But also, it's fun to hike too. Once again, we woke up to rain. And the forecast was for rain most of the day, so we decided to stick around Hamn i Senja and just adventure by foot. Plus, the car was charging VERY slowly so it was better to just keep it charging. Sukkertoppen (Sugar Top named for how it looks when covered with snow) looked like a fun adventure, so that was the plan.
Another knock your socks off breakfast with everything you could possibly want to eat. Our view while eating breakfast was of Sukkertoppen (when the clouds would part). As usual, I packed in the calories so that I could haul myself up the scary looking mountain. Most of the hike would be rated Blue or moderate by Norwegian standards (our first Blue hike since being in Norway) plus a Red or demanding section at the top that was exposed. The description said to not do it in the rain because of the slippery rocks near the death cliffs. Interestingly, we didn't see any other hikers on the trail Hmmmm...
Local smoked salmon and halibut at breakfast
Looking at Sukkertoppen
One of the waterfalls along the hike. They are everywhere.
One of the view points where we could check out the archipelago and the Hamn i Senja harbor
The ground cover is so colorful with heather and berries everywhere
Such a cool rock along the mountain cliffs
This chain was super helpful for getting up the cliffs
The views were limited on the summit as we were mostly socked in by the clouds. Luckily, we had a view when we were just below the clouds and it was not raining hard. Honestly, hiking along the death cliffs on the slippery rocks and mud got My adrenaline running. Adventuring from our home base did not mean less excitement.
The site of an old nickel mine. Apparently, this was the site of the first hydropower ever used (1870-80s).
Sukkertoppen was no longer in the clouds when we returned 🫤
Having gotten our wiggles out, we started to think about our next destination. The weather looked promising for the next day, so we planned to check out the Steindalsbreen glacier. This meant packing different from our other adventures as harnesses, helmets, ropes and winter clothing was needed. Once our gear was organized and the car was totally charged, we treated ourselves to dinner at our fancy pants lodging. Good stuff!
Charred cauliflower with asparagus, zucchini and beetroot
Dan ordered the catch of the day (halibut)
Kara had the fish soup
Our table looked out at Sukkertoppen which was totally out of the clouds
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...
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 ...
Another knock your socks off breakfast with everything you could possibly want to eat. Our view while eating breakfast was of Sukkertoppen (when the clouds would part). As usual, I packed in the calories so that I could haul myself up the scary looking mountain. Most of the hike would be rated Blue or moderate by Norwegian standards (our first Blue hike since being in Norway) plus a Red or demanding section at the top that was exposed. The description said to not do it in the rain because of the slippery rocks near the death cliffs. Interestingly, we didn't see any other hikers on the trail Hmmmm...
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