Out there

I'm 170km north of Oslo, just over 1,000m up in a gorgeous traditional Norwegian mountain cabin. To put that in some kind of southern hemisphere perspective, we are nearly 61 degrees north, only a few degrees short of the Arctic Circle. The equivalent point in Oceania is closer to Antarctica than to the southernmost tip of New Zealand.

The cabin is brand new, designed by my friend Ragnhild, and completed only in the last few years. When I say traditional, I mean it is built of classic dark stained pine materials, and with a foot of soil and grass for the roof. However, the kitchen, heated tile floors, double glazed windows and so on are all modern, and it it supremely comfortable.

I was originally going to put up some photos, but really nothing does it justice, and I am not going to put up a photo until I have one good enough. It is now 12.30 in the morning, and on the far horizon, beyond the silhouettes of pine trees near and far, against a softly lit sky, a full moon the colour of a hot fire is just setting, ever so slowly. Last time I was here in summer I saw a moon like a pink highlighter - you just don't see these colours at lower latitudes I guess. I haven't, that is for sure.

I should go to bed, but the silence out on the balcony calls to me. I can sleep anytime. I can't stand here in the total silence, still with enough light to see to the line of mountains on the south-western horizon, any other time. No doubt I will pay for it in the morning, and it might feel like a high price then, but right now I can't see any reason not to stand here and absorb the view, the smell, the lack of sound. The chill and the Mosquitos put up a decent argument, but it is easily ignored for a short while at least.

Location:Mariebu, Valdres, Norway