Day 73 (15): flat out windy

Drageidfjorden to Ovra Bessevatnet

Distance: 48km


A mostly cloudless night. Without my tent's raincover, I had a lovely view at the night sky and at a nearly endless dusk and dawn.

It's a warm, humid night, my sleeping bag wet from the morning dew.


As I pack, the sun just rises from behind the hills. A great view and a great start into my day.


A long day, as it will turn out. After climbing over a first hill, terrain quite abruptly gets much flatter, less rocky but boggier. An interesting change. The scenery reminds me of the one in Finnmark, far up north. 

The mosquitoes are crazy in the beginning and I already start worrying about them, following me all day. However, a brisk southerly wind comes up, blowing them away. With the wind getting stronger, blowing right in my face, also going is getting harder. I make good progress though. Even though, here and there are still rocky, slow going parts. To be honest, I don't enjoy the scenery that much. Maybe it has also to do with the high clouds, which make everything look a bit dull. Eventually, I enter Hardangervidda National Park. The scenery doesn't change much. Just more people.

With the wind still blowing strong, I decide I would continue to cross the flat, to find some more sheltered places to pitch my tent, meaning a long day.

Despite feeling reasonably fit, like yesterday, I eventually start feeling every muscle.


Since the winds are supposed to increse even more and torrential rain forecasted for tonight, I want to find a reasonably sheltered spot. Not an easy task. It takes me a while until I find something suitable. Not perfect but I hope it will do. Too tired to look any further. And the sky looks like rain in imminent.


Right after finishing my dinner, the rain starts. I retreat into my tent, preparing myself for a very wet, windy night,crossing my fingers that my not-so-well-in-shape-anymore tent will keep me dry and safe tonight. 

Addendum from yesterday: enjoying the view
Addendum from yesterday: enjoying the view
Sunrise
Sunrise
Beautiful morning
Beautiful morning
One for Rob, leaving Finse behind
One for Rob, leaving Finse behind
Heading for flatter terrain
Heading for flatter terrain
Yet, the glaciers remain in sight for a long time
Yet, the glaciers remain in sight for a long time
Flat and monotonous
Flat and monotonous
A river as a nice change
A river as a nice change
Hillier terrain again. Bracing for a stormy night.
Hillier terrain again. Bracing for a stormy night.

Write a comment

Comments: 0

© SANDRO KOSTER 

2010 - 2022