Henning's trip - SAGA day by day

We humans seek out heights, peaks and open drags. Maybe it's because it gives us an overview, a feeling of mastering and understanding. Hiking in the terrain can be heavy and difficult, but at the top of the hill or mountain you can look down on the obstacles you have just climbed and beyond the new opportunities that lie ahead.

Or you can stand in an open landscape with only green plains and skies in front of you. Obstacles on the path in front of you look smaller and your mind can run free. The gaze is lifted and has a longer reach, and the head is filled with thoughts that extend further than the plan for the next day. In nature, you can go from something old – or to something new.

Then it is the case that outdoor life also gives you the exact opposite. Being outside, just walking, does something to you. You get a view and a view, but at the same time you turn your gaze inwards and get to know yourself. What happens to you when you are cold, wet, hungry, tired and unsure of your choice? Or how do you experience living close to other people in small cabins where you have to work together for dinner – and maybe lie duck-footed on a mattress so that everyone can fit? Such experiences give you insight and knowledge about yourself and those you have with you on the trip. 

We have different radars for how we "take in" nature, but many outdoor experiences are still universal: a beautiful sunset, the smell of forest and moss, wet shoes in the rain or a cold headwind. Everyone knows how it feels. This makes outdoor life easy to gather around and build community around. 

The SAGA trip is for advanced students, but the outdoor life where you live requires no prior knowledge, special abilities or expensive equipment. The grass, trees, forest, park, sea or mountains in the local area are arenas that are always waiting to be used. It creates joy, mastery and community. 

At 10:00 a.m.
Sunday morning, today starts the journey I've been looking forward to. Today I start on SAGA, the journey from Lillehammer and northwards, all the way to Snøhetta on Dovrefjell. My hiking companion, Kaweh, Sharam and five young people, are ahead of me on the trail.

They started yesterday. But they were on their first leg, I was at a party. One of my best friends had a big 50 year team, so my SAGA trip has been delayed a day. Now it's time to catch up with them. Will I make it? My goal is to catch up with them by Wednesday. Then we'll see if it holds up 😊 

If I'm going to do this, I have to get going. My body tingles. The backpack is packed. I'm sitting in my hiking clothes. This is when it starts.

Today is the day I'm going to start on SAGA.

At 9:30 p.m.
Good to be up and running. Feel the body and the equipment. The trip in from Nordseter to Hornsjø is no more than 15 km. Still, I had the experience of being a little rusty. Had a little pain both here and there. But the terrain was nice to walk in. Nice views in several places and good trails. However, often some water and larger ponds in the path after heavy rain showers.

Once at Hornsjø høyfjellshotell, I was very well received by the friendly staff. A very large hotel that bears some trace of the glory days of earlier times. Now we can hope that SAGA will be really popular so that the summer traffic can get a little boost here at Hornsjø. It deserves the place. A beautiful location with an absolutely stunning panoramic view from the dining room. 

Tomorrow I will try a double stage to catch up with the others. It will be tough and long, almost 4 miles. Can I do it?

I'll send a report! 

I wake up today and feel that I hope it is possible to catch up with the others. Lubricates a slightly larger lunch box than usual. Lunch will be today at Djupslia, the DNT cabin where the others spent the night until today.

The trip starts in nice hiking terrain with good trails, but a little wet in some places. Birch forest, paths on grass, all in all a nice start. Some rain showers will come and contribute to me getting wet, but I know that the day will bring some sun. The wind, quite strong, helps me dry quickly. I walk quickly and quietly. This means that I come across quite a few animals and birds on this stage. The hare jumped across the path right in front of me. Still a little white in the fur. The willow grouse that flew up was also quite white. The ptarmigan that was hidden with the whole flock of young were not very white. Well camouflaged and oppressively long made me almost step on the whole family. The same thing happened to a duck and her flock of young.

Over one of the ridges before I moved down towards Djupslia, the terrain suddenly opened up. It was more like bare mountains and it was a great sight towards Jotunheimen with alpine peaks and still a lot of snow. Once at Djupslia, there were few traces of the gang that started from here early today. Again, there was only an old woman. She was obviously not Norwegian and we exchanged a few words in English. She could tell of a life with more than 40 summers in Norwegian mountains and at DNT cabins. In the short time we had together, I could see an old lady with love in her eyes. A love for our nature. A love that is easy to understand. 

