Swedish winter adventure - part 2

Today we went for a big all day tour off piste with Petter, Bjerg and Stella.  This day was absolutely epic, with incredible skies, dramatic light, beautiful untouched snow, and of course amazing company!  In hindsight, as I'm remembering this day and writing about it several months later, this day ranks in the top 5 of my all time favorite days in life so far.  That is a big statement. Its hard to explain why it was so special, except that it was this magical combination of special people, ethereal conditions, solitude and easy conversations, physically challenging, and absolutely beautiful landscapes.

Here are some photos

When we got back to the lodge, we had some refreshing drinks and snacks in the upstairs loft area above the restaurant, then said goodbye as Polly and I were heading to our next hotel, and Petter and Bjerg were headed home.

Swedish winter adventure - Part 1

It was so exciting to see Polly and for the 2 of us to slope off to Trondheim and then drive to Storlien for this long weekend. The excuse for the trip was because it is Polly's birthday on Friday and thought that was a good reason to go do something fun.  So it was a couple of months back that we hatched this particular plan..

Anyway, we landed in Trondheim, picked up the car, and drove through a bit of rain and wintry weather in the mountains until we eventually got to the amazing lodge we were to stay in for 2 nights before changing locations and having another 2 nights in a different place.  All of this was coordinated with the help of dear Petter who happened to be planning to be in this area with Bjerg his lovely wife around this time.  We were treated to a lovely homemade dinner in the hostel-type kitchen at the lodge when we arrived, and it was so nice to see these guys again after so many years.

And this place - the Storulvan mountain station was amazing! It was both cozy and open, with incredible menu options for breakfast, lunch and dinner as well as having a DIY setup downstairs that was super well organized. 

On Friday morning we met for breakfast and then got our skis sorted in the rental shop downstairs at the lodge (thanks again to Petter for helping us).  Then we headed out with Bjerg and Stella-the-dog for a morning and lunch tour while Petter was working.

We went back to the lodge to relax for a bit, and then we headed out for a late afternoon tour with Petter and Stella before our dinner reservation.  

Time to celebrate Polly's birthday properly!

After dinner we played Yatzee and had whisky and tea, enjoyed the relaxing atmosphere

Separate Ways

 Today I took the train from Llandudno Junction to London Gatwick airport to meet Polly for our Swedish winter adventure, while Rhodri and Tryfan spent another day in the mountains.

Cadair Idris

 Today I took the day off work and we went for a family walk up Cadair Idris. I've never been here before, and it was another stunning day!

It was pretty hot by the time we got down the hill and we all cooled our feet off in the stream, while taking turns throwing the stick for Annie Dog.

Then we stopped at the old Maggie Murphy's pub in Deganwy to sit outside and enjoy our pints.  Perfect!

In the mountains

Today I stayed at the house and worked all day, while Rhodri and Tryfan went out into Snowdonia mountains to do some climbing.  It was a stunning day! So happy for them.

When they came back, Rhods and I went for a short walk up the Vardre.  It was a gorgeous afternoon, and this is one of my favorite places ever, so felt really good.

Anniversary 26 and heading off

After getting back home on March 31st and then not getting away with anything on April Fool's Day, Rhodri and I celebrated our anniversary by going to a Turkish restaurant in East Grinstead. Because it was a 'school night', we didn't go too crazy, but it was great to not cook and to do something a bit different!

Then today we left mid morning to drive to North Wales.  We passed a carrier pigeon flock on the way - never seen one of those!  I still think its weird and funny that 'fanciers' are so into pigeon racing.  

Anyway, eventually we got to Llandudno and received a warm welcome (as always!).  I love coming up here so much, and it is really a treat to stay with Nain and Taid.  We were all missing Rhiannon, though. It's weird going places without her.

Mallorca Backpacking Trip - Day 5: Tossal Verds back to Sussex

 Today was a long one, but a great end to our adventure.  We had been able to have a private room just for us on this night, which was soooo nice. Here is us moving out and leaving Tossal Verds.

We had an easy shady stroll down the valley on a combination of roads and trails, and we had such a laugh just ambling along talking about whatever.  

Looking back at Tossal Verds in the far far distance

We walked down to a town and caught the train into Palma, which was about an hour. But we all had seats which was awesome!  In Palma, we said goodbye to Chris because her flight was a couple of hours earlier than ours, and then we headed to the beach.  We had planned to swim, but it was really kelpy and wavey, and we decided to have lunch at a nice place instead.

From the beach cafe (which was amazing, by the way), we walked ourselves to the airport! This was our intention last year in Ibiza, but that day turned out to be rainy and too complicated, so we didn't. But this year, Mallorca, YES!

It was a thrill to walk to the airport and then get ourselves on the flight and head back home.

A fantastic adventure with my homies :-)  Looking forward already to next year!