Once the Opening Ceremony to the 2017 Rørosmartnan was over, we made our way down the hill.

None of us do crowds, so we left!

Daisy and I were asked if we wanted to go on a sleigh ride with one of the groups still making their way to Røros.

We didn’t need asking twice.

The horses and sleighs had been travelling that morning and we could see that everyone had worked hard and were now resting.

There were a few fires lit in the snow and folk gathered around them, drinking and chatting.

What a fabulous atmosphere and we were made very welcome.  I wandered about with my camera accepting swigs of Aquavit (well, it would be rude to say no!)

The horses had everything they needed and were content.

Some were snoozing, eating, drinking and some were just watching.

And then it was time to go.

This is our horse who pulled our sleigh.

And these are our drivers.

And this may be the bottle of Aquavit that was regularly passed back to us (again, rude to say no!)

Daisy and I were made very comfortable. We covered ourselves with sheepskins (wool on the inside).  Perfection.

There was a definite Narnia moment and I will admit I had a yearn for Turkish Delight!

And this is the horse who was behind us.  We made friends – wonderful and he had a very kissable nosey.

I may have become obsessed with trees!

So, we sat, in our life of luxury, listening to the horses’ bells ring while they walked along ever closer to Rørosmartnan.

Cars?  Meh!

Behind us was a sledge with folk playing accordians and everyone was singing.

Two hours later, having said we would only stay for 30 minutes (!), we arrived at Dalsbygda.

Heaven, utter heaven.  I will never forget.