We hope that you have read part one of today, as this is a continuation of what turned out to be a fabulous day.

Honningsvag is a town of 2500 inhabitants and is on an island connected to the mainland by a 7km long tunnel under the sea.

After arrival we were off on the 3 hour tour to Nordkapp - or North Cape - the most northerly part of mainland Europe. In fact there are many "most northerlys" in and around Honningsvag: most northerly church, hotel, campgrounds -the claim goes on. Of course when we go to the Svalbard Islands (Longyearbyen) at the end of the week we will be at a higher latitude but it is not the mainland.

The distance to Norkapp is 31km and the last 13 we have to follow a snow plough to clear the road. The bus travels over high passes and steep valleys. We learn a lot from the guide about the Sami culture-the indigenous people of Finmark - this far Northern area of Norway.

The Sami's bring up to7000 reindeer to the island each spring with the help
of the Norwegian navy. They graze here during the summertime, grow bigger and stronger so they can swim back to the mainland in the autumn. We saw some of the traditional huts used by the people and learnt of their religion and culture - which is sadly fast disappearing.

Just before Norkapp we passed a NATO outpost - looking North and East - we wondered at who!

This photo is of Aaron and I at the Norkapp. If was minus 1 degree - quite mild really, and the wind was very strong. Care needed walking on the icy patches( we both thought of Joanne in Austria); the deep snow was much easier to walk through.

It was a wonderful experience to be in this part of the world - 71 degrees North Latitude.

The boat was waiting for us to return and we were off on our way again. The sun is peaking through the clouds and we are hoping for a clearing in the sky and perhaps see the Northern Lights.

The boat is rocking quite violently at the moment; to be expected in this part of the world. During the night we will head south and perhaps into quieter waters.

Kirkenes in the morning.