making sure we were up to make the most of the weather best it turned
on us in the afternoon. Our destination was Flàm, the starting point
for the Flàmsbana - a scenic rail trip into the mountains.
After hiring bikes we were on the train and enjoying the trip up 'the
steepest railway on a normal gauge'. It was a rather impressive
railway made even more impressive when you think about the tools they
had to make it about 100 years ago!! True to Norwegian scenery, we
were also privileged to witness two more massive waterfall's hurtling
down the cliffs.
Our stop was the last stop right up in the snow at Myrdal. After
doning every article of clothing we had in our bag, it was time to put
the bikes into use and enjoy the 20 kilometre ride back down to Flàm.
However before too much enjoyment could be had, we first had to
negotiate 21 hairpin bends as we made our way down into the valley -
once we made that part in one piece we felt like real pro's on the
bikes!!! Although no one did warn us that the tunnel we go through
would be pitch black while inside!! Lucky there were no big
pot-holes.
Back in Flàm, Marea and Kerryn still had energy so went for a bike
around part of the fiord, while I had an afternoon nap (after all, it
is hard work biking down hill isn't it? ;-)
Once back on the road, we had a decision to make. Either take a 24
kilometre tunnel through the mountains, or take the 48 kilometre
(approx) road over the mountains. From our experiences through
tunnels ranging from 2 to 11 kilometres long, a 24 kilometre long
tunnel was probably going to be a little bit boring. Anyway, whats
the rush!!!! we've got a few months to spare :-)
Only 15 minutes into our drive, the decision seemed justified as we
were treated with amazing views of the Aurlandsfjorden and surrounding
mountains. Another 15 minutes we were in the mointains and parked all
ready for a cosy night in the snow!!
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