It was fun to see how nice it had turned out at Djupslia. Lillehammer and Omland Trekking Association have renovated and made major improvements. It has become a nice cabin and a beautiful place.

I have time for a quick lunch in the yard before I feel I have to run on. Fairly quickly from the cabin it carries uphill and the view gets better. But the trails still go through a lot of birch forest. Here, it seems that LOT has made a formidable effort. There have really been great paths through the forest and we can see that a lot has been cleared.

Eventually, the trail turns into a more high mountain terrain. Everything opens up and there are views in all directions. For the first time on the trip, I experience that we are approaching wilder mountains and higher terrain. Reindeer lichen and the hill are held before only an hour remains to Vetåbua. Then the path goes steeper downhill and down again towards the forest belt. Then, suddenly, I see a group in front of me. I smile to myself. I managed to catch up with them! And, I look forward to meeting the gang.

Everyone smiles and welcomes me as I catch up with them. I think that this warmed me and it was nice to see them all. At the same time, I think that it can be both eventful and exciting to be close to so many strangers who will walk together for 14 days. All the way up to Snøhetta. It will be exciting days. An exciting journey. I hope we manage to get everyone all the way up to the top of Snøhetta.

It will be very impressive!

It is incredibly fun to see the group organize themselves in DNT's self-service cabins. With enthusiasm, they storm into the provisions warehouse to see what this cabin has to offer. Then it is organized and some start with the appetizer. Appetizer!

Old trotters like me go straight for the meatballs or stew. Thai soup is made by the youth and the appetizer is ready a little after I've finished dinner. They enjoy themselves, but few can take anything more. It's an incredibly fun group and it's great to see how busy everyone is with helping each other. It's almost as if an old trotter like me, with ingrained habits on trips, falls through. The youth is actually much more sympathetic than myself. I get a good feeling of the group, get to believe that together we will make this trip all the way to Snøhetta. I feel happy to see such good unity and care in the young people. 

Today morning there was breakfast at 07.30. Everything was ready, just as planned. Water was boiled and all breakfast food was set out. We were well on track to be able to depart at 09.00, which we all agreed on at yesterday's evening meeting. Then there was this thing about order and control of your own things...  

Dishes had been done, all common things were cleaned. The time was approaching 09.00. No one was quite ready. I had the job today to clean us out of the cabin. Then I kept finding private belongings that were forgotten. 09.10, we were still not ready. Then one of the participants reported that someone must have taken her soles. You could see that everyone was thinking; Have I managed to pack a little more than just my own? My answer would immediately be; yes I think so, but you have also forgotten some of your own things...

The tour guides look at the clock, it is approaching 09.30. No one has found the soles. Then the tour leader makes the decision, everyone takes off their shoes and checks if they have the right soles and everyone unpacks all the bags must be emptied. Half an hour passes. No one finds the missing soles. Then one of the participants asks; Should the tour leader start thinking about a different strategy? What about the soles from the sneakers, they can be used, right? And so it was, with the soles of the sneakers in the mountain boots, the group strolled off at 10.00.

We will probably find the soles among one of the participants' things when it is unpacked at the next cabin. I myself stay and clean the cabin.

We arrived early in Jammerdalsbu yesterday. There was an incredibly nice drive from everyone - and they liked it! The night before, we had sat and talked a little about how to create flow on a trip and how to walk appropriately in a group. We agreed to keep a little distance so that everyone can see the terrain well in front of them. It also means that there are not so many accumulations when someone stops for a moment. Then you correct the speed yourself and increase a little after a quick stop. Maybe just to enjoy the view for a moment.

Several of the participants have been very interested in technique when walking, and our participants have almost never walked the weight on a hike or been in the mountains. It has therefore been necessary to talk a little about how to place the feet, how to avoid constantly going "up and down" by finding good places for the foot next to the stone and not on top. Looking ahead and planning something where you put your feet is also important. When you get to the uphills, several people have just walked on and used raw power. Here we have now learned to shorten the stride length and instead increase the frequency somewhat, if you want to maintain the same speed. Here it is also important to constantly try to put your foot horizontally. Find good places for the foot so that the heel comes high. Then you save a lot of effort and don't get tired calves and thighs so quickly. 

