Harstad, 8-9 June

From Sortland, we headed a bit northeast to the city of Harstad, also in Vesterålen. We met a wonderful Rotarian at the District 2270 Conference, Berit, who kindly invited us to stay with her at her home for a few days. Upon arrival to Harstad from Sortland, we met with Berit and headed over to the Harstad Rotary Club meeting. We rented a rowboat our second day and did some fishing, then checked out 'Adolfkanonen' in the evening. Berit and her husband, Lars, were gracious hosts and fed us all sorts of delicious foods...including some hard-boiled sea gull eggs, a local delicacy :)

The five of us, left to right: Lucas, Lars, Berit, Travis and me

Excited for the sea gull eggs...

Left to right: homemade cured trout, shrimp, the sea gull eggs, and a thinly sliced lamb deli meat

At the Harstad Rotary Club meeting exchanging banners

Our workhorse on the rowboat

Not cod...

The evening's catch

The region of Vesterålen is known as the 'Land of Contrasts'. This scene is from just a bit outside of Harstad, northwest of the city.

At the port in Harstad

Lucas, Travis and Berit in front of 'Adolfkanonen' or 'The Adolf Canon'. This heavy artillery is claimed to be the world's largest land-based canon.

Inside the Adolf canon. There was a total of 7 of these canons constructed around the area during World War II by the German occupying forces.

Our tour guide explaining where the 7 canons were constructed, the types of shells that could be used, and the range of the shot...an impressive 56 km (35 miles).

Posing in front of the 40.6 cm (16 inch) caliber barrel

This Adolf Canon's name is actually Barbara, after the patron saint of artillery people.