Outside is revolting. It started with a nice but ominous sunrise (red sky in the morning, shepherd’s warning) and the weather got worse from then on.

So, these photos are from February 2017 when Daisy and I went to Norway with a Norwegian friend to see the market and horse event at Rørosmartnan.

Obviously I took my camera and had a wonderful time indulging all my main interests – shopping, horses and taking photos.

“Røros is is a town in Trøndelag county, Norway, known for its historic copper mining, traditional wooden buildings, and status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located in the interior uplands of the country, it is one of Norway’s coldest places and has a rich history dating back to the 17th century.”

I can vouch that it was very cold but good clothing solves all problems and we came prepared.  We are from Shetland, after all.

It was a busy place but folk were friendly and helpful and we wandered around just looking at everything.

I loved it.  It was very pretty.

The horse bit of the festival was opened with traditional dancers – it was a winter painting by Pieter Breughel.

Next the reindeer arrived.

They were all very well behaved and I can’t begin to tell you just how much I wondered if I could bring one home.  Just a baby one. Who would even notice?

And then the horse driven sleighs came.  Around 80 horse-drawn sleds arrive with visitors from Sweden and the surrounding mountain villages and they paraded through the village while the crowds watch.

These are just a few photos from the thousands I took.

It was all beautiful.  I can still remember every minute of our fantastic trip to Norway and am now feeling very nostalgic. The photos are a good reminder of possibly one of my very best holidays.