Norway Cruise - Olden
This was my view from our balcony. Again, I loved the big colorful homes along the hillside and the clouds hanging low in the valley caught on the trees. Getting ready at the desk just inside the sliding glass door, I would peek out every minute and ooh and ahh as the clouds shifted. It was remarkable. So glad we made the decision to get a balcony for the incredible views.
Via Ferrata Loen
Today is the Via Ferrata day. I think Chris did the research for this one and once he sent the idea out to the guys they were all convinced. Brian kept telling everyone at work he was going to do this Via Ferrata or die trying. We layered up and took the bus into the next town over and got our gear on ready for our climb. Our day’s excursion came with a guide who was helpful to keep us on time and to help Brian with the tricky climbs - especially with his cranky hip.
The climb up to this platform was pretty steep but required no cables or harnesses. We got hot quickly and had to shed a layer or two. The views of the Oldevatnet Lake and the Fjords below were gorgeous.
From the platform we clipped in and the Via Ferrata officially began. So fun to clip and hike. We loved it!
Hiking with this background was just so incredible. Every time we got to the next ridge and looked back we were in awe.
We’re starting to get higher now. Drifts of wispy clouds are right beside us.
This was the section of climb that was straight up. At one point I carefully secured my footing and pulled out my camera for a few pictures sideways, straight down and then straight up.
The Via Ferrata Cable Bridge
It was so fun to cross this bridge. Slow and steady - heading over the ravine was pretty exhilarating!
Chris, Jared and Doug opted for this second single cable bridge. I think more of us would have done it if we had more time. As it was, our guide was urging us along so that we could arrive for the last cable car down the mountain and make it back to the ship. What a cool part of the via ferrata. You can barely even see the cables in these photos.
We’re finished with the cable section for a little while. Now it’s time to trudge through the snow. We joked that we’d experienced every season on this day long hike. Now it’s winter!
I led the group up this part of the mountain so that I could take pictures as they hiked and clipped in one last time. Chris stayed to help Terri for much of the climb. We have a video of him pulling her up this part of the mountain that’s so funny.
Just look at that grin. He was so happy to have done it! We all were. It was technically easier than I thought it would be but it was still fun and beautiful and we were pretty tired by the end. The ride back on the cable car was great. We were so tight with time and in the end Richard, our guide, ended up saving the day but talking to a bus driver to get us back to the ship on time. Yikes! We really like to be the last ones on the ship! Totally worth it.
Mis had a migraine during dinner and went to bed early and I followed suit soon after. The rest of the gang went to the Singers and Dancers Show called LIFE and enjoyed it.