The participants have clearly noticed this. They thought it was fun to feel their body work and to move rationally. It seems that they really learn fast and enjoy it.

We are approaching Rondane. On this stage we could really see parts of Rondane and snow-clad peaks. We have walked 18 km, about 5-6 hours. So incredibly beautiful! How lucky we are! It roars with happiness in me when I see and experience this. To be allowed to be part of giving these experiences is a gift. And, I reflect a little on our soul in DNT. Our foremost desire is to create nature experiences for life. So good to see that this is exactly what we do.

Hassan came up to me, arriving at Jammerdalsbu. "You know what Henning, I've had my most beautiful moments on this stage. I went a bit apart from the others. I let my mind run and just allowed myself to be by myself for a little while. It was nice just to go at my own pace and feel that I exist. When I went there in front, I came over a ledge and got an incredible view. I saw Jotunheimen and beautiful mountains. It was so nice Henning!"

Hassen said this with empathy, as if he had discovered something completely new. As if he had experienced a small revelation. I feel that his charisma and joy give me a powerful experience. He should have just known how strongly he touched me. 

Yesterday turned out to be tough. Before the start, we were all optimistic. The trip to Gråhøgdbu looked decent and several kilometers shorter than yesterday's trip to Jammerdalsbu. But, we fell into a classic trap. Everyone saw the trip as easy and everyone probably lost some focus. Light arrogance for the task turned out to fail. The gang has never been as tired on arrival as yesterday. There was also a big gap in the field. I myself took two of the fittest, Dawit and Rodrigo, with me on a little summit trip along the way. Handsome boys with a lot of pride. They wanted to go a little faster and a little tougher route than the others. I probably shouldn't have done this. I probably should have realized that their zeal and courage were so prominent that their lack of experience was overshadowed. They kept up well, but it was to be punished.

Once at Gråhøgdbu, we were greeted by a welcome committee. Christian and Tor Martin from DNT stood in the yard and welcomed with cold drinks. Inside, they had set the table and made it cozy. Tor Martin had made stew, baked bread and cake. The direction couldn't have been better. When the tired gang arrived, there was plenty of care and plenty of fresh food and company. 

Despite good catering, it seems that something has happened to the group. Everyone is more tired, inactive, and the elderly have to take greater responsibility for the chores at the cabin. To claim that they have something apathetic about them is perhaps to be taken hard, but emptier in their gaze I think is seen in many people. This is a long trip. Now the seriousness begins. Now the forces are starting to ebb somewhat. Now minor injuries and water blisters are starting to get more focus. The tour leaders will have an important task now. No doubt that encouragement and care in the future will be important. We want everyone to be able to stand on Snøhetta and look out over Norway and feel the feat and the feeling of victory of having walked the entire SAGA - from Lillehammer to Dovre and Snøhetta.

When we got up today, there was a tired group that sat down at the breakfast table. The silence and light mumbling. A wry smile and a light laugh, but not as energetic as before. There are fewer funny lines and if there is one, it is difficult to get them all. Several have enough with theirs. We clean the cabin and get ready. In the yard, everyone stands with their bags, waiting. Then Sharam comes up to me and says; "We have a situation! We have to talk..."

Rodrigo, who was with me on an extra summit trip yesterday, limps over to us. Rodrigo can't move on," says Sharam. "He has got pain and swelling in his Achilles tendon. He needs to rest for a few days."

A plan B must be made. Canceling the trip is not an issue for Rodrigo. We therefore arrange a transport from the nearest road where he can be picked up and driven to beautiful Bjørnhollia, two days' march from Gråhøgdbu, where we are now. Everyone waves him goodbye with wishes for a speedy recovery and see you again. Then we walk on towards Eldåbu. Still quiet in the group. We have lost one of the participants. Some are already feeling the loss. If I'm right, there are probably one or two more in the group who would like to get transport to Bjørnhollia. Now it is important to encourage and ensure that we have a great day, we who are going to go.

I look at the map and discover that there will be some highlights. Now we are moving into Rondane. In a few kilometers, we will come across a hill. Here we will get the entire Rondane massif in front of us. I imagine the group over the edge, as in Kittelsen's beautiful drawing "Soria Moria", standing to look at the majestic. I sincerely hope that this will give strength and a dream of moving forward and forward, until Snøhetta, behind what we see. Because, there's still a long way to go...

