Memorial to Tanya Burr, killed 15 September 2002

The Norwegian Segment of Tanya's trip

18 August 2002 (Part One)

Tanya's Diary - Sunday, 18 August 2002

"We all rised (sic) early this morning to go to see Pasotorpet and Pasokoia - 2 little old houses in the middle of the forest. Pasotorpet was built in 1790 (around). Pasokoia was built in 1930 (around). We took photos and ate some native Norwegian berries. Then we stopped at an old couple's home and [they] had prepared us cakes and drinks (tea, coffee, juice). Then we came home and ordered pizzas."

Footnote: The log cottage Pasotorpet was the home of the family who became the subject of the 2001 novel Johanna's World, or in its original 1999 Norwegian language version Uredd ferd mot ukjent land ('Fearless journey to an unknown land'). The family emigrated from Nor Odal, Norway, to Norsewood, New Zealand, in 1873, two years after our family made a similar journey. The drive took about two hours each way. Stan Andresen, who wrote the book, led the way, and Espen filmed us for his future documentary on the Pasotorpet/NZ emigration story. I was involved with the book as a researcher and historian etc.

Bjørn's home, just before leaving to go to Pasotorpet. This is where we returned to for a lovely afternoon tea. The huge red barn once housed dairy cattle over the winter months. (Photo: Val)

Christina (Stan's daughter) avoiding the camera, and Pam. Pasotorpet behind. (Photo: Tanya)

Tanya investigating the inside of Pasotorpet, which from about 1930 was used by timber workers as a stable. (Photo: Kieran)

Russell and Jenna beside Pasotorpet (Photo: Tanya)

Tanya putting something (her backpack?) over her head in front of Pasokoia. (Photo: Pam)