This weeks blog consists of many pictures of nature; hence the title. Writing this blog has been a complete pleasure as I believe the love of nature is in my blood. There are many pictures for this blog, perhaps the most I have ever had in one blog publish. I hope you enjoy :)
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| After Kristine ended work last Friday, we decided to drive to her parent's cabin for the weekend. It's a 2 hour drive northeast of our home. The cabin is located in the mountains and this photo represents a small cabin built a long time ago for a farmer to stay in to keep an eye on his or her sheep and maybe cows as well. This cabin is located in a valley. It looks like a good time to me! (this is NOT her parent's cabin) |
This creek flows into a freshwater lake with a trail on the right
side of it. Bjørn, Blake and I walked this trail to the lake and got
extremely wet. At least our feet did.
The following day, we drove to an area about 5 minutes from
the cabin. This trip included a short hike and a picnic near a
stream with a bridge crossing it.
For some reason I love streams/rivers that flow through the
mountains.
This was our picnic area. Bjørn is preparing a fire while Kristine,
Anna, and their aunt Elin hang out on the stone picnic table.
Considering we're surrounded by mountains, we
could see a waterfalls in nearly every direction.
It was also a huge help that it had been raining
for the past few days.
This is another small cabin in the woods used many
years ago. Blake and I think it's cozy and would be
fun to stay in for awhile. Kristine on the other hand
disagrees. Sad for us...
Sølvi brought bag of dough to the picnic.
We put some dough around
sticks and placed them over the fire.
Once the dough cooked through, we would eat it.
I preferred my dough with some sugar and
cinnamon. Kristine's cousin's were with also.
In the afternoon, Bjørn and I went for a drive. He showed me
where they enjoy skiing during the winter. This picture represents
the process of the ski lodge building a new ski lift.
Above the clouds? No problem!
This a small, yet traditional Norwegian stave
church. I suggest you all research stave churches
if you don't know much about them.
Very interesting!
Neat little town on the mountainside.
We decided to stop and fish on a freshwater lake.
This waterfall was almost directly behind us.
Bjørn showing me how to fish properly.
It's not a Norwegian fishing trip without coffee, biscuits,
and chocolate.
This is the admissions building of an electric hydro dam, located
in Nesflaten. The dam is 1 mile into the mountains and collects
water through a system of pipes.
The dam generates enough power to supply electricity for 1/3
of southern Norway (about 300,000 houses). If the dam breaks
down, all of southern Norway will lose power as the remaining
power plants will go down. I'm thirsty for knowledge about
Norway and it's culture so I'm constantly asking questions.
Visiting places like this is actually a lot of fun for me because
I learn so much!
The next door neighbor of the cabin is a gifted
wood carver. He uses a chainsaw.
Some of his art...
What a talent...
He even carves animals from the tops of trees.
The internet wasn't working at our apartment last Sunday. This
was a MAJOR problem as I needed to watch the Packers beat
the Dolphins. I headed over to Bjørn and Sølvi's house to watch
the game. Close call.
As Blake and I wondered around Karmøy one day, we decided
to go to the prettiest place on the island, according to Kristine's
mother. On the way there, we passed peaceful horses. Two
adults and one young colt.
Many nature trails in Norway have picnic tables alongside of
them. Either wood or stone.
Once we got the the prettiest place on the island, Blake was let
off leash so he could go exploring and splashing around in the
water.
This stream flows into the lake above.
King of the bridge. He let me pass once I forked
over 2 dog biscuits. He saw me coming a mile
away.
This was the lake we eventually got to. Little to no wind on a
sunny day. As you can see, the lake was like a mirror.
The inlet from the stream to the lake. I bet it's a good fishing
spot.
It was a nice day to be out and appreciate the beauty of this
World. Our creator did a nice job I would say.
From the right, the river/stream flows to the left. It flows into
what appeared to be a few lakes in a small valley. Sølvi was
correct, this is a most beautiful place on Karmøy.
This is a small place along the way. As you can see I am
by no means a professional photographer and Blake
likes to be in photo's at the worst times. This small
structure has a fire pit in the middle.
This cabin is used for boy scouts, girl scouts, and other organized
groups to use and enjoy nature.
One afternoon, Sølvi offered to show me a few nature areas
near Haugesund, which is on mainland Norway.
Waterfall next to a bridge over the lake from 2
pictures above.
This trail I believe is called 1 million steps. Fun!
It veers off the main walking trail.
As you can see, it's a nice place to picnic for an afternoon.
The trees in this area, on average, are much bigger than those
on the island of Karmøy.
Wood carved statue. I don't know the meaning
behind it.
I had 2 hours one day before Kristine needed to
be picked up from work so Blake and I headed
downtown Haugesund to pass time.
Great companion!
Out fishing for some supper! May have to frame
this photo.
4 Lyr (Pollack) and 1 Sei. Filleted them and
placed them in the freezer. They'll be used for
fish cakes at a later time.
For my birthday, Bjørn and Sølvi bought me a skype camera
for the Smart TV. The camera is fantastic. Skyping is great now!
In America, pumpkins represent the fall. Here
in Norway, people don't usually eat them or
use them for decoration. Kristine and I saw them
and thought they would be nice to have in our home.
They're our "decorative pumpkins". What's not to love?
Walking out on a pier the other day got me wondering how neat
it would be to live in a home right near the water by the harbor.
Then again, there is little to no yard space and virtually no parking.
Not good.
This is Blake's field behind our home. It's his play zone.
Lots of running space, plenty of sticks, and of course, water!
Freshwater lake on Karmøy. My friend Roy and I went out for
an evening of freshwater fishing.
Fishing in a canoe is the best! So peaceful.
On my 2nd or 3rd cast I got stuck in the trees...I
think I've been away from freshwater fishing for
too long. This doesn't happen on the ocean.
Neat picture as the sun was setting.
It was raining quite hard but that doesn't
stop Blake and I from bike riding. As long
as there isn't much wind, riding in the rain
isn't so bad.
This picture was uploaded out of order but it's
the other side of the prettiest place on Karmøy.
It's quite steep and has a rope for easier climbimg.
That's Blake at the top encouraging me to go to the
top with him.
This was a sad attempt to document my bait
that was stuck in the tree.
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