What a fantastic stage we had yesterday! The trip from Gråhøgdbu to Eldåbu must be our most beautiful stage so far. Everyone enjoyed the sun, heat and a little wind that kept the mosquitoes away. All day with a good view of Rondane. Spectacularly beautiful was the view over Rondane as we came across Ramshøgda. Here we sat for quite a while, tired of the uphill climb and captivated by a panorama with Rondane in the middle. Suddenly we were part of it after several days of points where we have pointed, "there we are going!".

Often when I discuss and talk about the experiences of trips, we focus on the top we have been to or how long the trip has been. When I am a tour leader, I try to remind people that a trip and the reviews of a trip are the sum of all the experiences along the way. There can be so much that makes room for the great experiences. When I hiked Massiv last year, I had a lot of rain along the way. Fog also took up much of the view. Suddenly one day, on the way between Skogadalsbøen and Olavsbu, I had a fantastic experience. It lasted 15 seconds. All day it had been raining, windy and the fog was thick. Then suddenly, without warning and like a stage curtain, the fog disappeared over Mjølkedalstind. A high, beautiful and marked peak in Jotunheimen. There, right in front of me, I suddenly had the most amazing change of scene. Bright blue sky and sun over the top. The mountain just rose up and showed "I'm big, beautiful and powerful, remember that!", then it disappeared. Everything was gray around me. But inside I roared with joy, what an experience. Almost like a divine event. Forgotten were cold hands and wet boots. What a day! 

Kaweh, one of our tour guides on the trip has understood this, the importance of experiences during the trip. The good conversation, the laughter, the cozy break. And, the bathing, of course. What does a cold dip not do to both body and mind, and not least cold feet? Yesterday we came to a small pond midway through the stage. Crystal clear water. Inviting, but everyone realized that this must be freezing. We will move on, several of us said. Kaweh insisted on having lunch right there, with a refreshing bath. Everyone looked in the direction of the path, most wanted to move on but began to understand the seriousness of Kaweh's proposal. Then, suddenly, someone twisted off their clothes and shouted, yes well! Several waded and plunged in. The stragglers came stealthily and in the end, almost all of them had their heads and bodies under water.

Then we sat there, rushing in our bodies, in a warm sun's slope. Just smile and laugh. We had a good time. Can we have it better than this, some people wondered. No, I don't think so! These are the kinds of experiences we have to collect. It is these experiences that we must take to heart and feel when life bumps on. The happiness that lies there, the happiness that is always there, for you and everyone who learns to collect good experiences along the way. 

The trip is the sum of all the experiences. And we must fill life with memories. We can hope for the most good memories. Then we move on today, to Bjørnhollia. We look forward to meeting Rodrigo, who has been given a couple of days' rest to heal a sore Achilles syndrome. The whole group is looking forward to seeing each other again. We're starting to become good friends now. 

Can there be anything more beautiful than coming over the edge on the way from Eldåbu and looking down into the valley and seeing Bjørnhollia? Once down in the valley, we cross the bridge with wild mountain water in a fast current below us. Then it carries up a steep hill, and then, there lies Bjørnhollia right in front of us. The flag has been raised. This wonderful place that gives associations to the royal estates of fairy tales. We move around the beautiful stone fence to really get an overview. I stand with Sharam. He looks out over this beautiful facility that Beate and Svein, the hosts, have taken care of so nicely. Sharam sighs, tired after a brisk walk up the last hill. He turns to me and says; "Is this heaven here on earth?"

We look at each other and smile. 

We eventually all gather in the yard. Some sit down on the grass and breathe a sigh of relief, happy to have arrived. Happy to arrive at something so beautiful. Hassan has struggled with his balance and all the stones on the way down the hill in the last kilometers. But, he is in good spirits. Then Rodrigo comes limping across the yard. Brown and nice after a whole day in a canoe on the water below the cabin. The joy of reunion is great. The group is together again, it is clear that it matters. No one knew each other before, but after a week on the trip, and with greater and lesser challenges, the group seems to be well knit. Maybe lasting friendships will be established on our SAGA trip? I feel that that thought gives me inspiration and joy. A gratitude to be part of something that can mean something and provide lasting value. 

