Summiting Pallheia


 

Back to Mediterranean conditions in the Arctic Circle, sun beaming down from an azure sky and temps reaching mid twenties. And that’s since 1.30am.

Jack had improved overnight, but was still shaking off the after effects of whatever bug he has picked up. Breakfast was brought to him courtesy of parental room service, and he rightly decided not to join today’s walk.

We set off by coach to Hadseløya, a small island to the North, reaching it via ferry from Fiskebosk.



 Both Em and I elected for the ‘harder’ walk, which involved a stiff climb up Pallheia, a hill around 400m above sea level, and then a circuit round a brace of inland lakes. It was a large group again, possibly as a result of the other team leader failing to persuade with his narrative of the other, ‘easier’ walk at last night’s briefing (“there will be pathless terrain, it is likely I will get lost and need to beat my way through vegetation to find the way for you”).

There was a good breeze off the sea, which took the edge of the searing heat, and we kept well hydrated with our extra water bottles. The views back to the Lofoten wall (as the chain of islands are called) were spectacular, peak after peak receding into the distance, as far as the eye could see. 





Coastal waters were an amazing aquamarine colour, and there were Norwegian families on the beach enjoying their Sunday, some brave enough to go for a dip in the glacial sea.



Highlight of the day was spotting a sea eagle soaring up a thermal draft, plumage of its wings majestically spread out, banking left and right like a fighter pilot. So much more exciting to see them in the wild, rather than performing circus tricks for passing cruise boats.

Tomorrow promises yet more glorious weather, and we’re hopeful that Jack is back fighting fit for the next walking adventure (he may have a different outlook on this).

Joff x



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