Over the Scandinavia Mountains

We have a long bus ride today due to the main pass being closed due to snow. So, here’s up and over the ‘low pass’ at 3100 feet.

Right about here it started snowing. The temp is down to 7 celsius (44 Fahrenheit) 

The lake in front of us is frozen! This is the 3100 foot level. At the ‘top’, the 8000 foot level, lies a HUGE glacier, the Jostedahl Glacier. It has 51 arms! Here’s a tip we saw, much receded from when Mats last saw it 😞. And, there are 4100 of these glaciers in Norway! Glaciers cover 3% of Norway!  Now I understand what 8000 feet at 61 desgrees North means! 

Ulf isn’t so sure of this cold, bit I’m loving my new down jacket!

Whereas Swedes and Danes have their summer homes along a lake or seashore, Norwegians have theirs up here in the mountains. They use it as a home base to hike, 


And. Through a really long tunnel thru a mountain, we’re suddenly on the West side, heading down. In Norse mythology, this is the land of the giants. They believe that in the final battle if armageddon, the Gods will fight the Giants. The God Thor (who’s hammer creates thunder), makes frequent reconnaissance missions to check on the plans of the Giants. 

My new down jacket! 


And now, back down to 130 feet and 10 celsius.  Now we’re officially on the rainy side of Norway, where on the average it rains 2 out of 3 days. It’s raining right now.

Now we understand why there aren’t wind turbines here...they get 99% of their energy from hydro electric! So much water! Given this, nearly ALL their oil is exported!