When one is a nature photographer looking for unusual  destinations, sometimes the gear required is a bit unusual as well.  For example, ssummer dogsledding:

or swimming with beluga whales:

When we we’re told there would be special gear for riding  a RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) through the glacial waters of Naeroyfjord I just took it in stride:

While the  jumpsuit included a scuba hood that covered almost my whole face, I opted to go with my sun hat – as you remember the temperatures were running around  an unusual 90 degrees  and the skies were cloudless.  While the boat was cruising the wind was cool and refreshing but when it stopped the sun was merciless  and super hot!

A little background.  Norway has over 1700 fjord systems and the longest and deepest is the Sognefjord.  It is located on the southwest coast, stretches  over 127 miles and is 4291 feet deep. One of its most spectacular branches is the Naeroyfjord, and it is one of only two Norway fjords recognized  as World Heritage Sites (the other being the recently visited Geirangerfjord).   What makes the Naeroyfjord so special?  Its mountains are towering and in some places almost vertical.  Tons of cascading waterfalls. The narrow and winding fjord runs through many wild, untouched areas offering a stark contrast to areas where small farms spot the landscape. Its  wildlife is diverse – ranging from eagles to harbor seals.  It also has a rich Viking history  which I has talked about in another post.

While the eagles were too fast and flighty to photograph and the seals remained out of site, we were treated to watching a bunch of white Norwegian milk goats easily traverse the grassy but rocky terrain:

Also caught an oystercatcher doing its thing on the shore:

But, the landscapes blew everything else literally out the water.

Fyi, some locals had set up a little breakfast picnic and invited us to join them, but alas we had more landscapes to ogle at:

On to Bergen!

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