Natural Wonders #41.

**bumpkin** · 07-15-2010, 02:03 PM

My next tour in this series continues West of mainland Norway, more than 67 degrees North of the equator around a group of islands in the Arctic Circle called The Lofoten Islands.

There are eight islands which make up the Lofoten Islands, here I start up the Beechcraft Bonanza on the smaller island of Rost.

Taking off from Rost.

Shortly after take-off on a Southerly heading I reach the smallest island of the group called Vedoy. I will then turn North to explore the other islands of the groups.

Back over Rost again.

The island of Vaeroy is the third of the smaller islands which have a relatively warm climate despite their position due to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

Towards the first of the five larger islands called Moskenesoya.

It is now obvious from the first few shots that the islands are mountainous. In the real world they are full of wooded hillsides and fringed with pretty bays and white sand beaches. Off the coast of Moskenesoya lies the vast whirlpool, the Maelstrom.

Carefully navigating the clouds.

Over the island of Flakstadoya. The islands are surrounded by rich waters, supporting vast colonies of breeding seabirds including puffins, kittiwakes, razorbills, Arctic terns and white-tailed sea eagles.

Above Leknes airport on the island of Vestvagoy. Rare birds such as capercaillie and black grouse are sometimes spotted around the islands, whilst in summer the sperm whale is a frequent offshore visitor, with orca following the herring in Autumn.

more in the reply.....................

**bumpkin** · 07-15-2010, 02:04 PM

Cruising over the flatter lands of Vestvagoy towards the island of Gimsoya. The ruggedness of most of the islands makes them popular with hikers and hillwalkers, whilst the beautiful coastlines are favourites with the cyclists. In midsummer the area becomes even more popular as the sun remains above the horizon for more than seven weeks.

Descending as I cross Austvagoy, the airport at Svolvaer visible to the top right of the shot. Seals and otters inhabit all of the islands but Austvagoy is the only island which is home to moose. One of the biggest deepwater coral reefs lies to the West of this island, Rost Reef is more than 40km (25 miles) long.

I will circle in the fjord and return to the airport to land on runway 27.

Coming in.

Tower watches me turning to backtrack up the runway to the parking area.

Parked at Helle airport, near the town of Svolvaer.

Thanks for looking
Brian.

**loperzok** · 07-15-2010, 03:53 PM

great flight really enjoyd

**jcmmg** · 07-15-2010, 05:12 PM

Excellent post!!!

What a nice area and pics!!!!!!

Clear skies!

Jcmmg

**Ragtopjohnny** · 07-15-2010, 05:37 PM

Really nice post Brian - liked those alot....

John Thuot II
A+/Network+
Don't forget to visit our modeler's site:
http://www.dreamscape-studios.com

**jeh** · 07-15-2010, 05:46 PM

Your ability to find hidden gems in the fs world never stops amazing me Brian. Some of that scenery is spectacular. You should start uploading your flightplans.

Really enjoyed the set.

**wolf2** · 07-15-2010, 07:44 PM

nice shots, and love that bonanza!

**aircav1970** · 07-15-2010, 08:47 PM

Stunning set Brian! I've just recently started adding scenery to the Norway/Sweden areas in FSX,it's really beautiful over there and it surely doesnt get enough exposure in this forum!