Norway

Lom, Norway. A classic Viking-style church, set waaaay back in the fjords of central Norway.

Trondheim, Norway. A slightly sturdier church than the one above, Nidaros Domkirke was the traditional consecration site for Norwegian kings, and is the northernmost medieval cathedral in the world.

Nidaros Domkirke from the inside. A few photos discretely taken during an Ash Wednesday service for victims of the Ukraine war. Beautiful inside and out, it looks about what I think a Viking King's church should look like.

Trondheim, Norway. The historic city center is a great place to walk. This is a university town so it has more bars and coffee shops than any town has a right to.

Oppland, Norway. This looks like one of our white sandy beaches at low tide back home, but it's just a random rest stop / woodsy hike along my long drive through Norway, about 250 miles south of the Arctic circle.

Jotunheimen National Park, Norway. This was the view from the end of the road, in winter at least. Norway has to be one of the most enjoyable places in the world to drive because of the incredible scenery and zero traffic. On this day I was out driving through the fjords, down a long, slippery, 2-lane mountain road, until I got to the end of the plowed section, where this scene waited. On the left is the lower part of Galdhopiggen, Norway's highest peak. All around is Jotunheimen National Park, with some of Norway's best hiking in the summer months.

Hafjell, Norway. The 1994 Winter Olympics were held in Lillehammer, Norway. But most of the downhill and cross-country ski events were held here in Hafjell, about 10 miles up the valley. If you're skiing your way through Norway it's a must-do.

Top : The Olympic torch-bearer is carved into the forest across the valley from the ski slopes.

Middle : Traditional Norwegian cabins high on the ski slopes.

Bottom : Turf roofs are still a thing here. This guy's roof needs a good mowing and pruning.

Ilsetra, Norway. Ready for a ride.

Central Norway. Random scenes from all around.

Top Left : Strange monuments to a long & mystical past.

Top Right : Most cabins are painted these exact colors.

Lower Right : Vikings go to church ?!?

Lower Left : Norwegian seat-warmer.

Hafjelltoppen, Norway. Besides touring and downhill skiing, one of the reasons I did this trip was to get better at cross-country skiing. The Nordic countries supposedly invented it; as we see in every winter Olympics they've definitely perfected it. So what better place to practice it? I don't think it will ever replace downhill skiing for me personally, but some benefits of cross-country are the peace and solitude, and views like this.