Wednesday, Snoopy and I took a long walk.  It was -7 C, but there wasn’t much wind.  There is a lake called Mosvatnet very close to our apartment – so close we can see it from the windows. The path that encircles the lake is about 3 km long, and the scenery is lovely.  It is a very busy place, with joggers and cyclists making their laps, and walkers, many giving their dogs a welcome fresh-air walk. the sun was shining, so it was a perfect day for a stroll.

Here we are on a walking path – check out the ice.  I need to get some grips to put on my boots.  Snoopy doesn’t seem to mind though.

There is a bit of woods on our side of the highway – Snoopy had a quick off-leash run to get rid of some energy before we went into the park.  he loves it here – sniffing around all the trees,

kicking up the piles of leaves just like a young child.  I was afraid he would be too cold to enjoy it here, but he has surprised me.

We have to go on an overpass of fine metal grid  – the first time Snoopy was on it, he was terrified.  He spread his feet out like snowshoes and slunk across, especially worried when he could see a vehicle flash by underneath him.  Second time, however, he went across like it was solid ground.  Funny dog!

Here is our first view of the lake – I’m not sure what the little red hut in the water is for.

Ice built up along the shore – apparently there was a wind sometime, and the ice blew in from the centre of the lake –

Lots of trees –

Another view of the lake –

A stream runs into the lake, and it was still ice-free – lots of ducks and swans around.

Apparently there have been over 150 different species of birds seen here.  Here is part of an identification poster…. I haven’t translated the names yet to find out what they are.

There is an art museum along the lake as well, with a coffee shop enclosed in glass.  It looks like a good place to stop with friends on a cold day – not sure if dogs are allowed or not.

Moss on a tree –

Broken tree –

Views of the lake –

Here some swans and geese found a tiny bit of open water to swim in –

Mist over the lake –

Thursday morning, a fine sifting of icing sugar snow fell, and the lake was transformed – no more reflections in the mirror-like ice.  They are talking about more cold – and more snow – which will mean more ice when it warms up…….. and then, I imagine, we will get the rain that Stavanger is famous for.