Day 71 (13): Rock'n'Roll

Valefatnet to Geiteryggvatnet

Distance: 38km

Being waken up by the rising sun, shining on my tent, warming it up, happens rarely, almost never actually. For that, I generally leave too early.

Today is the exception though. The fantastic location of my spot gets hit by the first rays of the raising sun at shortly past 5. An amazing feeling, making my campspot even better and a worthy candidate for my top ten all time favorite campspots.

I'm on a mission though and thus have to eventually leave my spot. While the trail continues to be rocky, weather and views are spectacular. Progress is slow, not just because of the rocky terrain but also because of the numerous photo stops.

As I descend, going gets easier. I feel great, lots of energy. I am flying up the next pass. A beautiful, fast trail. Shortly before the top, catch up to a young Norwegian hiker. We start a conversation, walking together for quite a while, following lakes across a rocky landscape. It's not often that I meet people hiking at the same pace. So that's a nice change. After a while, I stop for a break, going for a swim in one of the ice cold lakes, doing laundry, using the sun to wear dry my clothes.

It's rough hiking over rocks again. Very hard on my feet and knees. A couple of kilometers later, I meet my Norwegian hiking companion again. He has some pain in his feet, slowing him down. I match his pace and together we continue nearly all the way to Geiterygghytta, where he is staying and I pitch my tent nearby. Not as spectacular as last night's spot but a nice view of the lake nevertheless. 

Honestly, it felt good, having someone to hike with, today. Especially, across this challenging terrain.

Overall, a very good the on the trail. The hiking spirit is up high. Exactly as it should be!