Monday, August 22nd
Today’s been the second and final rest day of my MASSIV adventure. One week from today I’ll be arriving at Haukeliseter – the end point. One week to go. How time flies.
Over the past two weeks I’ve now gotten so used to being on the trail that it’s getting hard to imagine returning to daily life. What started as a small tingle somewhere in the back of my brain has gradually turned into a raging roar, now demanding an answer; what’s next?!??
While it’s easy to dream big and fantasise about following in the footsteps of the great British explorer Wilfred Thesiger in crossing the Saudi Arabian desert, a six month adventure in the sand is not feasible and thus highly unlikely. What would be cool is exploring Iceland, checking out the Scottish highlands, or finally getting around to crossing the Jostedal glacier from north to south. The only thing realistically feasible here is the latter.
Another thing to look forward to is the newly re-prioritised list of mountains to visit: Gjertvasstind, Store Austabottntind and Falketind. Considering Store Skagastølstind is already in the bag, either of the three should be feasible. Hopefully all of them. Soon.
Today was spent as planned; quietly. Long and huge breakfast. Great conversations. Route planning for the week to come. Had the privilege of meeting a lovely couple at last night’s dinner who started collecting National Parks after retirement. Hope we get seated at the same table today as well.
Also did some repairs today. First world problems are also problems, and today I finally got around to making a few extra holes in my belt. While there was no specialised equipment available, the hosts at Geiterygghytta kindly lent me a hammer and a thick nail, with which I made another set of holes. After two weeks in the mountains I’ve clearly thinned down, now to the level that I’d be hiking with my pants around my ankles if I weren’t constantly pulling them up.
Funny how daily hikes without any high intensity work has such an impact. I eat like a horse. For breakfast there’s typically 4-6 slices of dark bread with a thick (2mm) layer of proper butter, double layer of cheese and triple layer of ham on each slice. Plus a couple of eggs. Same thing for lunch. And then 2-3 adult servings of main course for dinner. The more fat and protein, the better. And 200g milk chocolate – Freia Fruktnøtt – every place they sell it.
The body still holds up remarkably well. No blisters, no aches, no injuries thus far.
Did a slow 6km walk around the area to keep my feet and legs agile today, and to get my minimum of 10.000 steps per day where I’m now on a 610 day streak of between 10 and 50 thousand steps every single day. It’s probably getting borderline obsessive, but one cannot deny it has a positive impact on one’s health…
Please note that these posts are only updated whenever I stumble within mobile network connectivity. If you’re curious about progress in between posts, check out the Live GPS Tracker which is updated automagically.
Today’s statistics
- Total distance hiked: 0 km, but did a 6km walk to stay agile and not stiffen.
- Total time: N/A
- Total ascent: N/A
- Total descent: N/A
- Max elevation: N/A
- Toughest part of section: N/A
- Today’s favourite item: My non-hike Bula merino T-shirt, that I only allow myself to wear after a proper shower.
- Today’s crap moment: Could probably have appreciated a bit less rain
- Today’s word of wisdom: Always bring a needle and wick on long hikes in case of blisters. If a large blister occurs, sterilise the needle over an open flame and sew carefully through the blister, leaving the wick hanging out each end. Leave overnight (removing the needle) and the blister is gone without breaking the skin. Apply proper blister aid and carry on.
