Balestrand Day 14

Today’s post will focus on our hike – yes, Obi did another hike with me 🙂 I think we should start recording our hikes – so I have a clear record of his efforts! You know, the Franimal loves the mountains, Obi on the other hand could settle for a different kind of adventure. But – he is a dedicated partner and today – he persevered through a good climb. Yesterday we spoke with the local (and only) adventure group. They lead hikes, kayak and motor boat tours. I asked about good hiking options and it was recommended we climb to Raudmelen – 972 meters (3,189 ft) – from our starting point, we are at sea level – so we joyfully got to climb every single step. The trail begins from behind the local school – and winds first along a nature trail which is also used by the school children. I was dreaming out having space like this for a school – and how special it is for the children to have trails to play and run on during their school breaks. They even built a type of “tree” house structure to play in. So cool. Oh – I also should say that despite having rained for the last four days – the sun made an appearance today. We were incredibly lucky to have mostly some clouds, lot’s of sun and a few patches of rain. It was a perfect day for the hike. I don’t think Obi would have finished (or started) had it been raining when we began.

After exiting the nature trails (green, easy) we quickly picked up the blue (moderate) trail which leads you to some lookout points and then eventually the final red (challenging) trail marker to our summit. The green and blue trails are below the tree line – most of the trees were Birch wood – so the skinny white trunks made for a great color contrast to the vibrant green moss and wet firns. The trail was muddy at some points – given how much rain had fallen – but, as you can see from the photo below, must of the trail along the red/challenging route was laid with stones. I had read while preparing for the hike that many years ago sherpas were hired to build this trail and lay the stone “steps.”

What you see in the picture above is the start of the red trail, there are no trees and so we are immediately exposed to the elements. This picture provides you with a nice view of our summit up ahead – and the stones to get you there. The weather while sunny today provided us with mostly cloudy skies with sun patches and no rain. It’s such a treat to see the blue sky ahead. I packed our water bottle, cheese sandwiches (which I prepared from the hotel buffet breakfast), and two fruit bars from Germany. I also had a dry layer for Obi which included a new t-shirt, and long sleeve, and fresh socks if needed. Given the sharp incline of the trail – I (and Obi) start to sweat quickly. I regulate my breathing and cool my body with little tricks like rolling my shirt over my wrists to expose them to cool air. I cover my ears as the circulation to them is not great and I pump my legs in steady rhythm. Obi trails right behind me, following my every move. I carefully watch where I step to help inform his foot placement. When you hike, every step counts – EVERY step – so how and where you place your foot may seem like a small manner – but it is critical to a successful adventure. Obi sweats a lot and heavy – so I have officially given him the title of “summit changer” – he is learning to accept this hiking identity 🙂 as someone who has to change clothing at the summit. As we walked upwards we passed two small groups making their way also to the top. I always enjoy seeing other folks out on the trail – having their own adventure and enjoying what is to come. When we hit the red trail – while the photo above shows blue sky – about 200 meters further a heavy fog and rain cloud rolls in at the summit. We were about 200 meters shy of kissing the top – when the rain started to fall. Lightly at first – but then heavier and the wind picked up. Moments ago we could see all the way to the sea, and the town below – crystal clear. Now, we were hardly able to see 10 feet ahead of us. The fog was heavy and coated the top just as we arrived. The top was in the clouds – we were walking on clouds. I looked at Obi and given how drenched his two shirts were from sweat (soaked like you could wring them out) I knew our summit stay would be extremely brief. We snapped this photo – and took shelter.

Yes – shelter – a mini miracle indeed – at the summit is a hut available for hikers to stay. Inside was some old gear left behind, TP, a few beds with simple mattresses, shovels for the snow, a candle, and wood burning stove. It was warm and dry – so in a moment of great need – we sheltered in for a reset. Obi changed into dry top clothes which was a lifesaver – as he started to warm up quickly. There was a moment when I actually worried he was too cold – but thankfully I was prepared to get him ready for the dessent.

As we headed down – the fog, rain and wind passed just as readily as it arrived and low and behold….what do we see? A rainbow!

This was one of those rainbows where we could see the start and finish – and I imagined the forest gnomes running with their little feet and sacs to find the gold at either end. The wet air and sun created that natural phenomenon and the arch sprawled out in front of us framing the view of the valley below. We stood there for some time – enjoying the view and walked away, just as the rainbow faded. It felt special to see something so beautiful yet fleeting. On our way down we saw the folks we had passed and a few additional folks heading to the top. We encouraged them along and provided them with how much more time it would take to summit when they asked.

When we reached out hotel just about four hours later – we sat on our balcony – ate the cheese sandwiches and ate the view. Drank water and looked up at the climb we just accomplished. From out hotel room – we could see the summit – and honestly both felt proud.

I will end this post by saying that my mom spoke with Alexandria after her fall and despite the injury her spirits remain high. She loves her new very short haircut and seems to be glad she is back in her community working – and living with friends that understand her in most particular and special way I never will.

Tomorrow Obi and I will spend most of the day traveling back to Olso – we will in fact ride the famous Flam railway – one of (if not the steepest) mountain railways system in the world. Apparently people travel from all over to see it. We start our journey with a boat ride – transition to the Flam railway and then finally a speedier train to Oslo. We won’t get in until about 10:30 pm. We will spend our final night back at the same hotel we stayed in, in Oslo. We have nearly a full day in Oslo given our flight leaves Norway in the evening so we hope to have another mini adventure on Sunday before heading to the airport. Till then.