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Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203390 06/28/07 10:39 AM
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Denise Offline
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Viewing the polar ice cap will be beautiful. Looking forward to pix.

Lobster for lunch - it doesn't get much better!

Leslie,

What does seal taste like? Please don't say chicken! :rolleyes:


Denise

Retired and loving it!
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203391 06/28/07 10:47 AM
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Portolan Offline
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We're at 79 deg 32 min 42 sec N at 2143 ship's time. Expect to reach the ice cap about midnight. Now partly cloudy, but sun is breaking through intermittantly so we may have midnight sun and polar ice cap tonight.

The map display on the TV only goes to 80 degrees N (Mercator projection). Either we'll be sailing off the edge of the world at that point or it will shift to a polar projection...we'll see.

40 degrees F and the seas are picking up as we move away from Spitzbergen where we had a very calm day (needed after the previous two days).


Scott

Ren R7:'01
HAL Volendam:'02&'05
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RSSC Voyager:'03,’05,’06,’07,’08,’10
RSSC Diamond:‘04x2
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Silversea Spirit:’10
12:A&K Le Boreal,Antarctic; Voyager,Iceland
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Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203392 06/28/07 10:48 AM
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Marc Offline OP
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We are still heading for Polar Ice Cap. We are now at 79 30. Seas have increased as we have moved out of the lee of Svalbard. Forecast does not look good. The only gale warning is for Sector A3 where we are located. Here is the full maritime forecast.

Quote
Issued Thursday 28. June at 10:00 utc


Gale force 8 is expected in A3.

Synoptic situation at 06 utc

Low center 985 hPa position 62 N 22 E is expected to be 993 hPa at 66 N 21 E by Friday 06 utc.

New low is expected to be 993 hPa at 74 N 19 E by Friday 06 utc.

High 1015 hPa centered over Northeast Greenland is expected to be 1018 hPa at 77 N 22 W by Friday 06 utc.

Forecast valid for the next 24 hours:
A1, B1, C1, D1

Variable force 4. Mainly dry. Some fog banks.

A2, B2, C2

North force 5. Dry. Moderate or good.

A3, A4, B3, B4

Northeast force 5. In B4 occasionally near gale force 7. From this evening also in A3 A4 B3. Friday before noon occasionally gale force 8 in A3. Scattered rain. Poor at times.

A5, B5, C5, D5

Variable force 5. Mainly easterly. Scattered rain. Fog banks.

A6

East force 4 or 5. Rain at times. Fog banks.

B6, C6, C7, D6, D7, E6

Southeast force 4. Occasionally force 6 in northeastern part. Scattered rain showers. Risk of fog.

C3, D3, E3

North force 5 or 6. Mainly dry. Moderate or good.

C4

Northeast force 4 to 6. Friday backing northwest. Scattered rain. Poor at times.

D2

Decreasing north force 5. Friday becoming force 4. Dry. Moderate or good.

D4, E4, F4

Variable force 3. Occasionally north force 5. Scattered rain and occasionally poor in D4. Elsewhere moderate or good.

F3

North force 3. Occasionally force 5. Mainly dry and good.
It looks to be rough for our trip down to Nordkapp but not as rough as the northward leg. I sure hope our rafting trip is in protected waters or it is going to be tough sledding in the zodiacs.

Ngaire forgot to mention that not only did I loose quickly in poker but I did pretty poor in Pooch before coming up one short - yet again - at trivia. This is a wonderful group of folks we are travelling with. Dinner tonight was with Kathy and Kathy (and their spouses) and was wonderful. Tomorrow night is the last formal night and we have dinner plans with Scott, Judy, Pam, and Tom. It just can't get better than this.

More from the ice cap later.



Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203393 06/28/07 10:52 AM
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KarenS Offline
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I hope you don't loose your internet connection as someone else had suggested, this is just all too fascinating!

I hope the seas aren't too rough for you tonight.


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203394 06/28/07 11:03 AM
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Marc Offline OP
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Here is the current polar ice forecast:

[img] http://met.no/images/image_000138_1183042883.pdf [/img]

If the picture does not post, here is the direct link .

