Snowmobiling the North Cape

What started out as an atypical adventure for both of us, turned into a unique adventure for each of us! Our ship docked in Honningsvag. We joined an 8:30 am to 12:30 pm snowmobiling adventure to the North Cape. We got geared up, got on the bus for a 40 minute ride to where we would begin our journey. The snow was coming down hard. We could not see anything but white... That is how it all started.

Snowmobile Barbie!!

We got going in the close to white-out conditions that soon became white-out conditions. So much new snow was falling, we could not keep the snow out of our faces and eye balls. We had a hard time seeing. A visor was worthless. There were 10 snowmobiles. This is the best we could see. We were 3rd from the back.

Then, we started to see snowmobilers and snowmobiles falling over! The trail was difficult on a good day. With the deep, new snow, if a snowmobile got off track, they would fall over. The guides would put them back up and we would continue on. Then, there was one horrible turn, followed by a hill that required a sharp left. Each snowmobiler was falling over! We waited for everyone to clear. We were not going to fall over. The guides tried to direct us to different spot, I could not see. Pretty soon we were on our side. We had flipped into a ditch. It was hard to get out from under the snowmobile. Nancy was fine. I pulled my leg out, in a terrible angle, and I felt something snap.

Long story about how I got out of there . . . the upshot is, I ended up in the Emergency Room.

The doctor was very thorough, gave me shots, wrapped my knee, guessed I ruptured a tendon, and gave me a couple of prescriptions. I will take care of it when I get home. I declined crutches, much to the Doctor's displeasure.

The good news is: Nancy was able to continue to the North Cape.

Here are some of her pictures.

The group made it to the Cape about 2 hours later than they were supposed to. Nancy reports that the ride was nine times worse for awhile after I left. Even the Guides were falling over. (Glad I left.) Then, at the Cape, the snow eased up and the sunset at 1 pm was lovely!! There were at least 4 snowmobilers who would not get back on for the ride back!! Don't blame them. Alternative transportation arrangements were made.

Yay!! She made it!

Stunning views.

Then, it was time to head back.

At least some of the snowmobiles ended up were they were supposed to end up.

Peaceful looking North Cape Village.

The snowmobilers ended up back at the ship at 4:30 -- only 4 hours late. I even beat them by 2 hours, after sitting in the ER for what I thought was a long time. All's well.

I guess these guys were looking out for us!