Bykle

We left on Friday after a half day of work and school. Arrived at Bykle just a short while before Ragnar, Jane, Kristin and Kjetil. We were all looking forward to several days of good food, good company, fresh air, skiing and fun. Staying at Bykle Hotel is perfect. Great breakfast and dinner and we could pack a lunch as big as we wanted. So we had 5 days with no food making responsibilities at all. How easy.
Saturday was by far the nicest day with a big bright blue sky, about 16 degrees (Celcius!) and no wind. We were up early and out on skis before 10:30. Not bad with 4 teenagers who need their sleep.

On our way up the hill.

Our ski trip that day was great, we went straight up about 600 m at the start. It was a good climb and we got nice and hot on the way up.

Cooling off after the long hike up hill.

After a drink and some chocolate we just went in through the snow covered, warm and sunny mountain peaks. Thomas and Kjetil even saw a heard of reindeer (caribou)! When we crossed their tracks we counted at least 15 of them.

Kjetil and Ragnar crossing fresh reindeer tracks.

The next day was no where near as nice weather wise, but we took a long hike anyway. We had planned on making the trip even longer, but the wind and sleet/snow was so strong we decided to turn around. Pushing uphill and against the wind was no fun. As soon as we turned, we had the wind at our backs and were going downhill, so the return trip went really fast. Monday was spent up at Hovden, a 20 min ride away where there is a ski lift. Knut, Ragnar and the kids went downhill skiing while I stayed with Jane (who has a bad shoulder and couldn't ski at all) and we did every single shop in Hovden. It's a small place so it didn't take too long, then we went back to the hotel and sat out when it was sunny reading and talking.

Taking a lunch break. Kristin, Ragnar and Kjetil.

Tuesday we went for our last ski trip - probably of the season. Again striaght up the steep hill and into the lovely mountains. It was colder then so the snow was not as soft, still it was a beautiful trip. We are already looking forward to next Easter as this is a high point in the year. The same hotel is already reserved!

-Reb