At Rauland, Norway

My daughter Hilde Marie is a busy person. This week (on Wednesday) she started her part time Traditional Norwegian Cooking studies here at Raulandsakademiet, and on Friday-Sunday she has her Personal Trainer exams in Oslo. I came along for the ride. 

I have spent a lot of time at Raulandsakademiet over the years. For nearly 10 summers I took silver smithing classes here, in the heart of norwegian nature. So for the first time I am here without any program, and have actually been able to see some of this fabulous nature. 

Yesterday I hiked up to Falkenuten, a top that reaches 1065 meters above sea level. Not a lot, but enough of a climb for me (and I have to admit I did not start at sea level! :-))

The marches already show signs of fall colors.

Many of Norway's side roads are still gravel roads.

The path up to Falkenuten has been stone laid by nepalese sherpas 

who came over here to teach their craft to the locals.

I met this local on the path. She was both curious and friendly,

and I complemented her on her necklace. 

I refrained from mentioning that the one earring trend 

was over several years ago.

The view from the top is spectacular.

And how about the snow heart on the slope above the dam?

Of course there was also a heart among the stones on the path.

More signs that fall is getting close.

The harsh conditions in this area makes it necessary for the 

miniature birches to grow any way they can.

Back in the car this guy was looking at me from the side view mirror.

Road trip in the camper van

In stead of getting bored while waiting in line to get on a ferry, 

I look for things to photograph.

Also during the crossing, 

the coast line offers lots of interesting motifs.

This might suggest Beirut,

but it's Odda, Norway.

   

The same place that promises:

Everything will be alright.

Crossing mountain plains, the sky is so wide and open.

We stopp at a camp site for the night, 

and Birgit and I head out on a photo safari 

while Sigve rests in the camper van.

As the sun sinks, 

the wind dies down and the light turns blue.

A combination of reflections and bottom rocks 

give our photos a painting like effect.

We cross a bridge and play around with our Nikons.

An old shed offers a multitude of photo opportunities. 

Colors and patterns of time.

A moth poses willingly, showing off his trunk.

The next day it was still there, in the same position,

so it had probably been dead the whole time. 

Rusty, but together.

On the other side of the field, fireweeds 

(also called great willow herb or rosebay willow herb)

 (geiterams) form a border against the woods.

Dinner and wine waits in the camper van 

when we eventually dragg ourselves away

 from our beautiful surroundings.

The next day we make time for another excursion before take off.

Macro time!

And some water acrobatics.

We avoid the high ways, and on one of our by-ways 

we had to stop for tree young capercaillies

(possibly wood grouse or heather cocks) in the road,

and for some more macro shots.

At Skeikampen, we met up with Ester and Magne in their cabin.

Rain caught up with us too, 

but that just means more photo opportunities.

Our next camp site stop was by lake Sperillen,

and I found more of my (presently) favorite motifs: rust.

And even rust-looking water.

After dropping Birgit off at Haukeliseter, we continued to Hovden, 

to spend a couple of days with my brother and sister-in-law.

The weather was nice, but cold, and invited more camera use.

The road between Hovden and Haukligrend is - interesting.

Another detour took us to a dam, 

and some day we're going back there fore some hiking.

In Røldal I walked through the grave yard 

surrounding the old stave church,

and I focused in on some details.

   

This little guy (young wagtail) (linerle) 

was hopping around the picnic area. 

Final shot: a cheek-to-cheek moment.