The descent - Trolltunga

Weekend Stories W-35 continued...

The descent! 

I never know which one is worse - the ascent or descent.

It really was a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. 

Mentally and physically challenging.

Although, the views were simply breathtaking.

Incredible

   

Windy

Can you see him?

These are some photos on our way and at Bergen before our flight back to London.

A very cute little town. 

If there is a hike to do in Europe, I highly recommend Trolltunga!
Be prepared for the sheer physical and mental challenge!
NOTE: the first 1km of the ascent is the worst part - it gets better from there!


See Part 1: The Ascent
See Part 2: On the Troll's Tongue

On the Troll's Tongue!

WE DID IT!

An INCREDIBLE experience.
WOW.

(W-34) Trolltunga - The Ascent

Five years ago, I vowed never to hiking after climbing Mt. Fuji.

It was that physically and mentally traumatising. 

I decided to give it another go and seeing I'm in Europe, I should atleast do one hike.

Well, here are some photos at none other than Trolltunga (a.k.a Troll's Tongue) in Norway.

Verdict?

It was incredible.

Compared to Mt. Fuji where you climb up during night time, 

on this hike, you are able to enjoy the most scenic views the whole time. 

We arrived Friday night and drove for 4 hours to our accommodation.

After 3 hours of sleep, we drove another hour to the base. 

Not to mention, JP and I both packed heaps of food (10kgs of food and drinks anyone?)

We thought of this hike as a picnic, you know, stopping along the way, sharing food with the group.

No, you do not do this on a 10-hour hike. 

Ha! Well, you learn.

Enough talk/writing - here are the photos of the ascent!

Our Airbnb

In front of our accommodation. Getting ready to drive to the base.

The first 1km was the WORST. SO PAINFUL. I even contemplated on walking back down. 

Fortunately, fellow hikers informed us that it will get better after the first km.

Out of breath, enjoying the view.

We were lucky with the weather! 

Ah...another incline.

The awesome group! 

I thought I was walking on a movie set. Unbelievably beautiful views.

The last 1km!!!!!!!!!!!

Next post - on the tip of Trolltunga!

River Dicholtry

You would think this river is located in an isolated area but it runs through a small town that we happened to be driving through. We were waiting to drive across the bridge as there were quite a few people crossing the roads. I remember saying 'Why are there so many people here?' and, lo and behold, as soon as we crossed the bridge, we gasped simultaneously, looked at each other with the 'so that's why' look.
We parked across the street of the river, ordered a coffee in one of the small cafes lined up along the street, crossed the street and sat down on the rocks whilst watching people take photos and jumping around the rocks. Of course, we joined the crowd and did the exact same thing after finishing our coffee.

First day in Scotland

Scottish Highlands
2-5 April 2015

Easter break road trip around Glasgow, Loch Lomand, Oman, Fort William, Isle of Skye, Loch Ness, Inverness, Pitlochry & Stirling.

Many more posts to come of the beautiful and picturesque scenery of the Scottish Highlands.

The Boat House, Balmoral Beach

Despite all the photos of the beach in the last few posts, I actually never go in the water. I'm not much of a beach person (I know, how un-Australian of me) and I can't really understand people who lie in the sun to get a tan.  It's so hot! I don't like the feeling of the hot sun rays hitting my skin, plus it doesn't help when I get weird blotches instead of a nice even tan (I did have a tanning phase in my early-twenties, never again). Then again, I prefer the cool season over summer.
I do appreciate the beauty of Australian beaches though! I love walking along the water and then stumbling across a nice cafe nearby for brunch, like we did at Balmoral Beach. Perfect way to spend a summer weekend.
Ah, how I long for the weekend. Just three more days to go.