Expedition Okstinden

Actually I was going for a reconnaissance trip for upcoming winter project Stjernetinden but my partner in crime's car broke so we have to postpone it again (last time it was due to the weather).
So instead I called H and gave him 4 suggestions! He picked me up 9 am and we headed for Napp where we started walking. Today was perfect conditions. And I had just bought me a new pair of spikes to try out today! On the way up I managed to go through the snow and into the river with one of my feet. This was an adventurous hike. H forgot to bring his spikes but he didn't forget the "hot sheet" which is a kind of simple "sit on sledge". We had our packed lunch just below summit and trying out the windsack. We went down on the other side and first part was quite steep but then H went off on his hot sheet. When we came down I realized that I'd lost one of my spikes without noticing...so we put on our headtorches and went back half way before we found it. Luckily it's in the color of red so easy to spot. Snowline Pro is like a light version of crampons but I guess they need better attachment when it's a lot of snow.

Making a snow profile.

Just before I went through the river.

On our way up.

A little harder if you forget spikes... 

Scrambling our way up.

I guess he wish he had another flag...

Summit Okstinden 585 m

Trying out the cozy windsack.

Time to go down.

View over Flakstadøya.

Neil Diamond - Solitary Man

I have met my superior...

I can handle a lot of snow, ice, cold, hail, slush and rain BUT the crazy storms raging in Lofoten...them I cannot handle. Yesterday when cycling home the sidewinds were so strong that I had to stop because I was afraid, and that's nothing compared to today! It's been raining like crazy all day but that's nothing and I thought it sounds worse than it is. But halfway home came winds so strong that it was really dangerous. The road is very narrow and I got of the bike and had troubles keeping me and my bike straight against the wind. So I realised I had to walk from there because I wouldn't dare to get on the bike. There is no way of keeping control and balance. It's almost like having trouble to stay on the ground. This is the worst I ever experienced. You can imagine the force when even trucks blow into one another...

My great winter tires.

They can handle almost anything...

Trafikken har kollapset. Avisa Nordland.

Nordlys.

Expedition Stokkvika

This weekend I had plans with someone but due to bad weather forecast he told me already thursday that he wanted to cancel. Luckily my friend Gyda is not scared by some rough weather so I took the bike to her place in Gravdal. Frost was all excited and crazy to get out. So we drove to Fredvang and Yttersand where we started our hike. Snow and hail followed one another. There were small avalanches of hail, like the size of that stuff they put in Sacco's. We went over the mountain and down to Stokkvik valley and crossing the Stokkvik river. Waves at sea where raging crazy furious and loud. Dusk arrived just as we came down to the beach and "Kvilebu" which is a simple cottage where you can take shelter from the wind. Stokkvika is an old settlement. The cottage is very simple but cozy enough that I would consider staying over some day. There is a simple hearth, some wood, an axe and a saw. Gyda made us some fire and we enjoyed our packed lunch while watching the furious waves outside. Imagine to wake up here! But unfortunately we didn't bring our sleepingbags. So after resting we went out in the crazy wind snow and darkness trying to find our way back over the mountain. Frost is in his right element, he really loves this, rolling in the snow enjoying.

Ytresand

Ytresand

Trying out spikes.

Gyda.

On our way to Stokkvika

Stokkvika valley

Then when we just passed Ramberg we saw a snowplow laying on the side in the ditch with flashing lights. So we thought we better stop and se that no one is hurt. Then we got stuck on the other side of the ditch. We couldn't get up, just got deeper. Anyway I went out to see about the other vehicle. First I didn't see anyone but then there was a guy and he was OK! He had already called the towing truck and was waiting for help. During all this time I was moved by peoples compassion. So many cars stopped and asked if we were ok or needed help. Two guys tried to pull us up but it didn't work and we just got even more stuck. We invited Magne (which was his name we found out) to sit and wait with us in the car and have some company. He was happy to do that. We waited for an hour at least and so many more people stopped, but we just told them to drive on. Then Ole Wiking came to our rescue and he pulled us up in a second. I think this other huge vehicle would be more of a challenge. I hope it all went well with Magne....

I had a banana and a cup of tea at Gydas place, changed to dry socks and then Gyda went to the stables and I went back home to Ballstadøya on my bike. I was really tired when I got home. Gyda sent me a message that it was already in Lofotposten (!) with picture and all so that's quite funny.

We just love it!

Such a beautiful day.

Finding the way back.

Lika a ghost...

Snowplow on the left and us to the right.

 

"Not everyone will make it to your future. 

Some people are just passing through to teach you lessons in life."

Chicken valley

It was snowing in the morning. I slept late and had a really slow breakfast and then I decided to go out. First I thought I might ask my neighbour to join but then I decided that I needed some time on my own and so I went to Kyllingdalen.

I better walk from here...

Trollskog.

