"Sleep in the Snow"

I spent the weekend on a snowy getaway, joining 60 other international students in a hut in Nordmarka. I was here in October as well during the Autumn version of this trip. 

Studenterhytta in March

Studenterhytta in October

Most people chose the shorter walking path, but about 20 of us strapped on our skis and trekked from Sognsvann. The weather was beautiful- the snow was cold enough that we avoided a Klister-y mess but the sun provided the cheer necessary after days of wet snow/sleet. It was the best of spring skiing, and everyone seemed to be in good spirits. 

We were greeted with a warm bowl of soup upon arrival, and met up with the rest of the group. The afternoon was filled with extreme sledding, card games and tea. 

The highlight of the trip was the Northern Lights sighting! (Photo documentation was impossible with my point-and-shoot camera, so you will just have to take my word for it.) A few people who had checked the Aurora Forecast reported that there was going to be activity that night. Oslo is far enough south that sightings don't happen that often, so this was my chance! The sky was clear so the equation equalled great viewing conditions. They appeared around 11 at night, a dull green on the horizon, and shortly after I was able to see three or four beams of green light shooting upwards. It was, by no means, a vibrant show, but that didn't make it any less spectacular.

A handful of us decided to take the long way back the next day, over the hill to Kikutstua then along the river back to Sognsvann. The day proved to be just as gorgeous as the previous one, and our team of adventurers was up for anything. 

Another successful cabin trip under my belt, and two more on the schedule before Spring officially arrives. Takk for turen!