Day 77 (19): The Saving Hut

Moltenuten to Vassdalstjorn

Distance: 39km

Fog is engulfing my campspot as I pack. It lifts quickly though and just as I start my walk, the sun briefly breaks through the fog. Since I descend into the next valley, I dive back into the fog shortly after. It's okay going. Not as bad as yesterday, yet, it's pretty slow going at times. This changes, once I pass Jonstollen Hut. A beautiful trail takes me up Kyrkjesteinskaret. I fly up there. Knowing that I want to do a 40 kilometer day somehow makes walking easier. The motivation is simply better than, when, let's say, I plan a 25 kilometer day. Probably something psychological behind it.

Anyway, the last bit up the pass is tough. Nearly half a kilometer up a snow field. Hard work!

Once on top, the topography changes drastically. Hard to describe but the area consists of huge, shallow rocks. They are grippy, nice to walk on. A continuous up and down. Sometimes pretty steep and technically challenging. But still quite enjoyable. 

Even a bit more enjoyable as I am currently far away from civilization. A very remote area. No roads, no phone signal, no people. 

Around lunchtime, a bad weather front is approaching surprisingly quickly straight from the south. Initially, it's only clouds and winds increasing, then there's the rain. First rain after around 7 sunny days. 

It's too rocky and too windy. However, lucky me, there's a hut just around my 40 kilometers mark. While I was avoiding them for the last couple of weeks, today I go for it. As fast as I can. 

Not that easy. With the rain, the rocks feel slippier. Wise to slow down. 

But eventually make it there. A lovely hut. Expensive, yes, but the amenities and the views are well worth it. And... So far I am the only one! What a luxury.

Outside, the brisk wind has turned into a small storm. No way I could have pitched the tent.

The huts have solar power to charge phones and a gas stove to cook food. I make use of it both and slowly but surly settle in for a comfortable night in my bed.

I have no idea what the weather will do. My weather forecast is 2 days old. In other words useless. But as just written. Let me worry about tomorrow. For the moment all I am looking forward to is a good night's sleep.