How to hold on to your raft

There is a few different sections that we run on the Strandal river. With the current water level we run an section with a 2 m drop and then a 1.5 m drop with a nice hole in the bottom. This second rapid is called Marthe. There is about a 50/50 chance of being surfed in hole. This surf is a real rodeo ride: the raft spins round and round with customers and guides get thrown out. If you do not get surfed there is still a big probability of being thrown out. Once out of the raft you get sucked deep down and pop up 5 m down stream with wide eyes and glupping air... So really you want to stay in the boat. Today I demonstrated how to stay in your boat!

Somethings are oh so odd...

Here are a few of the "different" things noway
- lamb head is a traditional and locally enjoyed dish (that I have not yet been made to try)
- last monday was the last public holiday till Christmas!
- you can't buy molasses or baking soda
- Almost no wild animals... most wild thus far is hedgehogs
- Odd road rules: no motorcycles jumping over cars, no cars jumping over motorcycles,
yield to road on the right

Despite all these oddities, everything is going well. Lots of works, a bit of play. Did a high water paddle of the raundal play section with the crew offering much entertainment. Guiding work is picking up and next week there are trips everyday. Also some waterfall rappelling and high ropes work.

Spring has definitely arrived with the trees finally leafed out, the flowers starting to bloomed and extremely variable weather (from snow/hail to hot and sunny). Having received my chacos it is time to begin the sandal tan. Strawberries (from who knows where) are arriving in the grocery stores which is helps with the previous lack of fruit; they are even better than the California variety. Made some marmalade today, yet again more than I shall ever eat. I will give it away to unsuspecting guides...

I will soon get some pics up to go with this post.

Constitutional Day

7 am, my windows are shaking to canon blasts, hit the deck? Or it's just part of the 17th of may constitutional day, from separation with Sweden, celebration. A national holiday were the whole town was dressed in their best bunad (traditional costume. In Voss, everyone gathered downtown to participate in or watch the parade. The day was filled with folk music and the consumption of many hot dogs and ice cream cones. Hot dogs should be the national food, I have never seen so many consumed in one day.

Never made it south to go paddling because it is still frozen there...but not here! A few days of rain brought on the high water, with the warm sun only furthering it. My first day guiding at high water was a bit of an experience; I got spanked! But a few bumps and bruises later (big bruises), I am back at it. Guiding again tomorrow but the water may be too high to run some rapids safely...

After getting the necessary kitchen items my baking has continued. Made some apple cinnamon buns that were "comparable to what could be bought in a Norwegian bakery". Cinnamon buns are my weakness, love them! Going to make everyones favorite blueberry cheesecake bars soon. Good thing I ride my bike to work everyday with a few too many hills involved.

The First Week

I made it: boat, paddle, gear and got picked up from the airport! It helps to be the only female guide here... Spent a few hours in Amsterdam with Els. It was great to get out of the airport and see the tulips.

The first day here in Voss I guided the Stranda and went kayaking on the Randaul. I can't believe I have only been in Norway for a week! It is already starting to feel like home. Settled into the new guide house but it seems to be short a few necessary items: a toaster, cookie sheets and pots with lids. But I am sure I can find an op shop somewhere, otherwise Ikea...Despite the missing cookwear I have been able to fulfill my baking needs!

The house is just up the hill from town and about a 15 min bike ride from work. And my bum sure feels the bike riding, I am sure I will get use to it soon. Been working everyday, both guiding and helping with early season maintenance. The company (aka the guides) are also building a new high ropes that will hopefully be complete by the end of the summer. The snow is finally melting and the river is rising, today will be my first high water trip, kind of excited.

Just a few pics
1. Holland, tulip gardens
2. view from other guide house
3&4 paddling...





Maybe off to the south tonight to find some boating. Monday is independence day from seperation from Sweden, a well needed day off!

OFF!

I am off! Well mostly, through security with my "wind surf" checked! Hard to say goodbye but really this is only the beginning. And it keeps on going!