Cottage at the far end of the valley.

Windshield.

Me in front of Skottinden.

Deep snow.

Leaving the magic forest.

A house without urban art...

Kong Øysteins Hall

Happy shining saturday! I met up with H and Rebekka at Esso Leknes then we drove to Kabelvåg for some climbing! H dropped me off in Gravdal and it's been snowing heavily since we left. When I came to the Gjersta-hill the road was closed due to a foreign truck that was stuck here. There were cars queuing on both sides, ambulance and police was there and since I had a bike I was allowed to pass! I'm a lucky girl...

Finally I'll go climbing!

H and Rebekka.

Me belaying.

H climbing.

Me and Rebekka sorting out the rope.

On my way home around 8 pm

Take A Message to Mary - Everly Brothers 

The Storm

Nowadays I always attach my bike to something, in case I don't bring it inside so it won't blow away into the deep dark ocean. This morning there was a gale and I knew that full storm was expected in the afternoon, so I called my colleague Beate and she picked me up. After work the storm was in full power and I got a ride with one of the nurses to Leknes. I had an appointment with my new climbing acquaintance. We were meeting over a coffee and making some plans. That's so cool because he is an ice climber as well and he's going to the Rjukan ice festival. I wanna go too. Just need to check the dates for the Lofoten alpine meeting because that I don't wanna miss for the world! Tomorrow I had great outdoor plans but the crazy weather seems to continue...

Lofotposten.

The Beauty Of Small Things - The Storm

Offersøykammen

I helped Gyda a little bit in the stable and then we set off for our moonlight hike to Offersøykammen. The path was partly covered with thin ice and higher up some snowfields but it was not a problem. Great view up there, we could se all the lights in Leknes, Gravdal, Napp and even some of Ballstadøya. We had a cup of tea a little below the summit to avoid the worst wind. Downjackets on and then we sat there watching the view for a while before we went down.

The stable.

Hay for the horses.

Beautiful Gyda.

Summit Offersøykammen.

Writing in the summit book.

Putting it back in the storm proof box.

Words - The Monkees

A little adventure philosophy...

- Hej, sa Sniff. Jag har hittat en alldeles egen väg. Den ser farlig ut.

- Hur farlig, frågade mumintrollet.

- Jag skulle närmast säga enormt farlig, svarade lilla Sniff allvarsamt.

- Då måste vi ha smörgåsar med oss, sa mumintrollet. Och saft.

(from "Kometen kommer" by Tove Jansson)

- Hello, said Sniff. I have found my very own way. It looks dangerous.
- How dangerous, asked Moomin.
- I would almost say hugely dangerous, answered Sniff seriously.
- Then we need to bring sandwiches, said Moomin. And lemonade.

The lovely color green

Today after work I went straight to Bøstad to collect the jacket I ordered from Barth. It was dark and rain was pouring down during those 20 km but I'm so happy and filled with energy. And I love my new jacket!

"This is the color of balance and harmony. From a color psychology perspective, it is the great balancer of the heart and the emotions, creating equilibrium between the head and the heart.

From a meaning of colors perspective, green is also the color of growth, the color of spring, of renewal and rebirth. It renews and restores depleted energy. It is the sanctuary away from the stresses of modern living, restoring us back to a sense of well being. This is why there is so much of this relaxing color on the earth, and why we need to keep it that way. Green is an emotionally positive color, giving us the ability to love and nurture ourselves and others unconditionally".

A very special guest...

Kyllingdalen (Chicken valley). Photo: Rebecca 

My precious Rebecca came all the way from Stockholm. She took the train to Narvik and then a bus 5 and a half hours to Ballstadøya. I went to Leknes after work to buy some groceries and then I went home. The vacuum-cleaner broke again so Arne-Svein came by and I catched a ride with him back to Leknes to be there when the bus arrives. I was just over an hour early so I went to Peppes, had a large beer and read my book "Saltsøstrene" (The salt sisters). I was surprised because it was wednesday and it was quite crowded, the answer was; I arrived at quiz night! We made fried plantains with chili, and I am totally hooked. They are so delicious! And we tried Mack's christmas beer which was a total hit as well. Saturday there was blowing up a storm. We went just a little in to Kyllingdalen (chicken valley) but still almost blowing off the path. Just to make sure I tied the bike so it wouldn't blow away, off the jetty and into the dark ocean. Sunday showed us a nice and clear morning. In the afternoon Gyda drove us to Leknes where she had to catch the bus back to Narvik, where she stayed one night at Breidablikk Gjestehus before catching the train back home. Gyda dropped me off in Gravdal where i collected my bike and cycled home.

Trying out julebrus (christmas soda?)

Fried plantains with chili. So delicious!

Best vegan cheese ever! Yummie!

Storm in chicken valley.

Kyllingdalen.

Weird Iphone photo...