Day 47: Flashbacks

Skorovatn to Holmtjonna

Distance 20km

The ride from Trondheim to Lassemoen is incredibly scenic. Along fjords, lakes, waterfalls and through forest. Still, I am not in the mood to enjoy the view. Too excited, too nervous. Usually I don't have such strong feelings. This time, the circumstances are different though: I'm not starting a new hike, I'm resuming one. One I know is challenging in terms of its remoteness, weather and unmarked, non-existent trails. When I start a new hike, I don't know what is expecting me. Something, which makes it easier for me.

I wish, the train ride would last forever - enjoying the comfort of civilization. But no, the diesel engine is pulling me mercilessly towards the north. 

So here I stand on the platform, looking a little lost even though there's no need to: My plan is straightforward: walking 2 kilometer to the road leading to Skorovatn and hitch a ride. I settle in for a long wait. Not much traffic going to this sleepy village. Luckily I guessed wrong and only 15 minutes after arriving at the road, I'm riding shotgun in a battered Saab. 

Nothing has changed in Skorovatn. The weather is still cold and windy, the bear still there. After taking the mandatory photo and eating the mandatory ice cream, I hit the trail. It's amazing how quickly I'm back in hiking mood. It seems like the 9 month break never happened. 

Initially along a marked trail, I eventually veer to the east, finding my own way. While the terrain is not especially steep or otherwise difficult to hike, it's not always easy as many lakes and little cliffs (or drops), which, even though they are just 2 meters high, force me to take a lot of small detours, making navigation tricky and progress a bit slow. I pass the odd cloud berry. Gosh, how I missed them. 

It's mostly wet under feet. Nothing different than last year. It's windy, no rain though, so I keep walking until my legs say it's enough. At 2200 I'm all set. Dinner eaten and tent pitched. And me ready to sleep.