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.
![Morning...](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i1bcec3784bea8969/version/1721996381/image.jpg)
![... impressions](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i621961cbd7d51c25/version/1721996411/image.jpg)
![Another lovely morning](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i5829342d8886effd/version/1721996434/image.jpg)
![Descending into farmland for a while](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i6ccf8b71f2df5400/version/1721996479/image.jpg)
![Long, steep snowfield ahead](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i05acc796f686dd4d/version/1721996511/image.jpg)
![Made it!](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i593e96e4d1fe57ac/version/1721996528/image.jpg)
![Different scenery](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i2e05213bda78a91d/version/1721996567/image.jpg)
![Much rockier](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i6af016ce4efebdb3/version/1721996591/image.jpg)
![Windy and wet weather towards the end](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i6a55bc4f8e0aea74/version/1721996632/image.jpg)
![Finally, the hut comes in sight](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/i1767c562a452489d/version/1721996667/image.jpg)
![All for myself](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/none/path/s54f301a039b463fe/image/ie2ac836e7bfa23fc/version/1721996694/image.jpg)
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George Mills (Friday, 26 July 2024 19:01)
Enjoy your luxury. Sounds like all is going well for you. I have a dreadful cold may even be flu as I was very shivery last night but I've dosed myself with paracetamol and don't feel too bad
It's now 5am here and the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics starts at 5.30 so it's an early start. Hope the rain stops soon and it's more pleasant for you. Love.