Fleskedalen to Sletterust
Distance: 45km
Another night of bad sleep. Might be partly the new sleeping pad, which I still have to get used to but I think the main reason is the rain and with it the noise.
After my long day, everything takes a bit longer this morning. Eventually, I am on my way, descending from 1000 meters to sea level. The track is steep in parts, but generally not too difficult. Highlight of the morning: Vettisfossen. With 275 meters free drop, the highest in Norway. The view, its force, the noise. It's breathtaking. I take a quick break, eat some chocolate to savor the moment a bit more.
Eventually, I continue my descent down to the fjord. Still steep, still not too challenging. At the bottom, it's a 3 hours walk to Ovre Ardal, where I resupply, charge my batteries and plan the next section. All in all, it takes me 2 hours before I am on my way again.
And while in the morning it was 1000 meters down, it's now 1000 meters up along an old coach road. Apparently it took more than 30 years to build but eventually was replaced by a new road.
Climbing with a backpack full of food is strenuous but eventually I make it. Just as I am arriving, the weather improves. Feels good to have the weather on my side for once. Especially, because the views of the fjord are wonderful. I keep following the old road, getting soaked by yet more rain. Camping spots are rare so I keep on walking, eventually leaving the road. As I climb further into the mountains, I find a neat spot, overlooking the valley. I use a dry spell to pitch my tent.
Just as I have finished settling in, the rain sets in again.
Another long day. My body feels tired. In combination with the bad weather forecast, I'll probably take it a bit slower tomorrow, making a shorter day.
Now let's hope for a good night sleep for a change.
![Vettisfossen](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i4dd9d56c442d2101/version/1721156045/image.jpg)
![Ovre Ardal with the sea](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i2d1ebba5eb2e0ca7/version/1721156085/image.jpg)
![Time for a break](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i75ad0f4aa280e96c/version/1721156101/image.jpg)
![Some of Norway's highest mountains](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i6a2fad6446112c26/version/1721156152/image.jpg)
![The old coach road with a tunnel and nice views and rain](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/ief18e29de36381a1/version/1721156235/image.jpg)
![My campspot above Sletterust](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i6a0bc1a5f588b064/version/1721156313/image.jpg)
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George Mills (Wednesday, 17 July 2024 09:08)
That Vittesfossen Waterfall is amazing. The 'Follow Me' map does not give any impression of contours so some of the photos are surprising.
We have 2 Old Coach Road day tramps here. One Ohakune to Horopito on the lower slopes of Ruapehu and the other from Newlands to the Harbour in Wellington. We also have a newish multi-day bike/tramp in the South Island called the Old Ghost Road. Keep it up and hope the rain goes away.
Rob Firmin (Wednesday, 17 July 2024 21:46)
Kia ora Sandro. The Ohakune to Horopito Old Coach Road George and I walked several years ago. Half way through is the remains of the village that once was, and the old curved viaduct has been retained as a side walk to do. We did that too. No good for my head for heights.
A beautiful day walk. That day we had the most stunning, perfectly clear view, and company of Koro Ruapehu Maunga (Mt Ruapehu).
It's a wet morning after what was, another foggy night.