Today we took a shore excursion with Shelly and Sean to experience the Atlantic Road and an original Stave Church. The Atlantic Road is an engineering marvel of seven bridges and tunnels to connect villages located on various islands along the Atlantic coast. Before the road was built transportation by water was necessary using either coastal steamers or private boats. Each of these made for a long commute. Although various iterations of the road had been in planning for many years it was not until 1983 that construction actually began. Everything changed in 1989 when the road was opened. Transit times have shortened considerably.
Our guide pointed to many of the bridges as we approached. Then we made a rest stop on a small islet at the end of a beautiful bridge. Aside from the Necessary Rooms and obligatory souvenir shop, there was a path that went completely around the islet. This offered great views of the bridge as well as many cairns that tourists have built along the shore. It was a short walk and we enjoyed it as we stretched our legs.
When our ample rest stop ended, we continued to the island of Averoy to visit the old Kvernes Stave Church. It was built in 1432, just 510 years before I was born. Although it has changed over time, the stave construction has been maintained. This consists of large timbers used at the four corners of the building. All of the inter beams are then connected to the corner posts. No nails are used. The joinery is perfect with every piece of wood fitting into its appointed place. Once the structure is completed the interior is painted with appropriate designs suitable to a place of worship.
The current structure dates to the 17th century. The ornamentation has been painstakingly preserved. The exterior is protected with modern siding, but the west wall has been left exposed for us to see and admire.
A church guide did an excellent job of explaining the construction and ornamentation right down to the sailing vessel that hung in the church as a prayer for the safety of those who work at sea. He was very enthusiastic and really made this a noteworthy stop.
Back on Pursuit, we enjoyed a buffet lunch in Windows Cafe. We have come to enjoy this experience very much. Each day there is a featured cuisine as well as more conventional fare. There truly is something for everyone.
After a satisfying lunch Alice and I set out to walk the town. We spent time walking along the waterfront and admired the statues of a Klippfisk woman and a Klippfisk boy. They were carrying Klippfisk which is Norwegian for dried cod. This was the industry that anchored the seaside economy for many years. We then boarded the free ferry that transports people to the various islets for work and touring. Our goal was to go to the Klippfisk Museum at the third ferry stop. Upon arrival made the long walk up and over a rocky hill. Down by the shore was the museum. It was primitive but is striving to develop into a real tribute to cod fishing. One thing we learned was that after the women and children who were the primary workforce prepared the cod it was laid on the rocky hillside to dry in the sum.
Finished with our visit we returned to the ferry dock and waited for our return to the mainland.
Back on board Pursuit, we reflected on what a wonderful day this had been.
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