TOUR & STEMNE 2009 - part 2

 

Our cars in Balestrand, classic Jags.....pretty fancy for the Sognefjordlag, don't you think?
The day before, there was a fleet of new Mercedes on tour.
But, no complaints about our private transportation in a $500,000 bus!

 

No matter how many times we've traveled to Norway, we never tire of the stop in Geiranger and the Union Hotel. Just when you think that the majestic scenery can't be more beautiful, the switchback roads of the Trollstigen and the Eagles Pass and the views from these places are indescribable. It is one of those rare places that must be experienced to really comprehend the ultimate beauty of nature in Norway. To add to the pleasure of the visit, the food at the Union is exceptional. As one of our members stated, it is “gourmet” all the way. The same can be said of our next stop which was in Balestrand and the Kivknes Hotel. This, too, becomes ones very favorite hotels because of the ambiance and, again, absolutely wonderful cuisine. The Kvigne family excels in service and detail in providing a first class hotel. The hotel dates back to the 1800's and has served as a place where royalty vacations....but you don't have to be royalty to be treated royally. The German Emperor, Wilhelm II was a frequent visitor and to show his appreciation, donated an immense statue of “Fridtjov den frone” which was erected accross the way at Vangsnes....it's quite a sight. It was at the Kvikne that we held our annual meeting which was called to order by President Kathy Johnson at 9:30 am on Friday, June 19. All routine business was conducted. The Board membership remains unchanged. New business included a discussion on new members and a gathering at Nordic Fest on July 25 in Decorah, Iowa. IT WAS DETERMINED THAT OUR NEXT STEMNE WILL BE
HELD IN STOUGHTON IN AUGUST 2010. (Please mark this on your calendar and watch for the exact dates in our newsletter).
We had the opportunity to stop in Sogndal and Laerdal on our way to Skjolden. The Mayor and assistant, Inger Peterson, were on hand in Sogndal to greet us.

Market Days were being held in Laerdal as it was when we were there for our stemne four years ago, so we had some time to do a little shopping and visiting. By this time, we have done a LOT OF SHOPPING and contributing to the Norwegian economy.

 

My favorite place in the whole world....Skjolden!

I love the scenery, the solitude, the quaintness of the Skjolden Hotel, run by EinerGalde.

I always feel like I'm coming “home” when I arrive here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

“Home at last, home at last”
The Morkri (Chuck) and the
Bolstads in Skjolden.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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