The dishes are washed, the floor is swept and the duvet folded, all to impart welcome to whomever comes next.
The trail is wet, streams are swollen, bridges few and far between and it’s not long before distraction and misjudgment has my right boot fully submerged. It’s a curious sensation and the first in years. Oddly enough I’m excited to test the theory that wool socks really do stay warm despite being soaked.
The trail climbs offering almost 2,000 ft (600m) of elevation gain. The views are expansive, peaks are wrapped in swirling clouds and spits of water descend earthwards.
A couple, a doctor carrying her child in a back caddy weighing almost 40 lbs is a source of marvel, a brief hello and downward they march.
The high point coincides with an empty stomach, satisfied while crouching behind a rock that acts as a buffer to the relentless southern wind, the salami and artisan bread are just the restorative tonic I need.
Distance is easy, maybe clocking in around 7 miles (10km) but the treat in this is traversing the high point and descending down 1,500ft (450m). We all seek something different in the wilderness and for me the gold standard is elevation gain, sweeping vistas and a sense of visual wonder.
This is a good day, this is a good hike.
Cabins are popular, cabins vary in size and it’s Friday night. Consigned to a twenty person mixed dorm, I look for a spot, lay claim, litter appropriately to ensure no ambiguity about “its mine” and wander off in search of the drying room.
Socks are wet, scarf is wet, gloves are wet and even I’m wet. Everything is consigned to the drying room, bar me and I wander into the male shower.
Post hike socializing is a big part of the experience. After explaining that Calcutta is a city in India, I pay and walk off with my IPA, a reward for today.
He’s an economist from Oslo. My accent shouts English but most of my life lived in California comes as a surprise to many. Sometimes the questions are predictable but he wasn’t predictable.
We traveled around so many topics that potentially have led to a “lack of innovation” in Europe. It’s subjective, I love to talk, I love to debate, offer and learn. No judgment, no winners, no losers, just an intellectual journey.
It was fun, so much fun, I “invite” myself to sit with the family for breakfast. It’s a very long day for them and a drive to top it off.
Hiking in Norway is a truly unique experience on so many levels. I loved meeting this four legged fella, now thats a trail companion!!
Baby it’s cold outside…..
while the Berner is a welcome sight the rain isn’t. Maybe better planning, maybe something different but I’m about to embark on 22 miles of walking over two days, over countless streams, riverlets and God knows what.
Paul always does a terrific job of describing his hiking experiences and I have thoroughly enjoyed every one I have read. As I read his travel adventures I feel like I am actually there with him. Can’t wait for the next one.