A Meal Out

Today started nicely with cakes and coffee. Yesterday James had discovered that he'd left his skins (furry things to attach to your skis to give extra grip uphill) in Bodø and fortunately was able to get a lift back there, returning on the late train last night with his skins and cakes for the group.

Still not a good forecast, so we thought we'd try and ski to the Saltdal Turistsenter about 8km away where a cafe could tempt us with further culinary delights. The route was uphill for 2km to a lake, along the lake and then find our way down through the woods on the far side.

Today's photo of Philip, Rancidand, Me & Fiona was taken just before the lake after 1.8km. This was the point where we realised it wasn't a good idea to continue so headed back downhill, which with the wind now behind us was actually quite pleasant. Lunch was taken in the waiting room at Lønsdal station and we were entertained by a passing snow blower train thingy and then with the weather relenting most of us decided to give getting to the lake another go. This time we actually reached the lake and again thoroughly enjoyed the descent on the fresh snow.

In the morning we'd met the manager of the next door Polarsirkelen Høyfjellshotell, and he'd invited us over for a meal and beer, so, just to give Mick a rest from the cooking we decided to accept. A pre-diner DVD of Sami Reindeer herding with one of the featured Sami family members answering our questions then an excellent meal rounded off a fine evening.

Rancidand's version of the day.