Day 59: Shop'n'Hike

Roros to Langtjonnbua

Distance: 35km
Sightseeing and shopping day! 
I need to wear my best, cleanest, least smelliest clothes. Which means wearing the clothes I use to sleep. Meaning I don't have to get charged in the morning. Sweet! 
Just before seven, I slowly walk into downtown Roros. Setting course to the train station once again. Same procedure as yesterday. Even with internet this time. As I still have to wait for the shops to open, I use my waiting time wisely. Planning my next 8 day stage to Sweden, calling home and getting an update on what's happening on this world. Time passes by quickly and soon I am off for my resupply. Not something I especially love but something super important. Shopping and repacking takes roughly 2 hours, another hour goes by writing postcards. 
It's nearly noon, when I finally leave town, doing a bit of tiki touring on the way out. With the preserved mines and houses, the town looks like a open air museum. In my opinion exceptionally well done. 
I overate. My belly about to burst as I'm climbing the first hill. A short break, releasing pressure and changing from my pijam... eh clean, acceptable clothes back to my hiking clothes helps and I start enjoying the hike. Beautiful views from the hilltops, easy going most of the way. Yet, it is a lot of up and down and I feel the heavy backpack. Initially, I thought I might hike for two or three hours. After the slow progress the last two days I feel unleashed and keep on pushing. 10 kilometers, 20 kilometers, still going strong. At this point I realize I can make it to a Statskog hut. So I push on for another 15 kilometers. But I start feeling every muscle on my body. Luckily, the last couple of kilometers are easy going (except for the last rocky one, which is a pain in the ass, as the last kilometer is always the hardest anyway).
20:30 I spot the hut. Admiring the wonderful location right by the lake, makes me happy that I pushed so much today. In fact, I didn't take a break for 30 kilometers straight. Hopefully this won't bite me back tomorrow. 
I wasn't intending to make a fire. Looking at the rubbish loaded oven makes me change my mind though. Time to burn that shit in there. Some people are just inconsiderate pigs. Especially those throwing in plastic and aluminum. Anyway, the fire warms up the place and is cooking my pasta. Always see the bright side of things! 
Speaking of bright things:

At this point, as I'm about to leave Norway, I think it's time to thank all the Norwegians I met and who assisted me on my hike. Wonderful people, who made my hike through their country so special. Be it the sauna in Umbukta I could sleep in, the introduction to liquid potato and fishing or the possibility to sleep in a little airfield's tower. Just to name a few.

I'm very grateful for these experiences. And looking back on them gives me motivation when I need it. 

 

I hope I'm lucky to make similar experiences in Sweden. But as always, I never take them for granted but rather as an unexpected surprise. 
Train station again...
Train station again...
On their way
On their way
Reluctant dog in downtown Roros
Reluctant dog in downtown Roros
Old mines
Old mines
Nicely preserved
Nicely preserved
Last ice cream for the next 7 to 8 days
Last ice cream for the next 7 to 8 days
Well behaved cows walking on the side of the road
Well behaved cows walking on the side of the road
Last look back at Roros
Last look back at Roros
Hello beautiful scenery
Hello beautiful scenery
Step by step
Step by step
Descending towards my overnight spot
Descending towards my overnight spot
Getting closer
Getting closer
Lovely forest tracks
Lovely forest tracks
Here we are: Langtjonnbua
Here we are: Langtjonnbua

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