Full moon coming into Ytre Smastraumen
We arrived at our anchorage, Ytre Smastraumen, just after sunset. The bay turned out to be deeper than specified on our chart and after exploring every inch, we decided that anchoring deep was our only option. A full moon and clear skies made it possible for us to take our time while we looked for a good spot.
The landscape had changed since leaving Vardo. The hills were bubblier and more complex. Our hike on the hospitable granite hills made our trip east well worth the effort. Aside from the pleasant terrain, there was a high density of cranberries, blueberries and nagoons, which we stopped and picked in the rain.
After our nice hike we returned to find our dinghy floating eighty feet from shore. When the tide came up, the log that she had been tied to floated away. Luckily we had used a stern anchor and there was no danger of loosing her. Since Frances had made the decision to tie to the log, she felt obligated to brave the cold water and fetch our only way back to Snow Dragon.
Snow Dragon sailing toward the Russian border
Before moving on to Kirkenes, Snow Dragon had to have a closer look at Russia, four miles to the east. We knew intellectually that the border would not be dramatic but it still was surprising to see the same gentle, bubbly hills continue. The only indication that we did not want to cross without proper paper work were the Norwegian and Russian guard stations on opposing sides.
A gentler reminder was the 19th century stone church which the Norwegians erected to mark their territory. The only surprise was the nice sandy beach beside the church. Thirty knots of cold wind prevented any thought of sunbathing on the white sand and we turned around after coming within a half mile of the sea border.
19th century church
For more photos of Ytre Smastraumen and the Russian Border please click on Border Album.
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