Vasaloppet

Today was ALL about skiing! It started super early, so we were all ready at eight for the iconic start of Vasaloppet. It is the world’s oldest and longest ski race, the modern form starting in 1922. They’re skiing 90 kilometres from Sälen to Mora in Dalarna, the origins supposedly being king Gustav Vasa going in the opposite direction to escape his Danish pursuers in the fifteen hundreds.

Today around 16 000 people race on the day and over 50 000 in the week leading up to it in several different races. Hot blueberry soup is served along the way together with buns and salted cucumber. The elite reach the goal just after noon, but many people are out there twelve to fourteen hours or longer. We've watched the live coverage most of the day!

Luckily, we also had very special food to take us through the day. Heidi brought us some really nice baked goods. In the morning we had crumpets with butter and jam, and in the afternoon something called Hot Cross Buns, which is a traditional English Lent bun. My piece had to be de-raisined, but it was delicious all the same.

As if this wasn’t enough, there were also World Cup cross-country races from Lahti, Finland. Two walks and a yummy Asian-inspired dinner. Another good day!

Heidi’s blip: https://www.blipfoto.com/entry/2417065189569464381