As Brighton were busy beating Norwich City 4-0 in the FA Cup, I found myself cruising the Barents Sea from Boldo in Norway towards Kirkenes near the borders with Finland and Russia. And just like the name of the port we started out at, I ended up boldo over by the result and in particular that magic moment from Solly March.
When March provided the fourth Albion goal at Carrow Road, the MS Kong Harald was pitching up and down like something out of the Cruel Sea. Having a cabin at the front made the sensation even worse as waves smashed into the window.
But nothing could stop me celebrating like a madman March scoring at the end of 14 months out injured. A goal and moment which deserved to be cheered from as far away as inside the Arctic Circle.
Even after March netted and I dived back onto the bed like I had been fouled, the adrenaline (along with my seasickness wristbands) preventing any fouling on the cabin carpet.
Two hours later and I was still smiling as we reached the shelter of a fjord. It was time for a roast lamb dinner and everything felt right in the world.
BBC Radio Sussex provided contact with Carrow Road from the far north. The Albion Unlimited Podcast has also kept me company, with the guest before Norwich being Guy Butters.
The ex-Albion defender provided an interesting listen. It was also great to hear from another former Seagulls centre back, Shane Duffy.
Duffy said he was enjoying his football at Norwich. Johnny Cantor rightly lauded Duffy and Lewis Dunk as a great pairing; and not just because the names Dunk and Duffy fit together so well and roll off the tongue!
Before kick off against the Canaries, Johnny informed us it was bitterly cold. Warren Aspinall even had a new coat for the occasion; like myself, after investing in a thick jacket to withstand the Arctic temperatures.
Carrow Road is not the easiest place to get to, especially with no trains running between Ipswich and Norwich. Johnny rightly praised the Albion fans who had the journey, selling out the full allocation.
The game was only known about with five week notice, comes soon after Christmas when money is tight and starts a run of three away matches in eight days. The support and commitment of Brighton fans is truly phenomenal.
Not that the Albion started particularly well to reward that loyalty. Warren told us it looked like Norwich wanted it more. The hosts soon underlined that by rattling the woodwork.
The pitch seemed to be causing Brighton some issues. Or as Warren put it, was more like his back garden in quality than a professional football surface.
Brighton finally woke up just as the MS Kong Harald entered the rough, open sea which would accompany the March goal.
Yankubu Minteh managed to get in around the back to find Georginio Rutter. His touch narrowly missed the target.
Next came an outside of the boot effort from Julio Enciso just wide. It sounded like the Albion were beginning to get on top, leading to Rutter opening the scoring.
A great right side cross from Joel Veltman was met by the head of Rutter, directing the ball towards the far post and in. Just what the doctor ordered.
Enciso took some criticism from Johnny and Warren next for going to celebrate a shot which ended up nowhere near the goal. Our faithful commentators said this is not the way to play a team game.
Despair at Enciso soon disappeared when Rutter doubled the lead in the second minute of injury time. Minteh made a progressive run forward and slipped in Rutter, who banged a shot over the Norwich goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
The second half started off scrappily until Enciso scored a brilliant goal from the tightest of angles on 59 minutes.
Enciso picked the pocket of a defender, moved along the touchline and struck a low shot with enough curve to hit the post and spin in. Amongst all these rumours of an Enciso departure, we really cannot afford to let him go.
The tie was done at this point and Fabian Hurzeler reacted accordingly, making some changes. On came Brajan Gruda, Danny Welbeck back from injury, Ruairi McConville for his debut and March to a rapturous chanting of his name.
That set the scene for the best part of the afternoon. Welbeck left a Gruda pass for March to rocket a shot into the top corner with his first touch.
If you ever find yourself suffering seasickness, the best cure is for a player to score his first goal following an injury which almost ended their career. Who knew?
Next on the FA Cup agenda for the Albion is a home tie against Chelsea. Next on the agenda for the MS Kong Harald, a stop in Tromso and a cable car ride up a mountain side.
It will feel like something out of the classic movie Where Eagles Dare… or in this case, Where Seagulls Dare.
After that, we see no more sunlight for three days as the boat cruises further north. Hopefully, the sun shines on the Albion in terms of results against Ipswich and Manchester United.
Tony Noble @Noble1844Tony
