We've done something that is apparently very un-Norwegian... we've made friends with the neighbours!

In early September, they invited us for a walk in the Estenstadmarka woods. It's a hilly area south-east of Trondheim, with forests, lakes, and a cabin with the most beautiful view.

We set out (the five of us and the dog) after lunch, climbing up the steep hill at the back of the housing complex and on towards the woods. The further we went, the fresher the air smelled, and the gentle breeze was very welcome after each hill we climbed. Between the trees there were many tiny blueberry bushes - although it was too late in the season to forage for fruit. Note to self: come back next year in early August, and make hundreds of blueberry pierogi... 

There are two lakes in the area: the smaller one is Estenstaddammen, and the larger is Tømmerholtdammen. I've no idea which one it is that we saw, but all I know is that we have to come back on a warm summer's day. There is a little beach, for dipping feet and summoning the courage to have a swim, and there are picnic benches as well as brick barbecue pits and bonfire areas. Everything you need for a long and lazy summer day.



Walking up the hill towards the cabin, we stumbled on some friendly sheep. They happily accepted a few head and neck stratches, and handfuls of the nice grass from the other side of the fence, and they smelled so sheepy and incredible that I wanted to take one home with me and have a neverending supply of wool. They had a very curious colouring too, with the wool looking a deep chocolate colour towards the skin, going through milky coffee beige, and white/grey at the tips. I'd definitely like to get some local Norwegian wool to work with at some point!




We made it to the cabin at the top, where we got to enjoy the sunshine and view over the whole city, all while tucking into some cinnamon rolls. They're fluffier and less sweet than the cinnamon rolls I'm used to, but quite delicious - a thought shared by the wasps that wouldn't leave us alone.



We're very lucky to live so close to a place like this, and I know we'll be making many more trips over our time here.