We are aiming for that space just west of Svalbard which should allow us to cross 80 North on way to ice pack.



Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203395 06/28/07 11:48 AM
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adrenn Offline
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How much better does it get than when you have an excellent interpretation (for lack of a better word ) of "belly flop" by an unnamed LCTer for a token?

Or .. the Davis Cup continues. Paddle tennis at 78 degrees north, 40 degrees Farenheit. Our USA team pulled out a draw. Fantastic tennis at the top of the world. Why not? When will Gary ever play here again?

OK .. 79 degrees 45 minutes. 96.9 km winds. It's just lightly bouncy and we're gearing up for trip to observation lounge.

We unexpected did Signatures tonight with new menu. Looked unusual yet tasted great. I may have inaugurated the doggie plate. My left over steak is sliced in my fridge. Red onions, a baguette and I"ll be all set for whenever the heck I wake up.

Must report to our ice cap seats. Wonder if they are serving ice wein?

Cheers, Anne

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203396 06/28/07 03:32 PM
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adrenn Offline
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Med evac aborted our ice cap run just north of 80 degrees. PLEASE keep passenger in your prayers. Helicopter arrived around 1:40 am. Crew was outstanding. Finally got passenger up around 2:05 am. Meanwhile, Tobias is up asking us if we need to eat (???). Passenger is on his way to Longyearbyen. Hopefully, our crew will get at least a few hours of sleep tonight. Sea day tomorrow, and I think all of us will need it.

Ice cap would have been great, but fog was rolling in as we crossed 80th parallel anyway. Really, really hoping passenger will be OK. Reality cheque (with apologies to TUSH) for all of us.

What a stand out effort by our crew & the rescue team from Spitzbergen.

Cheers, Anne

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203397 06/28/07 03:39 PM
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Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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Oh my gosh I certainly pray the passenger will be ok.


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203398 06/28/07 03:44 PM
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Betty K Offline
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Oh my goodness!! I do hope passenger will be alright.
Glad to hear that the rescue was made. Sorry that there was the need. Please keep us informed, Anne!


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203399 06/28/07 03:51 PM
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Ngaire Offline
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It was amazing tonight how well the ship handled this emergency. The helicopter was hovering overhead in a pretty good wind. This is not an easy thing to do and I thought was handled so well by all the staff on the ship and the heroic rescue team. We are all praying for this passenger. It is something that grounds you in reality and makes you appreciate the good things in our lives, and we feel for his family.

Anne and I were amazed that Tobias, the chef was up there at 2.00 am in the morning. In the midst of such an emergency they still maintained certain staff members who were concerned for all the other passengers.

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203400 06/28/07 04:04 PM
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Denise Offline
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What a sad turn of events. We will keep this passenger and his family in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know how he's coming along.

The crew's strength and professionalism in the face of such a life-threatening emergency is incredible. It certainly can't be easy for them.


Denise

Retired and loving it!
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203401 06/28/07 04:37 PM
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KarenS Offline
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This report gives me chills. I hope the passenger made it safely to the hospital and is going to recover.


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203402 06/29/07 12:05 AM
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petlover Offline
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Hi guys....not a whole lot more to add from what the others have said. This "Midnight Sun" seems to be causing weird sleeping habits around here....it's almost like the whole ship is suffering from jet lag. I can't even imagine what it would be like on "Polar Nights" with 4 months of darkness!!!

Yesterday's port of Spitsbergen was a waste IMO. Really not much to see, mostly souvenier shopping. The port itself is UGLY. Thank goodness we've experienced such beauty before and after that port. The snow capped mountains are so beautiful!

Tom and I have done well with the poker games. Two nights ago we played in another tournament in the casino and Tom won 1st place and I won 2nd place (prize $ is split 70/30). Yesterday after trivia I talked Marilyn into staying on and playing Bingo with me. She was reluctant but finally agreed. She won the 3rd game (not the coverall) and won $176. We have a new convert!

Tonight is formal night (our last one) and we're eating with the Sistahs, Suzanne and Andrea so another fun table!

Tony has taken a lot more pictures since the last time I downloaded his. When I see him I'll get his memory stick and try to download some.

