And so I have been on the seventh overnight stay on my challenge for the year: 52 Weeks of Wilderness: A Year of Adventure Camping and Hiking in the Stavanger Area, Norway
Minimum one overnight sleep in nature every week in 2024.
Stavanger Adventure offers premium private guided hikes, tailored to fit your preferences for a personalized and unforgettable outdoor experience.
For a moment there, the sun broke through the clouds and the wind graciously paused, giving us a tranquil Saturday in week 07. It was the perfect day for an adventure. A few errands later, about an hour's drive, and I was at the trailhead, ready to explore a new area rumored to be serene and beautiful.
Parking my car, I set off into the heath with my backpack, camera, and high spirits. The journey proved challenging with snow still blanketing the ground, obscuring the marked trail. But with some patience, a map, and reliable mobile service, I managed my way. The melting snow meant navigating overzealous streams and soggy paths, which made me grateful for my waterproof hiking boots.
As I meandered through the heath, I reached the end of the trail where an old mountain farm lay, once inhabited until the late 1900s but now seeming only to serve the occasional overnighter. In the shelter of the garden, out of the nipping wind, I brewed a cup of coffee and relished it with a piece of chocolate, soaking up the sun against the wall.
After the break, I continued off-trail towards a peak I had eyed for a potential camping spot, with vegetation around suggesting firewood for a blaze. On my way, I startled two majestic stags, their presence only betrayed by rustling and their tracks in the snow.
The area has since been transformed with the addition of numerous wind turbines – a change I have mixed feelings about. Nonetheless, I focused on the beauty around me. The diverse and abundant wildlife was evident from the tracks in the snow – foxes, deer, hares, and elks might have crossed my path under different circumstances.
Reaching the peak, Trollhaugknuten, it was indeed an ideal spot for my tent, complete with firewood and a view. The tent went up, the fire crackled, and dinner was enjoyed under the glow of the setting sun.
As the evening drew in, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up, likely due to sea fog rolling over the mountains, cooling the warmed ground. It was time to retreat to the warmth of my sleeping bag, delve into my book, and embrace the tranquility.
The next morning brought strong winds and a biting cold that hastened my departure, skipping morning coffee for a brisk pack-up. The hike back to the car was surprisingly pleasant, aided by a tailwind and the curious company of two ravens.
In summary, this trip was a memorable mix of a tease of spring and a reminder that it's still at arm's length. But brighter days are on the horizon.
See you on the trail!!
Espen
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