EASTER BUNNY RETURNED

Beware of skiers

Those who know me well might say that spending four days in a mountain cabin without mod/cons would break me down. On the other hand - Norwegians are brought up to enjoy primitive life without amenities like water, inside toilets, electricity, showers etc when on holiday. In fact you should probably - as a true Norwegian - claim that you prefer it this way. Our cabin in the mountains of Telemark has electricity, but that's about it.

So part of the charm of this kind of holiday is to arrive at an icy cold cabin - colder indoors than outdoors - try to light a log fire in a room that's so freezing and lacking in oxygen that you actually have to open the windows to feed the fire, cook with gloves on and wear your thickest woolen sweater when you finally venture into a bed with sheets that feel like you're wrapping yourself in ice flakes.

Jelena "enjoying" first night dinner with frosty breath and woolen hat. Brave sporty girls they were!

"Good" night?

Our car was stacked to the brim (to the roof) with skis, poles, snowboards, skiing boots, helmets, mittens, scarves, wine, chocolate, Easter eggs, water, kids, yellow candles, food. After having shopped half-way to our destination I actually had to sit in the passenger seat with a shopping bag on my lap!

But when you wake up the next morning to a blue sky, glittering snow and a big yellow sun that's finally giving off warmth - then the previous night's hardships are quickly forgotten. Even urban Big Mamas are able to see the beauty of the mountain landscape. And especially able to enjoy a glass of chilled wine while watching the snow melt.

A glimpse of Gaustatoppen top right

Here it is in all its majestic beauty - the highest mountain in southern Norway - 1600 m

The mountain of Gaustatoppen is right smack in the middle of the famous town of Rjukan, known for the saboteurs who, during World War II, destroyed the plant at Vemork which produced heavy water for the German occupants. Well, everyone knows the film Heroes of Telemark! In February this year Norway marked the 70-year anniversary of this brave action. And one of the saboteurs is still living! 

Skiing Jelena

Outdoor Barbies

Mira chef

And yes - I played cards! Maybe that's why he's looking so pleased!

Having gone overboard with all this Easter idyll, there were two things sorely missed by me: 1) Shower and hair wash (but I did actually get it done once - at the camping site in the village) 2) Internet (calling our operator first thing on Tuesday to threaten them with all sorts of tortures)! We had no TV-signals either, but that was okay, quite nice in fact.

And I HATE turning the clock forward! I miss one whole hour of night time - which is something I struggle with until we turn it back again in October. That particular October night is definitely my favourite night of the whole year.

Back in my bathtub