The wonderful friends onboard and beautiful scenery continue!!! :)

P.S. Which Marilyn had a birthday? At first I thought it was the "sistah" and we had all missed it. Glad it wasn't!


Marcie

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203403 06/29/07 01:48 AM
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Portolan Offline
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A short update: we're now south of the Svalbard archipelago. Word at noon was that the passenger who had been air evac'd had been transferred on to Tromso (where we'll be on Sunday)since Longyearbyen's hospital has limited capabilities.


Scott

Ren R7:'01
HAL Volendam:'02&'05
RSSC Mariner:'02,’05,’09
RSSC Voyager:'03,’05,’06,’07,’08,’10
RSSC Diamond:‘04x2
RSSC Navigator:’08
Silversea Spirit:’10
12:A&K Le Boreal,Antarctic; Voyager,Iceland
13:A&K Le Boreal,Arctic
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203404 06/29/07 03:49 AM
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joannapv Offline
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Here are some pixs from Tony more tomorrow

http://picasaweb.google.com/petlovermarcie/FjordsPhotos


Joanna
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203405 06/29/07 03:56 AM
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KarenS Offline
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What a handsome bunch of people, that picture of Tom is a really nice one! Thanks for uploading for us!!


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203406 06/29/07 04:07 AM
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Denise Offline
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Really terrific, fun pix! Thanks for uploading them. Joanna, those are very cool earrings! Everyone looks MAHVELOUS!


Denise

Retired and loving it!
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203407 06/29/07 04:54 AM
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I have so enjoyed checking in and reading this thread - we went to Norway in 2003 and it was the most beautiful scenery I'd ever seen. Seeing it through your eyes (and those perfect pics!) makes me not only green with envy but even more appreciative of that trip. Sounds like you are having a incredible time, enjoying good friends and a wonderful ship! My prayers are with the passenger who is ill. Thank you SO VERY MUCH for taking the time out of this wonderful trip to let us share it with you! A side note - Andrea you look even more fabulous than in your after pic and whoever said Joannapv keeps getting younger was too right! Keep enjoying the cruise and companionship!


Sue
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203408 06/29/07 04:55 AM
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Nancyp Offline
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Joanna, thanks for sharing the great pictures. Like Denise said...very cool earrings!!!

Nancy

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203409 06/29/07 05:24 AM
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Sue&TomInGeorgia Offline
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I love people pics - thanks for sharing Joanna! ;) Everyone really does look mahvelous!!


Sue
"A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in" Robert Orben
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Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203410 06/29/07 06:03 AM
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Suzie Offline
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I'll add fuel to the picture feeding frenzy when I get home....mine are XXX rated :p :eek:


Suzie

The days pass happily with me wherever my ship sails.
- Joshua Slocum
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203411 06/29/07 06:06 AM
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ssclbc Offline
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Joanna's earrings really are amazing, they're even better in person!

Thanks for all the updates. My thoughts are with the unfortunate passenger.

Andrea, you look great!!


Lauri
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203412 06/29/07 06:20 AM
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Betty K Offline
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Joanna,

YOU know how much we love seeing those great people photos! Thanks to you and Tony!

I want to borrow the earrings!! :)

Wonderful to see all those smiling faces of my friends have so much fun. Color me green!

Suzie, I can't wait for the xxx's!!!!!
cheer


Betty

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Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203413 06/29/07 06:24 AM
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Joanna, thanks for posting all the pictures. You and Tony make such a handsome couple. Actually, everybody looks very handsome!

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203414 06/29/07 06:47 AM
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pwolftx Offline
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Sorry you missed the polar ice cap, you were almost there! But you did make it over 80 degrees North--that's a real achievement. What's really interesting is that we also had a medivac from the Navigator when we were North of Spitzbergen a couple years ago. It happened in the middle of the night, so most passengers didn't even know about it. We were told about it by the Hotel Director, Martin. That passenger also ended up going to Tromso. Hmm, wonder if it's the excitement of being so far North--or something in the air up there??? Did any of you run into the famous attacking sea bird in Longyearben, or did you find any Polar Bear tracks just outside of town? Those were the highlights of our visit there, but we also liked the quaint little village.