Everyone is tired and it doesn't take long before most people have found their room and a bed. Many people try to lie down in bed and stay in bed. They fall asleep immediately. Happy, tender in body and tired. 

Inside, Beate works to create a new dining experience for guests. There will be three courses, spinach soup with egg, fried trout with all imaginable accompaniments and Sandefjord butter and finally crème brulé and fruit. We sit down at the table with the whole group, almost with tears in our eyes over the great food, presented by Beate and served by young ladies in bunad. I think that we are part of something very special.

What a treasure this is. How lucky we are. Experiences for life. 

There will be a lot to take in for our young participants. But, they smile, lie in the evergreen grass and look at the mountains and the few clouds that hover over the bright blue sky. I am convinced that they feel the experiences and perhaps the excitement that is constantly there; Will I be able to complete the entire trip up to Snøhetta? Then I hope, when all this is over, that they have had experiences that enrich them. That they have been inspired to seek challenges in life and that they know where to turn to when they need a refill of "nature experiences for life".
 

We woke up today with a birthday child in our midst. Karianne turns 24 today, 2 July. She was celebrated in the dining room. However, it has all been subdued and we have noticed that something else has characterized the participants. Today we will make the summit push to Rondeslottet. Karianne will be with her and she hopes to be able to mark the day by climbing this beautiful massif in Rondane. 

Unfortunately, we have to split up. The goal is Rondvassbu, where we will spend the night tonight. Sharam brings Rodrigo, who is still struggling with his Achilles tendon, and Hassan. Hassan is a former football player and actually has a good physique. However, it turns out that being a former athlete alone does not qualify for tough trips in the mountains. Over the past few days, Hassan has had trouble traversing hilly terrain. He acts uncertain and seems to have problems with his balance. Then it can be challenging to take the trip over Rondeslottet where there are mostly rocks and scree for large parts of the trip. Both Rodrigo and Hassan seem to be comfortable with the decision that has been made in consultation with the tour leaders, Sharam and Kaweh. They take an easier route directly to Rondvassbu. The route is much easier and somewhat shorter than walking across Rondeslottet.

Yesterday afternoon we had a group meeting and went through today's trip. We looked at the map, planned the routes and discussed challenges we might encounter along the way. The fact that there is a possibility of lightning and thunder is reported to create a certain uncertainty and tension in the group. It is clear that Karianne in particular has started to get nervous about the trip. Not a fear that contributes to her resignation. I experience it all more as a horror-mixed joy. She is probably excited and clearly expresses it. 

Dawit is quieter and gives little signal of what he thinks and feels. He joins, but it is difficult to interpret him. I am nevertheless convinced that inside Dawit it is full of emotions. He is also certainly excited. You should really be when you are in Norwegian nature for the first time and are going to climb such a majestic peak as Rondeslottet. 

Jessica is funny. She thinks most things are fine, the youngest among us. When she heard that for the next few days there will only be serviced cabins in front of us, she was so happy that fear and respect for today's summit trip have been whispered out. The trip will certainly go smoothly, she says, slightly slouched on the sofa with a sly smile. She is characterized by the youthful courage and is not really that concerned with the details, she probably thinks that most things will just work out. And it probably does.

I still feel a little annoyed that I can get a little annoyed when Jessica snorts or wonders about us old people who are supposed to "teach" or otherwise be "right". She does not participate in the discussions, but you can see her reactions and perhaps wonder and a certain distance from what we may think. Reminds me a bit of my own children really, who are the same age. Then I feel that the age composition is large. Table manners, courtesy and common knowledge do not turn out to be particularly successful topics of conversation. Strange, this is also recognizable from the dinner table at home with the children, three boys aged 15 to 20 .

We make grandiose packed lunches. Everyone is excited and a little quiet. Today we are going to the top. Today we will climb Rondeslottet. Already at 08.30 we are ready, most of us, and thank you for a fantastic stay at Bjørnhollia. Sharam, Hassan and Rodrigo beckon us to see you again tonight. The rest of us start on the slopes when everyone is ready about 15 minutes overtime. Already after 100 meters, we have to turn around to look out over the valley and Bjørnhollia. The place that has left many traces of nice experiences. Then we turn around and continue up. Bjørnhollia disappears, we go into the birch forest. In a while, and after a few drink breaks, we will be able to see Rondeslottet far ahead. 

