Spring 1998 comes to EspevÆR, Norway

Norway's National Day May 17, 1998. It's a celebration day all over and that included Espevær. The parade wound around the village, using the path we took nearly every day. The band played and many wore traditional dress that they hand-made at some point in their lives. For those who gained weight--well that meant they had to make a new hand-made costume. It was a beautiful day. That's our house behind the march and Bijou is tied just to the left. You can see her American flag.

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.  

And the parade goes on.

Malfrid on the left, Grete on the right. In their hand-made traditional dress. They wear it for formal celebrations and occasions like National Day.

Spring has sprung and that meant time to get ready to depart. We were anxious to get going, but also a little sad to be leaving such a beautiful place and such wonderful people.

We're just about ready. Carl in his normal "get the boat ready" garb. What an incredible experience we had!