A near- coincidence...

Both Karen and I seperately and independently did a double-take when we saw the news story photos of the supply boat Bourbon Dolphin that was involved in a tragic accident yesterday.

This is because whilst we were travelling from Haugesund to Bergen on our Mini-Cruise last week, we thought we had seen the very same ship pass surprisingly close to us in the Fjord. We were sitting on the Port side near the windows and Karen pointed it out (as she was facing the Bows, myself the Stern). It was very distinctive looking and brightly lit in the dusk. I grabbed my camera and took a couple of snaps, but they came out very dark, grainy & blurry.

Here is a library picture of the Bourbon Dolphin, followed by my snapshot. Is it the same ship?



(I've not attempted to manipulate or enhance my image at all, it is native from the Camera.)

On closer examination, it is the same Class of ship, but not the Bourbon Dolphin. Note the white strips and name aft of the lifeboat to the rear of the superstructure on the ship we saw.

These supply vessels are the tugboats of the Ocean, big powerful engines, very resistant to bad weather and a lifeline for the rigs. (They circle the rigs all day and night for any eventuality). I can vividly remember seeing supplies being unloaded for the Statfjord B Flotel on my one trip offshore, it was like a bucking bronco for the crane operator and very dodgy for the crew trying to get the hooks onto the crates).

It is strange how some level of tenuous personal involvement focusses attention on the reality of any significant incident. Suddenly it becomes personal and you pay more attention...

Some random views of Bergen

The Hotel...


Hats with sewn-in pigtails...


David thought the Penguin costume was rubbish...


Higgledy-piggledy house...


It might have been cold but it could have been a lot worse...


I never expected that...

A ride down Fløibanen

Fløibanen, the Mount Fløyen cable railway, is probably the longest funicular I have been on. It was reminiscent of the Great Orme Tramway in its technology but not appearance, as it looks very sleek and streamlined. It is also much more rugged and steeper!

I filmed some of the seven minute journey (downwards)and have YouTubed it below.

Part one- leaving the upper station


Part two- approaching the crossover track at mid-point


Part three- arriving back at the lower station

Bergen in Cinerama

Bergen has a rather splendid funicular railway which takes you from the downtown harbour area to Fløyen, one of the seven mountains surrounding the bay. The view from the top is absolutely stunning, even on a cold, dull, April day.

Camera set to panorama mode Captain, ready for the three clicks!