Litljordtinden

Today we hiked up Stormarkdalen and left our backpacks at the gorge between the mountains. We followed this wonderful ridge where we could see Kvalvikvatnet on one sida and Litljord valley on the other side. Then we set camp in the gorge as we came down again.

Nesheia

 

 
Today after work we wanted to go to Bjørntind but it was covered in skies so instead we went to this place where none of us has been before. A nice little hike after work.

It turned out to be a long night...

 

 

This day started out with a lovely weather. I didn't know what to do but had to get out so I took my bike and explored new roads. Then in the evening I got a call and it was time for a rescue mission. An asian couple were stuck in the mountains and now weather was changing (as predicted by forecast) it started raining more and more. The mist was spreading all over so visibility got worse. We started out a team of 6 but two turned around. I am the only one who knows the area. Later they sent a dog as well so we met him up there. We found them just around midnight. They were soaking wet and cold. I gave her my wool mittens and down jacket to at least isolate a bit. It took a while to get down since they are not used to this rugged terrain. I held her hand as the path descended since she kept falling. A boat was waiting for us down by the water and then the ambulance came to check that they were ok. They were so happy and grateful. We went back for debriefing and then I was home closer to 4 am. No I am really tired.

Hanging out with friends

Today didn't look good for hiking so instead I went to Svolvær with Gyda and Janne for some shopping and café life which I don't do very often. Then we helped Gyda in the stables as we got back.

Hestlitind

 

 

This friday we did a late hike after work to Hestlitind. Visibility was not so good but still a cozy hike with friends.

Day two in Vågan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today we did the same thing just that we had to lead the entire group of 14 all together. I was lucky and got the steepest part which is my strong side. One or two thought I was a bit too fast but then we also had a time pressure. Then we got back to the cabin and the sun came out. We had lunch, packed the last and cleaned out the cabin. Then we divided back in two teams and found our way back to where we started. I feel more confident today about the orientation so I just have to practise until second part of the course in september.

Course weekend

 

 

Friday I left work an hour earlier since Merete was picking me up to go to Svolvær. But this afternoon the wind increased a lot and so the bridge over Gimsøystraumen was closed. Wind was between 29-32 km / hour. We waited almost 1,5 hours in the looooong line of cars. Then she decided that we will just drive or we would miss the course. And so we did. Luckily it all went well. But I think just after we passed a car with a caravan did the same and almost blew over the bridge into the sea. So we arrived late and Olga was obviously behind us (we didn't know then) but she waited longer and then went to some friends in Leknes. Saturday we had quite an early start with breakfast and packing. We were divided in 2 teams and went two different ways, but to reach the same goal. Today we were to practise orientation skills with map and compass (mine are lousy or non existent since we hardly ever use that where I live, as long as it's not fog I find my way by the peaks). We had one stretch each and took turns to be leader. The rain was pouring down and didn't really stop, in addition we had a lot of wind today as well. In the end we could hardly stay straight. But finally our team arrived at Nøkksætra before the others. We were all soaking wet. Imagine 14 people in the cabin and all those wet things hanging all over...

Smortvarden

 

 

 

 

Today we did a wonderful hike after work to Smortvarden and Smorttindan.

New adventures

Clouds are low today.

Heading for Ure.

Skaftnes farm.

Skaftnes farm. 

Also Skaftnes farm.

Just an old house. 

Inside the old house.

Boat trip.

 

 

 

Today clouds were hanging low so I thought this is not the day to hike up mountains but this is the day for a bike trip. So I decided to go to Ure and see if maybe Gyda was home. It started raining and was raining almost the whole trip. I called Gyda and she didn't answer so I thought she would be somewhere else, maybe in the stables. And I turned around but later she called me back and then she passed me since she was going to Leknes and then back soon. So I turned around again, up the hill once more and arrived Ure after 38 km. Frost was outside so I took him for a walk up to Urevatnet while waiting for Gyda to come back. Then we had some tea before we decided to take the boat and explore another island. Then later as we came back we made dinner and talked until late so I stayed the night. She has plenty of space in the house.