24 



of the hotel, is seen plunging its volume of water nearly 1,000 

 feet sheer into the valley below, and the Naarodal, a narrow 

 valley encompassed with sterile rocky mountains rising some 

 3,000 or 4,000 feet in height on either hand, winds its way in 

 the direction of Gudvangen. Down this valley we drove in the 

 afternoon, passing en route a few small scattered farm houses. 

 The St. Suuniva, which had left Bergen the previous night, met 

 us here, and after receiving all on board bore us down the Ntero 

 Fiord to Balholmen on the Sogue Fiord, where we came to 

 anchor about seven ©'clock. The scenery was of the most 

 beautiful character for several miles below Gudvangen, the 

 mountains rising precipitously from the water's edge to the 

 height of several thousand feet. The hotel at Balholmen is 

 charmingly situated, and anyone fond of boating, fishing, or 

 climbing could hardly find a more desirable spot to stay at. 



Weighing anchor in the early morning we passed close under 

 the Hornelen, the highest cliflf in Europe, a mass of rock 2,400 

 feet in height. Two golden eagles were seen close to the summit. 

 At five o'clock p.m. Molde was reached, a watering place much 

 frequented by Norwegians fgr the salubrity of its climate and its 

 beautiful situation. From an eminence in the Park, lying behind 

 the town, a beautiful view of the distant peaks of Romsdal 

 mountains is obtained. Molde has a population of about 3,000, 

 and three fine hotels. The buildings are of wood, brightly 

 painted. A very enjoyable concert was given on board this 

 evening and shewed the existence of much musical ability 

 amongst the passengers. Early the following morning, which 

 was Sunday, the Sunniva steamed down the N«s. Splendid 

 views of the Romsdal Horn and the peaks of the Trolltinderne 

 and Vingetindene mountains were obtained, when the fleecy 

 mists enveloping their summits momentarily dispersed from time 

 to time, and those who were on deck between six and seven a.m. 

 were amply rewarded for early rising. 



k large number of carrioler and stolkkseres were in readiness 

 at NsBS to convey those of us who felt disposed as far as Horgheim, 

 distant about ten miles. The valley was narrow, and the 

 Romsdal on the one hand, the Trolltinderne mountains on the 

 other hand, rising precipitously above us, contributed to make 

 the drive a very beautiful one. In places where the valley 

 broadened out an abundance of yellow corn gave promise of a 

 plentiful harvest. Arrived at Horgheim we visited a monster 

 snow cave, and within a few yards enjoyed picking the black- 

 berries which grew in profusion. On the return journey we 

 observed some interesting river terraces with large accumula- 

 tions of sand and gravel at the lower end of the valley, but a 

 passing glance was all that could be permitted. Our steamer's 

 course now lay past Molde and north in the direction of Thrond- 



