365 True Things: 257/Skiing (Norway)

We had a pretty good rain today. Which means: snow in the mountains! I just saw photos of I-80 over Donner Summit, where chains or 4WD requirements are in effect.

I am dreaming of getting out for some ski weekends at least a couple, few times this winter. Cross-country. Yeah!

This makes me think of two trips I took to Norway to ski with my wonderful sister-in-law Heidi, in 2004 and joined by my other wonderful sister-in-law Patty as well in 2008. We stayed at Heidi's cabin in her home valley of Folldal and ventured out from there, skiing off-piste typically, into the back country. Mostly, the days were glorious. On one bad-weather day, I elected to stay in, while Patty and Heidi braved the elements. They had a big adventure—and of course I was a wee bit envious. But only because I wasn't out in the blowing whiteout with them. The saner me—the one who chose to stay behind—would not in fact have enjoyed a blowing whiteout. At all.

Here are some photos.

Heidi eating a moose sandwich, shortly after seeing
a couple of moose in the wild.

Heidi heading up, up up: our goal may have been that peak.

Stark beauty.

Me on top! Of just what, I don't have a clue.

Summer farms: imagine it all green with cows grazing!

Me 'n' Patty

There was much studying of maps

As I said: much studying of maps. Occasionally, it made me
a tad nervous.... (This is Heidi and her friend Anne-Sofie;
I did not need to worry. They know this place like the back of
their hand. Even when it's rendered featureless by snow.)

Last tree for a while

Happy campers with waffles!

The UN World Heritage Site of Røros,
a copper mining hot spot for 333 years.

On our last night, Heidi's brother, Martin, and his wife, Eris,
treated us to a sleigh ride with their beautiful
Norwegian horses. Such a treat!