Ypso Island (Norway)

So back to the the landscapes and lack of pictures together - but this time we have an excuse! We spent our time in Norway in a renovated barn on a private island (called Ypso) about an hour north of Bergen. There are no cars on the island and it's only accessible by boat. The only full-time inhabitants are the two owners of the barn, a handful of cows and a lot of wild sheep.

(from Google Maps)

On the way to the island.

A few pictures of our "barn" - which more appropriately should be described as a "cozy, wood lodge"

Morning coffee on our front deck.

View from a nearby hill...as far as we got on day 1 after a few misguided attempts to find the path to the to end of the island.

In a complete change of pace from running around Ireland and Copenhagen, we spent our days exploring the military ruins on the island, attempting to fish (but primarily catching seaweed) and locked in an intense rummy competition (Alexis is currently in the lead).

More success finding the hiking path on day 2.

Don't let anyone tell you that catching fish in the fjords is easy. But it was a beautiful evening with incredible landscapes. And total silence, which may have been the best part.

We had the chance to fully embrace some important aspects of the Norwegian culture - clogs and rocking chairs.

The best rocking chair we have ever seen. Instant relaxation.

We couldn't have asked for a more beautiful setting or unique experience in the fjords, but now on to Stockholm!