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Reinheim to Åmotdalshytta.
One last look at Reinheim as we head up the trail to Åmotdalshytta.
After another warm night and relaxing
breakfast at Reinheim the weather is slightly better and we're ready to
get exercise and see new sights.
One last look at Reinheim as we head up the trail to Åmotdalshytta.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
Shannamar Dewey makes an early snow crossing soon after leaving the hut.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Due to recent rain there is still a lot of water on the trail.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Looking back at another group on the same trail.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
Where are the trail markers? I've been
surprised by this question while hiking in California with European
friends. Trail markers? What are those? At best our trails only have signs at
intersections. There is no need for actual signs; cut logs, ruts and a general
track are clear markers of the path. Here in Norway we come to understand
trail markers. Above tree line and under massive amounts of snow during
the winter, there is no true track. Rocks shift every year, so all the
trails are marked with a big red T, generally you can see two in
advance or one at a minimum. We adjust to looking for the next T
instead of trying to "read the trail".
Shannamar Dewey and the trail markers.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
So far it's a gentle climb, but now it's time to down shift for climbing over the ridge.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Steep enough to not quite require scrambling.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Looking back down the valley you can see the granite cliff near Reinheim.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Almost to the crest!
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
It's surprisingly calm on the crest. Then we step to the other side of the ridge and are buffeted by thirty mile an hour winds. It's suddenly very cold. Anyone for a swim?
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We're surprised to be forced off the ridge through a steep snowfield. Thankfully someone else has put in good tracks and it's not frozen today.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
So nice and warm up here! We didn't bring gloves, but did find one on the trail and put an extra sock to good use.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
A rare moment of sunshine as we traverse to Åmotdalshytta.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Every time the sun pops out for thirty seconds I'm inspired to do the same with my camera.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Sun and snow, it constantly changes between the two.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
The trekking has been pretty safe so far, but we're not too keen on this creek crossing. The path uses a natural snow bridge where all you can do is keep fingers crossed that it won't break.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
The meadows look nice but are really alpine swamps.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
So much water!
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Fantastic trail markers on this side where the snow can be very deep.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
It takes longer than expected to see Åmotdalshytta, but once in view we take a moment to enjoy the view.
Originally Åmotdalshytta was just this small stone cabin, but it has since been expanded.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Communal living works well in the huts, we all take turns getting water from the lake. It doesn't even need to be filtered.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We've
arrived in the early afternoon and enjoy meeting a variety of people
staying at the hut. On family has three young girls who are enamored
with Shannamar. They practice their English and show her a sketch book,
explaining the images as Shannamar flips through. Then suddenly all
three girls are silent for a moment before they start giggling. It
takes some prying, but eventually they explain that the drawing is of
the infamous "super-fart" which there is a word in Norwegian for.
Norwegian for the win.
The super fart!
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
A more contemplative moment.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
Unlike Reinheim, Åmotdalshytta
has no staff. Everything is on the honor system, and it's great to see
everyone pitch in to keep it in tip top shape. New friends tell us
about the traditional Norwegian trekking meal; reindeer meatballs and
mashed potatoes, so we try that for our dinner. It's a rich meat with
gravy, very fitting for the cold weather. We stoke the fire keeping the
common room warm and head to bed for an early nights sleep, knowing
tomorrow will be our longest day.
On to Snøheim