Snow, and lots of it. During yesterday evening and night it was snowing heavily. This morning I measured it to be 30 centimetres thick. I managed to get a few pictures before work.
Snow filled boots are cold and wet, ha de Gött!
Saturday we took a trip to the zoo Nordens Ark, the Ark of the North. The zoo is dedicated to preserve endangered species both wild and domesticated. At the shores of Åbyfjorden they hold a variety of wild animals large and small. Most famous for the large tigers and snow leopard. The zoo holds large areas for the animals so you’re not guaranteed to see them.
At my visit the tigers and leopards decided to sleep hidden from us, but the smaller Pallas Cat gladly posed for us. The Pallas Cat (Otocolobus manul) normally lives in Central Asia in cold areas with little snow. They weigh between 2,5 up to 4,5 kilos and become 45 to 65 centimetres long. The tail is between 20 to 30 centimetres. With its thick fur and short legs, large amount of snow will hinder it when hunting.
More cool animals will come so be sure to check in during the week. Want to find out more about Nordens Ark and their excellent work? Go to https://en.nordensark.se/ there is an English version. Ha de Gött!
Karljohansvamp (Boletus edulis) or in English cep, penny bun, porcino or porcini. Introduced to the Swedish cuisine by the, from France, imported king, Karl XIV Johan. From then on it has been called Karljohansvamp.
Karl XIV Johan was born 1736 as Jean Bernadotte in Pau, France. He became king of Sweden and Norway in 1818. On the throne until 1844 when he passed away at Stockholm Castle.
Eat like a king, have some mushroom. Ha de Gött!
I must be an optimist. Left early from work, thinking I could get some cool storm pictures before dark. The hope was that there would be an opening with rays of light in the thick clouds before sunset.
Normally there is a 25 minutes drive home, but today! All slow traffic possible was out on the roads. Swedish is a language rich of curses and swear words so after 45 minutes I think I had them all covered. Finally got home, changed clothes and grabbed my camera. Got in the car for the normally, five minutes drive to the nature preserve. Guess what! Slow traffic had all decided this was the road to drive down. They even stopped in the middle of the road for a nice chat with the oncoming slow traffic. I know some swear words in Finnish and Norwegian, so I used them also.
Now there was only a ten minutes walk to the roaring sea. Nope! After a week of rain the paths were flooded and muddy. The smooth rocks was like soaped bathtubs. Light was now fading fast as the, wished for, opening in the clouds turned into a closing. I managed to get one, yes one, decent shot and then it was lights out. Still I managed to get back to the car, without falling into the mud or break any bones slipping around on the soapy rocks.
Exercise is good for you, ha de Gött!
Mushrooms for your Friday, ha de Gött!
A little sheltered boathouse, tucked in by the mountain, and the autumn colours reflecting in the water mirror.
Monday, a full week of opportunities lies ahead, ha de Gött!
Cold November rain
bashing windows
horizontally
darkness eating light
from headlights
essentially
nature going to rest
slowing down
eventually
cocooning for winter
close together
family
Take care of your family, reach out to those who has non. Ha de Gött!
A misty Sunday morning, ha de Gött!
Around the bend
in the flowing light
a place to mend
in the shadows
a place where things will end
Around the turn of the road
in the bright shining sun
a smile to carry my load
in the shade of falling leaves
is the universe waiting to implode
Stay the course, there’s no turning back. Ha de Gött!
UlleHaddock 