Snow on the hills and a possible winter spot?

Today we were hoping the weather would allow for a walk within the hills. There has been an amount of snow fall on the higher hills, with temperatures low today the snow is being topped up. Having walked through snow and hail showers we decided to give in and head back to the shelter of the boat, the weather is meant to be drier soon, something that will make life aboard a 23ft boat much easier!

Serious rise in pressure, from one of the lowest we have seen to one of the highest

Snow beginning to top the higher hills

We have also been looking with interest at the possibility of staying some of the winter months in the village, with a shop nearby and plenty to do in walking distance we could see ourselves finding this a snug area. The friendly people at the boatyard were happy to point us in the direction of who to ask and we will wait and see.

Whatever happens when the weather improves we need to move towards Alta, the nearest large town, the heater will be ready to pick up and also we need to look in to purchasing some winter clothing and a few bits for aboard. If the forecast is in any way accurate we are likely to leave here at the weekend, doing the journey to Alta with at least one nights stop on the way.

Sheltering behind a rock during the snow and hail storms. 

Bergsfjord

Facing two days of gales and rain, we ventured off the boat yesterday to visit the local village shop and stock up with a few essentials for the weekend. Within seconds the owner was insisting we stay in one of his rental apartments next to the shop for Saturday night, to shelter from the worst of the weather. We tried to decline and headed back to the boat. A short while later, he came down to the boat and said he wouldn't take no for an answer. We followed him up and he let us in and said we must stay until Monday when he had folk staying. Coming back moments later he brought round sheets and some beers. Then went into the shop and got us a dinner. Totally unbelievable..

Perhaps not as well cooked as the locals would have done, very tasty all the same! Very kind! 

View from the apartment

Today in a break in the rain we walked up to the reservoir above the village and along some of the road. Bergsfjord had until a few years ago around 140 residence, but after the fish processing factory closed the population dropped to 62. With the village only accessible by ferry and the loss of jobs, it might be hard to encourage people to stay here, we however think it is idyllic. The community whilst small in size is large in character, at one end of the village a Dutchman has set up a successful and well respected boatyard, built on the hill above the shop and summer pub is a BBQ hut, much like we used in Bjarkoy. There are shelters built alongside lakes and a football pitch near the reservoir. The village itself follows the bay where the marina is found, the out lying islets and skerries offer some protection for the well maintained pontoons. Bergsfjord is not only home to many man-made attractions but is surrounded by amazing walks. If the weather allows during our stay here we would like to walk the various pathways and tracks through and over the hills but with new snow already laying on the higher mountains and temperatures set to drop to 2 deg C tomorrow some walking will only be suitable for the well prepared experience hiker.

Views over the fjord

Following the stream above the village 

If the snow does hold off we would particularly like to try and get to the glacier above the reservoir, having not stood up close to a glacier since 2 years at Svartisen Glacier, an experience we would love to repeat. For now though we are warm and dry in a lovely apartment overlooking the bay watching the rain in the evening light.

Amazing speed of water

Lake, with the glacier at the far side