Day 62 (4): Like A Racing Horse In A Cage

Brønnåtjønna to Dollbekksaetran

Distance: 30km

03:00. Even for me, this is an early start. However, with daylight permitting and bad weather forecasted for the afternoon, it's not the most stupid thing to set off that early.

It's cold and due to the overnight rain, the humidity high. Yet, it's a smooth start into the day. Until I climb out of Tylldalen towards Avdal. Overgrown track, wet, hard to follow. Several times, I loose the faint trail. It seems like a typical "connection trail" that somehow remained on the map but neglected by whoever is responsible for the maintenance. Anyway, eventually I make it to Avdal. I have walked for 4 hours, still, it's only 08:00. And my body is already ready for lunch...

After stuffing the bought food into my pack and getting rid of all the packaging, I continue, only to realize that I forgot my hiking poles in the store. Luckily, I haven't left the parking lot yet, so the detour is not that painful. 

With my poles, I now definitely continue. After a short while, I spot 2 through hikers coming the opposite way! (we all look the same, it's not such a challenge to identify a through hiker).

A quick chat reveals that they are headed northbound from Lindesnes to Nordkapp and have been on the trail for 2 months.

As we can already smell the rain, we each continue our own ways. It felt good meeting them, knowing that I am not the only one out there.

Rain starts a couple of minutes later. Not heavy but continuous. Before climbing above the tree line, I decide to call it a day. It only 14:00 and I would easily be ready for another two hours. Physically. But walk another 10 kilometers in the rain, with no sheltered spots to camp... Not the smartest idea. 

A bit of shame that the weather is holding me back. Stopping, beside the urge to continue doesn't feel right. In the beginning at least it did.

Now, I actually feel quite comfortable. A lovely spot under a tree, listening to the rain and plenty of time to write the blog.