Knowing that we needed a way to get to the North Cape, I had booked a tour from Honnigsvag with Blue Puffin. Monika, our guide did not disappoint. We were given a really good perspective of the life style, history, weather and more on the island of Mageroya.
Our first stop was the tiny fishing village of Kamoyvaer (with 68 inhabitants) where we learned how fisherman fish during winter months and how the cod and other fish is processed through drying, smoking and salting. We saw some small racks of salted cod.
On our way to the North Cape we saw some reindeer cooling off on a small patch of snow. All reindeer on the island are owned by Samis (the indigenous people). They are used for their skin, meat, bones and antlers.
The island is very scenic at this time of year and they are 100km north of the tree line, however, they can have snow for eight months of the year! Starting in September and into May.
Fog was swirling around and even though the land mass at the North Cape was open, we were floating above the mass of fog beneath us. Needless to say, weather can be very unpredictable here.
An inspiring monument named “Children of the Earth” is on top of the cliff braving all the elements. In June 1988, children from seven countries (Tanzania, Japan, Brazil, Thailand, Italy, the USSR and the USA) spent a week together on the island and celebrated their stay by each designing a plaque.
We also made a stop at Skarsvag – another very small fishing village – where we saw some of the Arctic king crab. Evidently the crabs were introduced to these seas and have become predators. There is a free zone for catching them west of the North Cape and we were told it is very lucrative.
Back in Honnigsvag we stopped by a very small shop run by Sami and selling their handmade souvenirs.
We sailed up and around the North Cape cliff, but due to the fog saw nothing!
Because I do not make the time for this kind of travel, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being those who do. I know I keep saying it, but WOW! The beauty and way of life seems more simple and more peaceful, but what do I know. I know it is a lot more work, survival. Speaking of, how is global warming affecting these people and country. Is it something they discuss, have concerns over?