This morning we met with the mayor of Kongsvinger, then toured Kongsvinger Fortress, a 17th-century fort around which the city of Kongsvinger eventually grew up. The fortress commander, currently the only soldier actually stationed there, gave us a presentation on Norway's small but active military, and the former commander gave us a tour with the spectacular view of the city and the Glomma River (Norway's longest) below. In the afternoon, we toured Bergene Holm timber company. Forestry is a major industry for this region of Norway. Later, we walked into the woods and met loggers who were using massive John Dear machinery to do the delicate work of thinning out the forest to promote good tree health. I had the great pleasure of operating the timber crane, picking up and moving large bundles of logs. There are pictures of this somewhere, which we'll get posted when we can. Finally, we ended the day at a spruce tree nursery that produces 2 million trees a year for reforestation. Tonight, we made our first presentation, to Vinger Rotary Club. Our hosts were most gracious and welcomed us with open arms.
We are tired from our activities, but deeply grateful to the generosity our hosts have shown us. The trip is promising to be wonderful.
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This is so cool to be able to keep up with the adventure. And now on top of everything else Gary is a logger! Thanks so much for the updates.
ReplyDeleteA blogger and a logger...a man of many skills. I take it they don't have the same liability concerns as here in the states. Sounds like you guys are having a great adventure.
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