The weather was pretty good on Saturday. The temperatures hovered around freezing when we got up, but rose to a balmy 5 degrees by the time we set off. The cloud cover looked to be high enough not to be a concern, although lower clouds did seem to blow in and out at a rapid pace.
Lauvdalsbrea is the peak to the far left
We had to drive a bit to get to the foot of the mountain, and as we got out of the car, we realized just how windy the morning was. The cottage is somewhat sheltered from the elements, but out in the open the wind gusts were surprisingly strong.
Christopher, Joakim, Mike and I
My favourite picture of the day is the one below of Christopher and Joakim taking a break on the way up. I love their rosy cheeks and sparkling eyes. In the background you can see towards Hemsedal, a famous ski resort in Norway. This picture gives a good impression of just how cool the day was, and how barren and harsh the landscape is in the Norwegian mountains. And yes, the white stuff is snow.
We'd been taken aback by the windy conditions at the foot of the mountain, but were even more surprised by the gusts at the top. Here's my dad braving the elements, as the rest of us enjoyed our hot chocolate while taking shelter behind one of the cairns built to show the way.
Upon descending, we picked a slightly different route, and it turned out to be a fair bit rockier. I am not ashamed to admit I was down on all four occasionally, in order not to slip on the wet and icy rocks and break a limb.
Mike and Joakim on one of the larger rocks
Here I am in all my elegance...
...and can I just say it seemed a lot harder at the time than this picture indicates!
There is something innately serene and calming about walking in the mountains. I have to be vigilant and concentrate at all times, to not put a foot wrong and slip and possibly hurt myself. By focusing 100% on the present, I forget about those pesky little problems that often seem to be nagging at the back of my mind.
I look around at the mountains and marvel that they've been there for centuries, and will be there for centuries to come. My issues and anxieties become insignificant and melt away in the presence of such stoic tranquility. It is such a peaceful experience, with the added bonus of giving my body a bit of a workout.
Returning from the hike, I felt like I'd used my body and mind the way they were meant to be used. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
23 comments:
Thanks for sharing this adventure! It was almost like I was there . . . almost, because I didn't get sore muscles! :)
That sounds really nice... especially when you write about how you have to focus on what you're doing, and not let your mind wander to other things... I like the thought of that.
It's just... the heights! I can't do heights!! Looking at those photos and thinking about doing that.... I'm getting butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it!!
But I like reading about you doing it!
My daughter would be in heaven there. She loves anything involving climbing.
Boy, when you all take a little trip you go all out! What a great adventure and great memories. Thanks for introducing me to this part of the world. See ya.
These pictures are amazing!
Amazing photos and beautiful writing. I love what you said about having to let everything else go and focus on what you are doing at that moment. That is great advice, for more than just hiking!!
I almost felt like I was there, great post!
Lisa
Heidi, at this rate you will have truly conquered all those heights by the time you come back to Canada! Brave one, you are.
Although I would likely try it, I am a terrible hiker/climber etc... I had to pass on the cave exploring last summer in Iceland because I was sure that I would either slip into the abyss or have a boulder land on my head and that would be it - but that's just paranoid me.
The scenery is breathtaking. I can't wait for your next day-trip adventure!
It looks beautiful. I remember it well and wished I was there too. One day I will return and try the hike myself.
Heidi - I've spent way too much time reading your back-posts. I am living vicariously through you. Amazing pictures!
I know exactly what you mean. Walking and hiking in the mountains are my favorite forms of exercise (both mental and physical). Of course, our mountains in VT aren't as severely dramatic as yours. What beautiful landscapes. Thanks for the pictures.
How lovely. I know what you mean about focusing on the present. It is an exhilirating feeling to focus on crags, nooks, plants, and wind instead of silly things like weight, parenting, dishes, etc. I need to go on a hike!
Great photos and it definitely seems like a good way to spend a Saturday morning.
You have a very cool life. I'm glad to be able to live vicariously.
Julie
Using My Words
This is just such an amazing adventure you are on! I am thoroughly envious!
p.s. thank you for your comment on my blog today. It's such a difficult topic. Sigh.
How beautiful it is where you are. I'm so glad you're taking advantage of your time there! And it's so fun to read about your adventures!
Not a bad way to spend a Saturday at all!
I wish I could take my kids there--my son would love it.
I too felt like I was along for the hike! Lovely photos and wonderful post, Heidi!
PS - thanks for your recent kind words over my way. =)
not quite extreme as your adventure, my own in Colorado hiking and climbing and camping in the mountains wer some of the best times of my life. What an amazing experience your kids (and family) are having!
Followed you over from Just Seeking. I'm going to have to spend the next six months figuring out how to top your Saturday. Great post.
How come European wind sounds sooo much more sophisticated.
The mountains here are all volcanos -- so different from where you were climbing! I know that feeling of concentrating on the now. People often think that climbers are addicted to the adrenaline but I think it's the focus that they love -- the ability (and the need) to focus so completely on what's happening in that moment.
sounds fantastic!
Wow! I would be terrified of this. What a fantastic view though!
Awesome.
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