Hiking

I have shown you the photos. Of me on hikes. Long walks that lead to milk acid in legs, dizzy heads, blisters and excruciating muscle aches. Long walks that lead to beautiful spots, usually quite high over sea level. But I am not the only one on those hikes. There are loads of Norwegians loving nothing better than going on those hikes.

The brand of chocolate featured in the commercial is a popular brand. I use it when out on hikes. And to get me hiking even more, every single wrapper comes with another tour! All over the country.

That is not the reason I show you this video though. It's more to do with how it looks like when I am out on a hike. The hard terrain, the weather (although I have not yet experienced rain while out on a hike) and the breath-taking scenery.

Norway isn't so bad...

PS: before anybody asks: yes, long woollen underwear is a must in this country! I still have to buy them, although I do own a woollen shirt and woollen socks. They work a treat!

Video

Since you might have read my cabotage post before and don't go back every ten minutes to check it out for updates or changes, I thought I would post this video I shot again. It's of the convoy as it was leaving Kopervik on Karmøy. I started shooting this when the first three or four vehicles had already left and I stopped when there was only me and one lorry left (we were the rear).

Snow

The question I got a lot when I was deciding on moving was: but why Canada/Norway? It's cold over there. And dark. And there's snow! Ha!!

Well, people, just so you know: I like snow. And as I walked home yesterday it snowed. Only a bit, but still. When I went to bed, it still snowed. When I woke up: snow. When I walked to work: snow. And the entire day while driving: snow! It stopped when I was walking home again. But since it started falling right up until now, I think about 20-40 cms, perhaps more, must have fallen. Depending on where you are obviously.

It made it both easier and harder to get to work: easier because the ice was covered. Harder because the snow was quite deep. And while at work today we were basically behind ourselves the whole day because of the snow. The main roads were (being) cleared, but all the other ones weren't. Which at times made for beautiful routes I must say. It was a shame I didn't have my camera with me today, I will take it tomorrow!

One good thing though: I didn't need to put the lessons from yesterday into practice. I think it needs at least 50 cms of snow on the main roads without any means of clearing it, before the chains are used. Or when you live in a more rural area where the roads aren't cleared at all. 

Whenever it snows however, I think about this song from one of the best Christmas films ever: White Christmas. No, it's not the title song, it's a song sung on the train while they are heading to Vermont and to the snow! And it always makes me feel happy.

Let it snow!

As I am looking through the window right now, I am wondering how on earth I am going to arrive safely and on time in London tomorrow! Because it's snowing. Heavily! And there snow's expected all through the night and tomorrow. Not just in the Netherlands, but Belgium and France are expecting quite a load as well...

Now, don't get me wrong, I love that song (see clip). But, unlike the song, I have someplace to go, which is London! And we leave very early in the morning, so all the salting and gritting in the world, is not going to do us a lot of good.

We managed last week, let us hope we will this week!

The music

Just a tiny piece by the Scots College Pipes and Drums together with the OzScot Highland Dance Team.