Spring of 1998.  We couldn't get enough of the barges of Vlieland and Horne, Netherlands. Their work is tourism now, not fish or goods as in the past. Endless hours of fascination and entertainment as they maneuvered in tight spaces. 

Spring 1998.  It was inevitable that the temps would rise and the flowers would bloom.  Once that started happening, we began to get anxious about leaving.  BUT we didn't want to go until after this special celebration.  National Day is the celebration of Norway's constitution which established Norway as an independent kingdom from Sweden.  It was very festive with lots of food and good times.  We were so glad we stayed.  

In the winter of 1997/98 we hiked around the village nearly every day. We never tired of the beauty and frequently pinched ourselves that we found such a magical place to spend the winter. The scenes were awe inspiring and unforgetable. Our support system while on the island involved many of the villagers who lived on Espevær. Most especially Odd and Malfrid, our landlords and restaurant owners, Grete and Sigmann, and Marit and Mark.  Marit was Norwegian and Mark was an expat from Britain.  It was a wonderful and idyllic situation that would have been difficult to duplicate.