A good few years separate these shots. I was not intending to go to Holmenkollen this year as I had only 2 days to "do" Oslo. Short of time and the fact that the T bahn has broken a hole made getting around harder. I had decided to concentrate on the central area. What is going to like in July when the NSB stop running into the city I dread to think. However when I looking around the Vigeland Park I suddenly realised that I could not see the ski jump. The beautiful white landmark had gone. If I remember correctly, detective Harry Hole was not very complimentary about it as a ski jump, but it was just about as iconic as a structure can get. I had to go and see what had happened. Another shock at the station, alright I knew the lovely teak bodied sets are a distant, but fond memory. But the whole area has changed, it is sort of a motorway service area for skiers, complete with flyovers. I wish them well for the 2012 world championships.
The only good thing to say about the new Hollemkollen is that there is no longer dirty glass between you and the view. The pictures I used to show of the view were taken from the top of an old wooden ski jump tower just down the hill. I nearly went base over apex when I reached the bottom steps. I tripped over a sign saying the tower was unsafe to climb, I had missed it on approach
On one of my early visits to Oslo included an "Oslo Pass". This gave free transport within the city boundaries. According to the handbook came with the pass, Movatn was the boundary station on the Gjovik line. It was free, it had to be visited. I have returned every time since. Admittedly once by chance having walked up alongside the the Akerselva and not stopping until I realised I had no idea where I was. It turned out I was not far from here. The post of the Cl 69 near Oslo was taken on the same walk. The usual half hour interval service takes a break in the early evening. I discovered on the walk by just missing the train and having an hour to wait until the next one. No hardship, it was summertime, the fish were jumping and the living was easy. This year the Oslo sleeper train took up the free path.
