Nordland. 249 



the rainfall usually sufficient. The little creeks were 

 occupied by fishing-smacks waiting for the unpunctual 

 herring, whose appearance was also anticipated by shoals 

 of porpoises which sported in all directions. 



At a distance of something less than twenty miles 

 from Bod^ the fjord suddenly narrows, and for the 

 length of about half a mile or so is little more than 

 200 yards in width. Through this narrow channel the 

 forty miles of fjord above is refreshed with every 

 tide, and the entrance and exit of such an enormous 

 volume of water creates an immense whirlpool of half 

 a mile in length ; and so great is the force of its 

 currents and surging eddies that vessels are unable to 

 ascend the passage for the space of two hours before 

 and after high tide. I was told that the German 

 Emperor's yacht essayed the feat some two or three 

 years ago, but had to abandon the task, and was for- 

 tunate to escape unharmed. 



The fjord boat departs from Bod^ to suit the tide 

 at the "Saltstrom," as it is named, consequently pas- 

 sengers by her do not see the whirlpool at its best ; 

 but I advise any one having spare time in Bodi^ to 

 devote half a day to view it at high tide. It is re- 

 nowned throughout Nordland, and is said to be more 

 powerful than the celebrated whirlpool of the Lofotens ; 

 and I have seen nothing which conveys more forcibly 



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