In Norway -- for the Ridderrenn and More

It was a Ridderweek like no other I had experienced in the 25 times I have attended. There was the usual, wonderful skiing, and the camaraderie with Norwegian friends old and new, as well as with attendees from a variety of other countries. There were some new events, such as an outdoor opening ceremony, complete with music and dancing and fireworks. There was salmon, oh wonderful salmon in so many varieties at breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel. And, of course there was lots of attention and respect for our 100 year old blind skier, Charlie Wirth. There were interviews by Norwegian press, and by a board member of the Lions Club who announced that an award will be presented to Charlie back home. At the conclusion of one of the awards ceremonies, there was a wonderful surprise birthday party including cake and coffee, and featuring a presentation of a sparkly gold top hat and a Ridderrenn jacket, complete with shooting confetti. The festivities had been made all the more memorable with the usual, ceremonial performance by the members of the kings guard drum and brass corps, who then joined the audience in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Charlie.

The SFL group was smaller this time than in some past years. Skier/guide pairings were: Linda Lynch, guiding Geri Feigelson; Kevin Whitley, guided by a Norwegian guide; Patrick McManus, who guided a British VIP; Anthony Nelson, guided by a Norwegian guide; Charlie Wirth, our birthday boy, guided by a wonderful student from the sports university, Elena Erlandsdottir, and yours truly, guiding the group. Silver medals were won by Kevin in Wednesday's biathlon, by Anthony in Thursday's 10K race for men, and by Geri in the women's 5K race the same day.

Back in Oslo after the week of skiing, we went sightseeing with our long-time tour guide, Lisen Wikant, who has been to SFL and to Ridderweek. She took us to the ski museum at Holmenkollen, to the ski jump, and to Vigeland Park -- the sculpture park. Lisen describes so well the sculptures and Gustav Vigeland's motivations behind his statues of people in all stages of life.

Then came the interesting part. I had located a place for us to be COVID tested prior to returning to the States. The U.S. requires that persons seeking to enter the country receive a negative test within a day of travel. Charlie had the first departure, so we went to Dr. DropIn for his test on Monday, March 21; the rest went on Tuesday, March 22. Charlie tested positive; of the 5 remaining of us, 2 tested negative and were able to fly home on Wednesday, March 23. The rest of us, who'd also tested positive, had bonus days in Oslo to do more sightseeing and to enjoy the beautiful city. And, we celebrated Charlie's 101st birthday on March 23. Thankfully, all the group showed few symptoms. We were required to spend 10 days there before travel, and to have a document of recovery from COVID, signed by a doctor, in order for us to return to the States. So, another visit to Dr. DropIn. Charlie flew home on Thursday, March 31; Geri, Patrick and I left Oslo on Friday, April 1. Geri and Patrick made it home. At my connection in Munich for a flight to Chicago, United Airlines decided that I was shy one day of the post-positive test, so I spent a bonus night in Germany before flying a convoluted route to Des Moines. This is life in the COVID era.

Despite the challenges in travel, once again it was a fantastic week in Beitostolen. It's hard to explain the beauty of the area, the great skiing, the friendly and supportive attention from everyone during the week. Oh, and by the way, when Charlie and Elena crossed the finish line on Saturday, the race day, volunteers and Ridderrenn leadership were there with 3 large balloons: 1 0 1 to celebrate his accomplishments of skiing and of living an active and sporty life!