Preikestolen

June 4



We had a quick breatkfast and the group of hikers (about 2/3rds of the group) headed out in two cars to meet the ferry. After the pleasant ferry ride with wonderful views we made a stop at Solbakk, Strand, which has very old Viking paintings.





Then on to Preikestolen to proceed up to the top viewpoint. Preikestolen means “priest’s chair” in Norwegian, and is named because it is much like a pulpit. The hike is very pleasant – a steep uphill climb much of the way, with a path paved largely with larges rocks, with occasional boardwalks through the marshlands. There are beautiful views all the way up. The weather was splendid, although it was a bit hot when hiking. At the top there was a high wind, but it abated briefly so that we could go to the edge and look over.


We stopped for a packed lunch of sandwiches part way down, and then stopped again at a beautiful mountain lake to relax a bit. We sat with our feet in the water while Aseema braved the cold to swim. This was such a wonderful hike.



We had very little time between our return and departure for dinner at a friend of Beth’s cousin. The dinner was wonderful, especially the fish soup, but also shrimp and lunchmeats on bread. A few of us played harps for them and Wayne and I played a duet.



As they brought out dessert Hogne neaded to leave because he’s required to have 9 hours between driving each day, and I took off with him because I had developed a headache. I was also concerned about getting packed up in our crowded room for departure at 6:45 AM the next morning. I am dreading tomorrow because we have what could be as long as a 10 hour drive and then immediately need to set up for a concert. It will be draining.