Heggeness – 226 kms

Lattitude 61.1

We woke up to a van that felt more like a fridge than a home. Two degrees outside, and not much warmer inside. Thank goodness for the diesel heater and strong coffee. It was time to break out the winter-woolies we bought before we left. And to think we were worried about our air-con not working!

Today we wound our way higher into the mountains, climbing steadily until the landscape changed. Snow appeared on the hills and pine trees were sprinkled in white, just like little Christmas trees. I love how we leave home chasing summer, and end up finding winter!

There’s always something fascinating about the culture in a new country. While we were admiring  the view, we spotted something really cool: a man on a quad bike being pulled along by about eight huskies, all charging ahead like they were in a movie scene. We wondered if  this how he keeps them fit in the off-season, when there’s not enough snow for a sled? Whatever the reason, it was a brilliant sight that made us smile.

We kept climbing, winding our way higher into the mountains, the road curling through forest and rock until everything opened up. We’d reached a wide plateau, where the land flattened out covered by a soft blanket of snow. Scattered across the landscape were little ski huts, standing still, unoccupied for the summer, There was no one around. It felt like we’d stumbled into our own private wonderland. 

But the illusion didn’t last. By afternoon, we were rolling through one tourist town after another, the kind where outdoor shops and ski signs blur into one. We pulled in for supplies, but as we stepped out, the sky opened up. Real snow this time, not the pitiful flurries we’d seen earlier. It came down fast, pelting us in icy bursts and settling on Bertie and I wondered if this was his first time seeing snow.

As we drove on, the snow fell harder, blurring the world outside. It got thicker with every kilometre, and for a moment, I thought, what if this turns into a full whiteout? 

But then, as quickly as it had started, it stopped. The clouds parted, the sky turned a crisp blue, and the mountains reappeared like nothing had happened. 

We pulled over beside a lake, with snow-capped mountains rising in the distance. It was meant to be just a short break, and we stretched out for an afternoon nap with the sun warming the van.

But when we woke, the view hadn’t lost its magic, so we decided to stay the night. Technically, it’s just a rest stop by the side of the road. But with that view out the window, it might as well be a luxury resort! We’re just missing the hot tub!