Wednesday, 14th July 2010
Today was to be our last walking day and the group was given the
choice between a C walk and a D+ walk, the latter being accompanied by the
leader and the former going on their own. Despite a swirling mist on the tops,
seven of us opted for the C walk, some of the group went on the D+ walk and
others chose to ‘do their own thing’ for the day. Chris saw us off from the
start of the walk and we headed up the easy green path. Accompanying us for part
of the way were the red and white pylons that carry electricity across the
fjords – this time over Esefjord. As we climbed through cloud the path became steeper and
rockier, necessitating the use of hands as well as feet – at last, a spot of
scrambling to enjoy! The swirling mist frequently parted to reveal the fjords
and Balestrand now well below us. With the steeper part of the climb behind us,
an easy stroll on a pleasant path took us on to the summit cairn. Lunch was taken
beside the cairn while enjoying the views that came and went as the mist
continued to swirl around. At 3,600 feet above sea level the huge plateau was a
place to savour before making the return journey. An hour later we started to
make our way back down the mountain feeling pretty pleased with ourselves. By
now the mist was clearing and more views appeared until, at a lower level, the
mist disappeared completely.
However, the return to the hotel was not the end of the day’s adventure. After
coffee and cake, kindly provided by Jane, it was time to head down to the
arboretum, where an earlier excursion had revealed a suitable spot for a swim.
Taking to the waters, some rather slowly and others jumping off the jetty, we
were pleasantly surprised that the water was not too cold. The salty taste
reminded us that this was sea water, despite the fact that we were many miles
from the sea itself.
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
Power lines form part of the character . . .
as we head upwards through the trees
A misty clearing provides a spot for our morning break . . .
then Penny leads the way through the bracken . . .
and John seems to appear from the mist
Intermittent views accompany our climb
Reaching the summit . . .
of Tjuatoten - 3,600 feet above sea level
After a brief inspection . . .
and a group photo . . .
we enjoy a relaxed lunch hour . . .
exploring the large plateau . . .
in all directions . . .
with small tarns spotted here and there . . .
and even a little snow . . .
but what has happened to the bags' owners?
Time for a final photo . . .
before starting the descent . . .
with increasingly great views . . .
of the fjord . . .
and valleys . . .
and note the difference in the colour of the water . . .
between one branch of the fjord and the next
Still a long way to go . . .
and Balestrand comes into view . . .
as we continue on the route . . .
and find a couple of sunbathers on a rock
Finally out of the mist . . .
Balestrand basks in the sun . . .
as I zoom in on the marina
A last view of a sunlit valley . . .
before walking past the back of the hotel . . .
and down the road to the entrance
The last evening - and we are rewarded with the best view of the glacier . . .
that we have had during our stay