TROLLØYPA – DAY 5

from Djupslia to Hornsjø Høyfjellshotell

^22-02-20

Getting up early (again), since it’s a long way to my next place to stay, and the weather forecast is nicest for the morning. That way I get to see another lovely sunrise.

Hurrying the clean-up to get out… manage to leave by 9:30 – which is half an hour later than planned; but still more than enough time.

The route starts as it ended yesterday – wide, well prepared tracks; mostly across moor and lightly forested areas.

I need to cross the local stream again, again there is a bridge. The trees in the humid and shady environment next to the water are extra white and beautiful with frost.

After passing several ‘setra’ (originally summer farming huts, now probably mostly used as private holiday cabins), the route is climbing again. Slighty and not long, but just enough to get (mostly) out of the moor-shrubbery and ‘forest’. Beautiful distant high mountain views again.

I reach the highest point just next to the tracks, marked with a large stone column. It’s a namless top… but still feels like an achievement.

Then it’s back to more moors, and also more and more people. It’s Sunday, and I’m getting within daytrip-distance from Lillehammer and Hafjell (at least without big pack and with faster skis than mine).

Actually crazy the difference to yesterday, where I met no one all day (except 2 cars and a person by their cabin a 100m off the tracks).

Still beautiful snow and sunlight.

I have my lunch break in the sun outside the Lienden cafe.

Then I get so bored with the prepped løype and everyone overtaking me, that I decide to do a ‘shortcut’… slightly less in kilometers but it’s a while since it’s been groomed; no new pass after the last snowfall a week ago or so. Not really a time-wise shortcut; and definitely no shortcut experience-wise! Exhausting going, sinking in about 15-20cm with each step… but I feel like on an expedition, see all the animal tracks, and how the wind has blown the snow into soft lines.

About 4km later, I’m back on track(s) – and almost at my goal.

Arriving at Hornsjø mountain hotel, I was sooo keen to get in and into the sauna, that I didn’t even take a picture from the outside.

And it was worth it! Nothing better than a warm shower; then a long and very hot sauna to relax in; and after that a cool beer before getting served a three-course dinner – luxury!

Approximately 26 tiring kilometers today; but got my energy revived for a last day tomorrow.

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