I took a week off and went to the Telemark Winter Experience (TWE). We at the ESI had week 8 off for the winter sports holiday (sportlov), but I needed week 9 for the Telemark camp. Since I have always wanted to go to this camp, and am so close by here in Sweden (next door to Norway) I decided to take week 9 and go. I am really glad I did; I had a fabulous time. I got better acquainted with old friends and made new ones as well.

This camp has occurred for a number of years, previously organised by Karin Brennesvik, but now by Tom and Anita Løvli every other year or so. It takes place at the Skjervedalen Fjellstue up in the mountains in the Telemark valley, and combines cross-country skiing right out the door and up and down the mountain with dance instruction and parties in the Telemark and Numedal traditions. We had 12 people from the Unites States and Sweden and Norway, plus our teachers and many visiting Norwegian fiddlers and dancers. We were very happy to be joined by Karin Brennesvik, and one night by her daughter Arnhild. We had delicious food prepared for us, and a happy low-key atmosphere to choose together what our schedule would be, and choose individually how much we would participate. We had fabulous weather, with fresh new snow every day or night while we were there, plus some brilliant sunshine. Anita gave us some much-needed (for me) cross-country ski lessons and we skied every day, including to and from breakfast.

After 5 days on the mountain, we went down to Kongsberg for the annual winter market and kappleik. We entered our group (of 7 couple s including some Norwegian ringers) in the group-dance competition and won second place, with a new CD for each of us as a prize! We were second out of two groups, but had a good score. Loretta won several prizes for her outstanding hardingfele playing, and Tom and Barb Kringstad won for a lovely Valdresspringar couple dance.