In Norway, it is quite difficult to narrow down what hike you are going to do because there are SO MANY options. Today the forecast was for clouds with only some rain, which is actually a good forecast, so we decided to go for a hike near Oye. Dan originally picked out a hike for the highest mountain in the region (Slogen), but we changed that to a slightly milder hike because it was described as an expert trail (rated Black) by Norwegian standards with many exposed and scary sections (needing "a good head for heights") with a fair amount of vert and we were starting late. So, Mount Saksa (rated Red: demanding by Norwegian standards) turned into the destination for the day's adventure.
First off, I would like to welcome back some long dormant muscles who had to wake up yesterday to help out with the via ferrata. Today they are complaining a little bit about having to rise from their slumber. The morning began with a drinkable yogurt and banana in the car as we settled in for a drive. Our drive from Andalsnes to the hike (near Oye) was nothing short of spectacular. Without meaning to, we ended up driving the Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder). This is a mountain pass that has 11 hairpin turns that zigzag up steep terrain and passes so many waterfalls, including Stigfossen which falls 320 meters.
Our rental car with a view of cliffs up Romsdalseggen in the background (the via ferrata that we did yesterday). Fun fact: if you go even 1km over the speed limit, our rental car yells at you.
Trollstigen (Troll's Ladder) winds up these cliffs - it's a wild road
Google Maps shows some of the hairpin turns
Stigfossen waterfall which the road crosses over
We found a bakery and bought a few pasteries (of course) and some sandwiches for our hike
Our route took us on a ferry, which is super common. You are automatically charged for taking the ferry. Interestingly, electric vehicles are charged less to ride the ferry.
Eating pastries at a view point for Geirangerfjord, which is considered by many to be the most beautiful fjord in Norway. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site for it's natural beauty, geological signifance and cultural heritage.
Paying close attention while driving the mountain roads is important - cyclists, cows, sheep, etc might be obstacles
Milkmaids huts built into the mountainside which protected them from landslides
The mildmaids would stay in these huts during the summertime for taking care of the animals grazing in the nutritious pastures and for selling milk to travelers passing through. Check out the perfect Kara-size doors.
Check out how clear the water is AND the foundations underneath the water which are between 5-13 meters below the surface
Lygnstoylsvatnet: in 1908 there was a rockslide from the mountain that blocked the river and flooded the farms within a few days. Today, this is a popular dive site.
The mountain valley that we drove through is famous for their strawberries. Appartlently, the climate is perfect for growing strawberries and is where most of Norway's strawberries are grown.
After several hours of driving (and seeing lots of interesting things), we made it to the trailhead in the town of Urke, a small farming and fishing town along Norangsfjord. The trail up Mt. Saska had a fairly steady incline, similar to the steeper hikes in the White of NH (except for the knife's edge between the two summits). However, the views along the way were sooooo awesome!
A fun way to let humans in and out, but not the animals
A cool lean-to for a picnic part way up the hike
Towards the top of the mountain was a scree field of rocks
Kara is one happy hiker with all of the incredible views
Dan checked out the log on the summit
The summit was a perfect spot to enjoy our sandwiches
After we soaked in the panoramic views of Norangsfjord and Hjorundfjord and the Sunnmore Alps on the south summit of Saksa, we decided to head over to the less traveled route to the north summit. Not only did the trail look sketchy - it was sketcy. I went into 4 wheel drive mode for fear of falling off a cliff into the Norwegian abiss.
Just a side note about who we have seen on the hiking trails so far. There have been some runners who seem to be running these mountains as if they were out for a morning stroll. And we have also seen families, including little babies in front carriers. The families with children seem to be totally present with each other and their environment. The children all seemed to be happily hiking along chatting with someone who was actively listening to what they had to say. Witnessing this warmed my heart.
The beginning of the knife's edge
This chain was very helpful to keep us from falling into the abiss
We loved the north summit of Saksa
Oh my! The north summit was superb. We spent even more time on this summit enjoying the beauty before deciding to head back over the knife's edge and then back down. I think this mountain has made me fall in love with Norway.
Heading back over the knife's edge to the south summit of Saksa
Enjoying a post-hike pastry back at the car
Because it stays light so much later here, we have not been in a hurry to start our adventures (meaning no alpine starts), so we didn't start our hike until after 2:00pm which meant that we finished hiking later than normal. After our hike, we drove to Stryn to find our lodging and then dinner. Dinner wasn't until after 9pm which is normally when I turn into a pumpkin. Good thing that our lodging was just upstairs from the restaurant so I was able to face plant right into bed after eating a yummy dinner. Another full day in Norway, but I wouldn't have it any other way.
Dan had the baked cod and I had fish soup and salad - yum
Our room - 2 twin beds means that Dan sneaks his way onto my side when we are sleeping
Our transportation to Alesund, Norway from home could not have gone smoother if we had tried. From the Woburn Express to our short layover in Copenhagen to getting our rental car in Alesund - everything was perfect. A Norwegian diving board These seats were incredible but...they were too far apart and had giant armrests between us The flights were easy. In the long line to get through customs in Copenhagen, we ended up standing in front of a couple who told us that they live in a small town called Plainfield, NH! We ended up figuring out that they even have Angela (my sister) as her doctor. Go figure. In the Oslo airport Our first view of Alesund as we flew in SAS plane from Oslo to Alesund. When we landed in Alesund, we were surprised that it wasn't raining. The plan was just to get adjusted to the time zone, maybe do a short via Ferrara and then head to bed. But we found out about a cool hike on the island of Godoya. It was a loop hike around a mountain lake that sum...
It was a slow morning because heavy rain was kept us from hitting the trail early. Our plan was to do a ridge hike called Romsdalseggen, but there are exposed sections that sounded like they would be challenging in the rain. So, we ultimately decided to do a via ferrata in the rain - maybe our logic was a little wonky. To start the day, we found a yummy bakery called Walderhung Bakeri and stocked up on baked goods for the day. I have a weakness for bakeries and all of their treats. Once I enter and get a whiff of bread baking, I lose all sense of reason and buy way more than I can eat. I held back at this bakery and we only purchased what we needed. Maybe I'm learning some self control or maybe it's because everything is very expensive here. The pastery on the far right skilpadde - it is a traditional local treat. We were surprised at how light and airy it was (and not too sweet). It was still raining when we arrived in Andalsnes. We chatted with some people at the Nordsk Tind...
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