Peggy
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203415 06/29/07 11:35 AM
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cruiseluv Offline
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Peggy,

I never heard about that!!!

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203416 06/29/07 12:30 PM
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Maria, it must have been one of those few nights that we went to bed early because we wouldn't have known about it either except that we had dinner with Martin the next night and he told us about it. As I recall, it must have happened the night we left Longyearbyen headed to the Magdalenfjord. Martin said that a lot of the crew was up most of the night dealing with the Medevac.


Peggy
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203417 06/29/07 02:20 PM
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Marc Offline OP
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Its a little past 1am. This is the latest that Arlene and I have partied with the group. Pam (CruiserPK) threw a wonderful birthday party for Judy (Mrs Portolan) tonight followed by a wonderful birthday dinner in the Compass Rose. We then headed to Voyager lounge for a wonderful night of relaxation in our formal night finery. Tomorrow is Nordkapp and Honingsvag.

Our rafting and ice bar adventure was rescheduled for 7pm so we have (almost) all cancelled. We will have to figure out how to get to Nordkapp and the ice bar on our own.

This has been a wonderful cruise so far as we are looking forward to the many wonderful ports over the next week.



Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203418 06/29/07 03:24 PM
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cruisinfanatic Offline
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Well so far this whole trip sounds amazing and thanks everyone for all the updates. We too will keep the ill passenger in our thoughts and hope he/she recovers quicklly - that would be scary.

Sounds like a lot of fun going on and all the poker and pooch games are creating lots of excitment. Keep the pics and seamail coming!!

Joanna - you may be the only person in the world that could pull those incredible earings off - they look awesome on you. Hope you re visit them on B2B. :app:


JoAnn
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203419 06/29/07 05:05 PM
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KarenS Offline
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I am hoping we will catch a glimpse of the ship in Honningsvag on this cam:

Click here for cam


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203420 06/29/07 09:54 PM
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Marc Offline OP
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Karen, we are now scheduled to dock at 3:00pm which is 9:00am EDT.

Most of us cancelled our Raft and Ice Bar excursion as it was rescheduled for 7pm due to our late arrival. No problem, I think we are planning on going to ice bar on our own.



Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203421 06/30/07 12:20 AM
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joannapv Offline
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Good Morning! Most of us had late night in VL - you realize it is midnight but sunny outside so you feel you can stay up for another hour but you have to face the morning!!!- the cruise has been great although Tony ready to put his feet on land this afternoon - everyone from LCT is soooo nice and it has been a joy to meet so many new people - we have more pixs so I will keep posting them -


Joanna
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203422 06/30/07 03:22 AM
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Luke Offline
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Voyager just arrived in Honningsvag about 7:15 a.m. (Central) ... GREAT webcam, Karen.

Luke


Luke
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203423 06/30/07 03:27 AM
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Pam Offline
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I see it! Hi y'all! We miss you!

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203424 06/30/07 03:45 AM
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Denise Offline
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I see the ship, too! Great stalk, Karen!


Denise

Retired and loving it!
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203425 06/30/07 03:53 AM
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cruiseluv Offline
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Wow, that's a great shot in the webcam. Is any FJORder in one of the cabins facing the cam? Maybe they can come out and wave a white towel or something! LOL!

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203426 06/30/07 04:17 AM
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KarenS Offline
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I am happy we got a nice shot of the ship is such a remote area! I was beginning to think this would be a stalkless cruise!

[Linked Image]


[Linked Image]


Karen

Live long and prosper
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203427 06/30/07 04:24 AM
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Betty K Offline
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cheer


Betty

[Linked Image from i4.photobucket.com]
Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203428 06/30/07 07:07 AM
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Mr_MarnaLou Offline
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For those who might be interested, I'm posting the pictures I take on (and just before) Fjords on Flickr. George\'s Fjord pictures on Flickr

george

Re: SeaMail From Onboard Fjords #203429 06/30/07 07:58 AM
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KarenS Offline
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Great pictures, George!


Karen

Live long and prosper
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