Make way for cow crossings, six-toed dogs, urchin gonads, and duck fluff - Vega Island here we come! We were amused to find an unexpected welcome party of puffin dogs. These little dogs were equipped with six toes, owl-like neck flexibility, and are particularly rare, yet we were pleased to find four out on a walk with their owners in Nes village. This small, unique part of Norway has earned Vega Island UNESCO world heritage status, primarily due to the historical way of life embedded in eider down that entices over 50,000 visitors a year to this community. For centuries, Vega inhabitants have waited for the eider ducks to arrive in the spring, preparing ample habitat to nest and eventually harvest their valuable down once the nests are abandoned. After feeling one handful of the plush, insulating feathers, it is no wonder that the down-filled products sell for top dollar!
We explored various other aspects within the town of Nes today, in addition to the infamous Eider Duck Museum. Cups of hot coffee and waffles were enjoyed at the Nes Kafe, while those with a more adventurous palate experienced the Edible Seashore tour, tasting some local delicacies harvested from the intertidal, including everything from urchin uni and algae to cooking up some limpets! Split, salted cod (klipfisk) was adorned on the sides of red, wooden barns, drying in the traditional fashion. Those that wanted to stretch their legs set out on a short hike over rolling hills or headed into Holandasen Nature Reserve for a longer hike, where some cows came strutting down the trail.
After visiting a most quaint village with historically rich culture and delicacies, National Geographic Orion navigated towards Vistenfjord. Holding our breath, we crossed over the particularly shallow terminal moraine entering the narrow fjord, deposited by a long gone glacier centuries ago. Steep, glacially carved rocks towered above us on either side as Zodiacs were lowered to explore up-river! We cruised up some subdued rapids to find beautifully secluded lakes throughout this lovely national park. After winding riverbeds, trickling waterfalls, and babbling brooks we made our way back to the ship to enjoy the usual recap, dinner, and an extra special treat - the cruise show! Hands up, baby, hands up!
