Europe Blog # 13: Oslo
We visited three museums today:
Norwegian Thor Heyerdahl led a 1947 expedition from Peru to Polynesia - He wanted to prove the possibility of people living years in ago in South America could populate the South Pacific.
Heyerdahl and friends hand-built this balsa wood raft. They traveled about 6000 miles.
Initially, there was a question if they would run out of food. There was more fish than they could eat; some of which "jumped" onto the boat
They were very fortunate. A large whale shark swam underneath and could have capsized the boat
This underwater basket was used for "bathroom" purposes and washing.
The crew "took" and/or was "gifted" these items. Easter Island and the Chilean government is negotiating with the museum to get some of these items back. Note: Heyerdahl received an Oscar for the Kon- Tiki movie. (Jerry read "Kon Tiki" when he was a teenager).
RA II
Heyerdahl wanted to prove ancient civilizations could have crossed the Atlantic in papyrus reed boats. This crew sailed about 4000 miles from Morocco to Barbados in 1970.
Museum # 2: Fram (Name of ship) A Norwegian expedition:
Museum # 2: Fram (Name of ship) A Norwegian expedition:
During the later 1800's and into the early 1900's, there was a race to be the first to reach the North Pole as well as the South Pole. Financial rewards as well as notoriety was the goal. Explorers died trying to reach the poles.
This is the real ship - not a replica. The small "windmill" was used to generate electricity for lightbulbs. 
This was quite an amazing experience to walk the ship and explore the below decks.
Sailing into unchartered territory, dealing with underwater ice and getting stuck was a real threat.
Each crew member had his own cabin
Jerry had to walk carefully and try not to hit his head.
Continual tracking was critical!
Except for a lookout, everyone ate together and were entertained by someone playing the piano.
Many layers of clothing were worn to keep worm. Skis were used to search for fresh food.
Of course, the ship's captain was the most important member of the crew!
About 135 dogs were used to pull sleds. The dog breed used was carnivorous. The dogs were used for their own food and there were three dogs remaining by the end of the expedition.
Engine room
Third Museum: The staff is building a Viking-type ship using the same techniques and tools.
A plane or scraper
Axe and hammer-type tools
Inter-pegged planks
Original Viking ship
Jerry's "go to" drink in Norway
We finished a great day by getting out onto the dance floor putting aside a bad back, aching knees and sore legs.
It appears more warriors have been discovered.
Every conceivable needed items was considered and put on board for a "just in case" situation. Carpenter tools, medical kits, extra food and sails, etc. were stowed for this long and treacherous voyage.
Of course, the ship's captain was the most important member of the crew!
This was the "go to" drink on board!
Ultimately the ship was blocked by large ice flows/icebergs.
Dog sleds were used to transport the crew to the final destination.
The race to first reach the South Pole was won by the Fram expedition. Another group ended in failure. The leader died as did others by not adequately planning.
Third Museum: The staff is building a Viking-type ship using the same techniques and tools.
The ship's hallway has many interesting photos. These photos and other hi-lited China. Yang Zhifa - farmer- discovered the Terracotta Warriors.
It appears more warriors have been discovered.