Winter this year in Oslo has been quite mild, at least compared to what we've experienced in Michigan in the past. Temperatures have hovered around 0 degrees C (32 degrees F) most days. There has been some snow, but not more than six inches at a time. With the mild temperatures, the snow melts, but not completely, and then at night re-freezes, creating dangerous ice on paths and sidewalks.
For environmental reasons, I think, Oslo doesn't use much salt to melt the ice, but rather spreads gravel on top of it. That helps, but walking can still be treacherous without the right footwear. We've become great fans of our YakTrax. I think we should be compensated for the free advertising since we recommend them to anyone wanting to be safe and feel confident walking on ice.
One recent Sunday afternoon not long before the sun set, we donned our boots and grips and headed out for a walk through the woods and down to Oslofjord and the Huk beach area. Lots of people had the same idea. Some were on cross-country skis, some walked with poles for support, one was fishing, and a couple went in for a dip.
The lighting was beautiful with cloud cover except for the strip along the horizon.
There's a memorial sculpture near the beach commemorating the Tsunami catastrophe of December 26, 2004.
It's hard to imagine the incredible deadly power of the sea, looking at its calmness on this day.
The beauty of the day was made complete, especially for Sten, when the boat to Denmark came by.
Some beautiful shots there Asta!
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