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Åmotdalshytta to Snøheim.
One can save money and camp, but conditions are not nice near Åmotdalshytta, its very windy.
Our original plan was to loop from
Reinheim to Snøheim, then to Åmotdalshytta and return via
Reinheim to Kongsvold. While spending our layover day at Reinheim we
learned that Snøheim is a car accessible commercially run hut.
Spending our second night there would really take away from the
experience, but changing our itinerary make perfect sense; if we finish
at Snøheim maybe there will be hot food and showers? We don't
really know and feel bad asking too many questions. Now that we're
about to embark on our longest day of trekking in Norway curiosity is
peaking.
One can save money and camp, but conditions are not nice near Åmotdalshytta, its very windy.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
An eddy wraps around the hytta, and
the restrooms are near it. Thus it's best to go tote lake outlet for
water, which is only apparent thanks to th sign.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We get an earlier start because it looks like it could be a rather long day on the map.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Mountains!
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
After traversing up the lake our trail splits left and starts to climb.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
Thank you trail markers.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
Our first climb isn't too long and then we circle one lake, climb a little and start around our second lake.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Let's call this a dual selfie.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We have a moment of confusion as the
trail splits, but close inspection of the map reveals that our climb
will be much steeper than anticipated. Shannamar takes a moment to soak
in the views.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We can't stop joking about this being recommended to us as a good route with minimal snow.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
All smiles with the lakes we've passed in the background.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Near the top of the climb we meet up with our new friend Michael who shared the hut at Åmotdalshytta with us.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Cresting the climb.
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
As we dropped into a chain of lakes temperatures cooled down.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Then the wind picked up and it was incredibly cold. The only way for us to stay warm was to keep moving.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
We're ready for lunch, but there is just too much wind. Eventually we hide behind a rock ledge and make our feast. Cabbage may not be the best substitute for tortillas.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
It's so warm down here that the lakes are thawing!
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Michael giving the terrain perspective as he crosses yet another snow field.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Finally we're out of the snow, and the traverse to Snøheim starts to drag on.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
About seven hours of steady hiking behind us and Snøheim is a welcome sight.
Sony A7, Pentax 28mm f/3.5
Snøheim, anyone for a quick swim?
Sony A7, Nikon 105mm f/2.5
At Snøheim our dreams are almost realized. There are hot
showers but the water temperatures are just above tepid. First world
problems. Looking back at our trekking experience we had a wonderful
time, yet are not sure if we'd be in a hurry to do it again too soon.
As we were unprepared in the footwear department, dealing with wet feet
all day long detracted from the pleasure of the experience. Perhaps
with good hiking boots the whole experience would be more fun. The
trails are very rocky, and it's hard to make good time. Rarely can you
gaze into the distance while hiking along at a brisk pace, you must
focus on on footing. Overall it's a completely different experience
from backpacking in North America and one we will cherish the memories
of.