Back at home, the girls' friends have headed back to school, reconnecting with friends, meeting new teachers and starting new topics. We have been on the road for a little over a month now, and some of the novelty is wearing off for the kids. They have been working hard on their school work these last rainy days. Today they needed a break and since the weather forecast had improved, we surprised them with breakfast in bed. We skipped math, yoga and chores and hopped in the car for a new adventure.
Senja is a large island made up of fingers of mountainous land that stretch into the sea with deep fjords in between. The roads tend to go along the back of the fjords part way up the mountain and then cross under the mountain range via one of the impressive tunnels (my spell check just told me that the noun "tunnel" does not usually go with the adjective "impressive," and I should consider a word like "deep" - they have never been to Norway!). Anyway, today we headed two fjords over to explore a new area.
Our day took us up Mt. Husfjell, a relatively easy hike that was longer than usual but with a gentle elevation gain to a spectacular summit. Despite the impressive drop-off from the top, it was the water that was most striking here; the fjord had sparkling blue water dotted with islands and lined with stunning white sand beaches. The vegetation was lush with both pine forests and rainforests. A promise of time on the beach kept everyone moving. The day ended with 5 hours of beach time that included walks, swimming, books, dinner, and sand castles. The girls made an elaborate sand community that included a hospital, an orphanage, a waste disposal system, a water system, and a penitentiary system. That evening, we watched the sun slowly set over the endless ocean. We sent our love to our friends and family at home; our energy was renewed for continuing our adventure.
Walking the little one to "school"
All smiles today
It feels like you should just always be in panarmoa mode on this island.
Fun with the phone.
Dinner time.
Practicing cartwheels and hand stands
The kids' sand "city"
I took so many pictures at the beach, I just could not get enough of the beauty. Soon after this, a large school of large fish (possibly salmon) came right up to the girls. The whole night felt magical.
More setting sun pictures
Packing up to head home
A final view of the sun