it was in 2024. I walked the path past the visitor’s center and had to stop to admire how clear and blue the water was flowing past me. It may be the clearest I’ve seen. It’s not glacial water or it would be milky. It was crystal clear. We were also told, there is no need to buy bottled water in Norway. The water is so pure, you can fill from the faucet (or glacier if you’re out hiking).

I followed the clear stream and it started to pick up momentum. Ahead were some manmade, zigzag shaped forms that the water flowed over and then continued to an area heading downhill. I followed it and suddenly realized the rushing water is dropping over sheer rock and falls into oblivion. I can’t see the bottom, but I see a viewing platform ahead that cantilevers over the falling water. Quick, my heart is racing as I walk faster towards the platform. The anticipation of what else I’ll see. WHAT?!?! I can’t even believe what I’m looking at. It doesn’t look real! SO, this is the Trolls Road that I’ve heard about. I stood for several minutes just observing. My brain could not comprehend this line I was looking at. I couldn’t take it. Bob may not be feeling well, but this is a FaceTime call! I called and showed him. I’m in my happy place, but without you! Not good. We need to return and I will rent a car. We had a nice chat and he told me to see more before I had to rejoin the tour.

I continued on this path that had stairs that lead down to another viewing platform. I’m looking out across this valley with mountains on each side, a huge waterfall on the left and the right, a spectacular road, like none I’ve ever seen. The sun was starting to break through and the green fields in the valley were visible miles away. There were more trails that I seriously wanted to hike, but time was short. I could have spent the entire day sitting on the edge of that cliff.

So the Troll’s Road was under construction because of a rock slide. It’s probably a good thing I did not have a rental car. Disappointment would have been great. Our group was meeting by the bus. I ran into the visitor’s center to get a few more pictures and then to the bus. I will say, it was a sign when I saw an advertisement for AVIS in the parking lot.

The ride back through the National Park was one stunning view after another. My mind is full and my heart is grateful. Thank you Lord for such beauty, everywhere I look. I am blessed. I’m sad that Bob did not get to experience this.

We drove down the valley and stopped at a nice country restaurant. All home cooking set up buffet style. Bob really missed out. They must have had 10 different salmon dishes, fresh like 10 minutes ago (kidding). They had all kinds of salads, fresh veggies from the farm. I grabbed a quick bite and then went outside in the fresh air.

On our drive back, I observed cute and colorful Norwegian homes, barns, car ferry’s to take you across the fjord and all kinds of cute cottages for rent. We were back to Alesund in no time. It started to rain. Whew! It held off all day. The bus driver drove us through the streets of the city so we could see the architecture they are famous for.

Back to the ship. I was anxious to see Bob and tell him all my stories. Thankfully, he is feeling better and looks forward to a tour together tomorrow. I showed him lots of pictures. I watched his reaction when I showed him the Trolls Road and the word ‘rental car’. 😳