Day trip to Åre

The teenagers (Ole and his friends Glen and Daniel) were desperate to go alpine skiing on a "big" mountain so we all drove to Are, about an hour away. We were up for exploring a new area and made a plan to find a place to do some cross country skiing in the area while the big kids were at the ski resort. It was really windy and COLD but we went for a tour anyway.

Tryfan and Pia leading the way

Bjorg, Petter and Rhodri taking a rest

We put in a good effort but it was really cold and icy so after a few candy breaks, we turned around. The sky was beautiful with so many layers and textures and hues of gray.

Heading back to the car to have lunch out of the wind

We drove to the ski resort to see if we could meet up with the teens, but it was so crowded and awful in the cafeteria so we retreated to the Green Caravelle and dined inside the van with Pia.

Pia and Baxter Bear

After lunch, we headed into Are town center to do some shopping. We had to go into every outdoor/ sports equipment & clothing store in the town for Rhodri's "research" and then met up with Bjorg at the Are Bageri, which turned out to be a really cozy and delicious place. We had a nice table and watched the Finland vs Sweden hockey game and enjoyed some pastries and coffee.

On the Ice Throne outside the bakery

We drove back to our accommodation in time for a kid's disco party in the loft of the hostel, which the kids did some good dancing at. The DJ played "What does the fox say?" about 4 times, but it didn't seem to bother the kids too much.

The early stages of the disco party

Rhodri got to go on a evening ski tour tonight with Petter and Bjorg while I hung out with the kids. Then later it was another lovely evening of chatting and relaxing until bedtime.