Day 68 – 3 Sep, Between Haisfjellet and Steinkleivfjellet to Klukselva Stream

(34 km, total 1795 km, 11h 25m, 0735 to 1900)

I woke to beautiful clear skies and the sun was just coming up as I woke. I enjoyed the view while having breakfast but was still ready a lot quicker than the last few days. It was warm and no need for my gloves this morning.

The trail headed down to the forest and a bridge over the Nordelva River. Then it was alternating between swamp and dry trail in the trees.

I was feeling good today, though still a lot of coughing to clear my lungs on the first few little uphills.
I reached the Angeltjonnhytta Hut which was in a beautiful location next to a mirror like lake slightly separated from the main lake. The lake level looked low and the map shows this little lake being part of the big lake.

I sat at the picnic table and applied sunscreen and had a snack. While looking at my map I realised I had missed the track going around the mountain and there was no need to climb the three mountains as planned. While it would probably be nice up on the tops it was not a good idea with my congested lungs if I had an alternative. The alternative was approx 2km longer than the direct route and worth the extra distance.

I was slightly worried the lower track would be swampy but thankfully it was not. It turned out to be a lovely trail with good surface for most of it and beautiful views. There was still a bit of climbing but not as much as the alternate.

I felt like I was going really fast but looking at my time over the distance I was not. In some places the track was so good I could zone out a bit and was having some interesting thoughts. My thoughts were flicking all over the place, mainly with ideas for when I am back in NZ and also my next hike.

I am assuming this is snow damage

Big Cairn just below lake is the border marker with Sweden

I passed the intersection for the trail I could have taken and just as all the huts of Skorin came into view there were two runners standing on top of the hill. The guy was staring at his phone and I am assuming he was waiting for his navigation app. I talked very briefly and they were off. They were staying at a cabin in Storin. Next was a girl walking her two dogs who was also staying at a cabin in Sorin. I have not seen any hikers for several days now, just day walkers like theser peple.

At Storin I crossed a couple of dams and then a very muddy track headed over a small saddle and then down through the forest to the Tevel Train Station.

Then it was a short descent on a gravel road to the main road, the E14. All the houses here had the same theme of brown paint and a grass roof. Even the power company was on board with the transformer station decorated in theme.

Electric car charging station by this isolated train station.

Decorated power transformer

Just short of the road was the public rubbish bins so I was able to dump my rubbish. Now I turned onto a small sealed road for 600m to the trail turnoff.

Near the trail turnoff was the Tevveltunet Fjellstue (Lodge). As normal food was on my mind and I had been daydreaming about getting a hot meal here. I walked inside and it was deserted so I went up the stairs and saw the dining room. I could hear someone in the kitchen so called out hello. A lady came out and I asked if I could buy a coffee. She said they were closed and I could not get any food but she could give me a coffee, and refused to take any money for it. I sat in the foyer with a big stuffed bear and enjoyed the coffee. I think this place is an upmarket lodge and out of my normal price range. While there was no hot meal I was very happy to have a coffee and greatful for the kindness of the lady.

Not the best taxidermy. It is a shame to have such a majestic animal loooking like this. I would much rather see it alive and in the woods.

Looks a bit better from a distance but would look better still alive.

Now I headed to the trail turnoff which was a 4wd track which slowly narrowed to a single track in the forest. The track steadily climbed causing me to start coughing again.

There were heaps of mushrooms of different types along the track.

The trail then climbed above the trees and got boggy until near the top when it changed to the rock slab terrain with some pretty lakes. I was really enjoying myself and loved the scenery up top. I am not sure why I am so taken with the rocky terrain but I love the rock slabs.

Once over a small saddle the trail dropped down to a lake and across the flats, somehow avoiding most of the swamps before climbing up over another saddle.

Not sure what this is, I assume it is collecting sampples of something

Dropping down the other side the track was actually in really good condition and I was able to go at a good speed, passing back into the forest all the way down to a farm. I was starting to get tired and thinking about camping but whenever I saw a suitable spot I thought “no, just a bit further”. I am not sure why I felt like going on but sometimes it is just like that.

Just short of the road the track turned and walked between a stream and a wheat field, over a bridge and then down a farm track. There was an intersection and I turned left crossing a river that had nice stepping stones placed and also had an alternate of a cute bridge which was a big log with a hand rail.

Now it was a steady climb through the trees with frequent swamps mainly covered by boardwalk. I managed to keep my feet dry for 1.5 km despite several swamps.

At the track intersection I dropped to get water the started looking for a campsite. Not much further on I found a nice spot over the stream.
The grey clouds had moved in covering the sky and it felt like it was going to rain so I prepared my tent for high winds and got into my evening routine. At 2000 it rained very lightly for less than 5 minutes.
I really enjoyed today. It was hot with just a light breeze to keep cool. There was a lot of variety in the scenery and terrain covered and the tracks were mainly in good condition with a lot less swamp and bog than the last few days.

My socks are wearing out already

Tomorrow I plan to take a Nero (means nearly zero day, stopping after a sort distance). It is 19km to full service 65 bed hut which I would like to see what it is like. It has been a week since my last rest day and it would be nice to give my feet some dry time.

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