Day 52 – 18 Aug, Sauvasshytta Hut to Grasfjellkoia Shelter

(21.5km, total 1288.5 km, 7h 30m, 0815 to 1545)

I had a leisurely start making the most of the luxury of a bowl for my breakfast. After packing up I gave the hut a clean and sweep and was on my way. There were patches of blue sky but it was windy and really cold. I had to put on my gloves for the first time in ages.

The track dropped through the rocky areas down to a lake and at the end turned at a junction going between two lakes, over a bridge made of two railway sections, though one was so wobbly I couldn’t use it and had to balance on just the one.

Now the trail climbed with occasional track and excellent markings, above the second lake and then around the side of a hill into a wide valley.

It then started dropping down to a flat bit that wasn’t exciting scenery wise. The track was a lot drier than in the previous days and while there were some wet patches I was able to hop across these and keep my feet dry.

From the valley there was a gentle climb and then I could see the buildings of my destination in the distance. The track dropped into the trees and an area of swamps, across a stream and then up a small hill and down the other side. The track was well defined and coming down there were even wood planks over the swamps.

I reached the end of the track and backtracked 10 meters and into the trees to recover my resupply package, which thankfully had not been disturbed by any animals or insects.
Now I walked through a caravan park, dropping my rubbish at a skip bin, and to the restaurant. I had timed it well arriving at 1120. It opens at 1100. Unfortunately the kitchen did not open until 1200 but they started early for me. The owner has done Norge Pa Langs three times, once in summer, once in winter and once by bike. According to another Norge Pa Langs hiker I briefly met there the owner offers a free bed for the night for all Norge Pa Langs hikers. Unfortunately it was too early in the day to stop. I had a waffle while waiting for the hamburger I ordered and a coffee. Then after only 15 minutes the burger and chips arrived. It was really good and the chips were perfectly cooked. I inhaled the food and relaxed for a little bit before packing up and continuing on.

There was a few hundred meters on the road to get over a river then over the other side and back on the trail.

The first km was all in swamp but it was not deep. Then a fantastic area of trees and little lakes. The trail went around a large hill and while it was slow going I really enjoyed this part.

The trail went up and down and left and right around lakes, swamps and small hills. There was probably ¼ swamps, ¼ dry track and ½ wet boggy track but I still enjoyed it. There were a few new types of mushrooms as well as heaps of the other types I have already seen.

My legs were a little sore, I guess still adjusting to being back on the trail but I had good energy, as expected after my big lunch.
Once around the big hill a lake appeared but it was significantly smaller than marked on the map, despite all the rain. Now the trail started climbing up into an area of large rock slabs. It was a steep climb to start with and lasted quite a while. I was puffing a bit but didn’t feel the need to rest often. The views were beautiful with lakes all around, trees and the start rocky areas.

Once I was finished the climb the trail undulated along roughly the same height going along the side of a big hill above the lake. Now the rain that had been threatening for the last hour started. Initially it was really light and I ignored it but then it got heavier so I put on my rain gear. It got gradually heavier and was consistent. I knew there was a shelter ahead so decided to stop and take a break.

As I approached the shelter the rain got even heavier so I made myself comfortable and started the firre. I thought the rain would stoop in an hour or so but it never did so I stayed. It is always so hard too leave a warm hut when it is raining. I was happy that I was completely dry under my jacket and rainskirt.

I got the fire going surprisingly easy despite not having any paper. I used the bark instead and discovered it burns really easily and the wood is so dry it catches easily. Within 20 minutes the hut was cosy and warm.
I had a soup, all of my nuts from my latest resupply and then a normal dinner of potatoe flakes. I repacked my food bag with my recent resupply and settled in to relax and read.

The rain varried a little with its intensity but was constant all night and there were occasional really strong gusts of wind which made me glad to be in the hut and not a tent.

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