06/06/08 - A world of our own

As nice as our camping spot was (right by the lake, with 360° gorgeous
views), we felt it was imperative to move to the opposite side of the
lake where there was sun. There we hungrily devoured scrabbled eggs
for breakfast; cooked outside of course to maximise our vitamin D
intake.
Much studying of maps later we voted to forgo the easy walk we'd
planned in favour of Langfoss the fifth largest waterfall in Norway
and a hike into the mountains to the waterfall's source.

The drive to Langfoss was interrupted many times as we stopped to take
in the views and photogragh bridges (more porn for Dave).... and do a
u-turn when we accidentally drove into an 11km tunnel. This is not the
place to be stuck in tunnels and miss all the scenery outside!! It is
hard to believe that this is not supposed to be the most beautiful
part of Norway!!

At first all we saw was clouds of spray before rounding the corner and
witnessing all 612m of raging water falling. It was truely amazing and
a little scary as we drove over a bridge which spanned its base. The
waterfall's source is melting snowfall so we donned jackets to keep
warm and dry as we ventured even closer on foot.

We'd not thought the waterfall so accessible that we could drive right
to it and now we questioned our enthusiasm for the grueling hike
ahead. But this intrepid trio is not so easily deterred! 600m straight
up, then hiking for another two hours right into the snow. It was
worth it, for the amazing world that just for a short time we were the
only inhabitants of!!
Think yesterday's walk, but on a much grander scale, with the added
bonus of a crystal clear wide winding river and some boggy fields on a
plateau. It was so inviting I'm sure we'd have swam if only we could
have could stood in it for more than a second!
Marea and Kerryn competed to see who could keep their feet in the
longest, but agreed to a ceasefire, when they felt their feet would
fall off after about 20 seconds.
After a spot of sunbathing on a rock not covered in snow we turned
around for the 'short' trip home.

Reunited with the Red Baron, and with the sun now behind the hills we
looked for somewhere to rest for the night. We stumbled across "the
valley of waterfalls" cue lots of photos, and then across a glacier!
That was as good a place as any!