The Vikings were fierce seafaring warriors who traveled great distances in their Viking ships to plunder and colonize

Mimi, did you know that many of the Vikings came from Denmark? They traded, plundered, and colonized lots of other places in their .

They even made a settlement in the new world in about 1,000 CE at L'Anse aux Meadows, on the northern tip of Newfoundland, Canada.

McAveler, look at what experts say about the Viking ships.

When a square sail and dragon-headed prow appeared on the horizon, it struck terror into the hearts of medieval Europeans from A.D. 800-1100.

The sleek, speedy, dragon-headed longship or drekar could cross the open oceans under sail and then switch to oars for lightning-fast hit-and-run attacks on undefended towns and monasteries.

Longships carried Viking raiders from northern England to north Africa.

Their light, economic construction was a major factor behind their success. Modern replicas have achieved speeds of up to 14 knots and they could easily penetrate shallow surf and river mouths.

Seafarers steered using a single side rudder on the right, the 'starboard' or "steering board" side. The term 'starboard' is thought to have originated in this era.

To survive long sea voyages, they took dried, salted or and meat with them.

McAveler, look. Here is a recipe for a delicious apple drink that they would make to wash down their dried fish or .

Ingredients

Water

or fresh

Apple leaves

Honey

Instructions

1. Fill a jar with water, small pieces of apple (with peel) and apple leaves.

2. The drink should simmer on the fire; when it reaches the boiling point sweeten it with honey.

3. Serve hot.

The dried codfish don't look very appetizing to me, McAveler, but let's make that yummy apple drink after the weather cools off at home!