The fog lay thick over Langglupdalen when we had left Bjørnhollia behind us. Low, heavy and dark grey clouds predicted heavy rain and little view. However, the weather forecast was promising, so we hoped for change, not least as we approached the top of Rondeslottet. Optimism characterized all five of us, Karianne, Jessica, Dawit, Kaweh and myself. We had a good drive up the valley. It was almost in the air that this would be and had to be a memorable day.

Then it happens. The clouds slide aside and suddenly we see Rondeslottet right in front of us. Suddenly, the hiking group sees the majestic mountain and it probably dawns on more people that this is high. More than 1200 meters of ascent this day is suddenly visualized. It becomes reverently quiet. Taken by the grandeur and the visualised challenge we face. 

It seems that Karianne, Jessica and Dawit are seized by a motivation. They go on and find a consistently good pace. No one is slowing down. They are all determined that today they will be on Rondane's roof, at the top of Rondeslottet.

Eventually, the path turns into a stone pile and it becomes significantly steeper. In front is Jessica. At the back is Karianne. Both of them are in a better drive than ever before on the trip. At times, Jessica is far ahead of us. 

The fog comes and goes. Suddenly, we hear thunder. So high up in the mountains, lightning and thunder are nothing to joke about. We are somewhat apprehensive, but consider the danger to be moderate to small. A mother and a daughter, whom we catch up with, find it safe to mock us. They would probably have turned around if it wasn't for us. Upwards, I warn from every time we have passed a hundred meters of altitude. We end up counting down the altitude meters. Then there are only 200 meters of altitude left. Now Dawit is in the lead. Seems that he would like to go first and grab the cairn as the first man. And it will be so. With a big grin, he stands at the top and waits. Then we stand together and wait for the girls and Kaweh.

It becomes a violent emotional experience that unfolds at the top. Jessica and Karianne come over the edge as the whole view reveals itself. The clouds slide to the side and the whole of Rondane and more lies at their feet. Karianne is in tears, so incredibly happy. Jessica stands looking at the view, clearly moved by what she sees and by what she has achieved. The two girls embrace each other. Happy. Happy to be on the trip, together with new hiking friends. They have mastered something great. We are sure that we have all had an experience of a lifetime.

Once down at Rondvassbu, manager Øystein welcomes us warmly. We meet the others, Sharam, Hassan and Rodrigo. After a nice dinner, we surprise Karianne with a big cake for her birthday. Øystein for the entire dining room, which is packed to the brim, to join in on the birthday song. The evening is rounded off in a wood-fired hot tub where we all get to heal sore legs and sore muscles. I think most people went to bed blissful and filled with many good memories last night. Personally, I think it is a privileged task to be with these fine young people and the nice and skilled tour leaders Sharam and Kaweh.

Tomorrow there will be a boat across Rondvatnet and a trip north to Dørolseter. A short trip, fortunately, of about 13 km. 

Yesterday's trip was an adventure of a stage. Once again, I have to say that we have had our most beautiful hike so far on the trip. The whole journey is about to become an adventure. Every day we have new experiences. New terrain and new cabins like pearls on a string. First many beautifully located self-service cabins, then a number of serviced cabins the last part of the trip.

The hike from Øvre Dørålseter starts on a DNT trail that goes straight up the slopes behind the cabin, in the direction of Grimsdalshytta. The path moves into a very marked narrow valley where the path threads its way through. It is rocky and you have to be confident in where you put your feet. Behind us tower the peaks of Rondane. This morning it was lovely with sun and the peaks in Rondane came out of the clouds from time to time. Then we could see a fantastic sprinkling of icing sugar on all the tops. During the night, the fresh snow had settled from 1400 meters above sea level. The snowfall contributed to a fantastic sight. 

Further, we moved down again on exciting trails and with great views in a lush valley. Here we came down into the forest belt before it went up again. Again we had to climb at least 250 meters of altitude. Several of the guys had regained their mood and strength after a few somewhat silent days. Now they flew up the hills. And the girls went and hung on well. And there, just over the edge, there in the north, we could see Snøhetta. So big. So much snow. So close?

Is it really Snøhetta we see, several people said. Suddenly, it dawns on several people that everything has an end and that even our long SAGA trip is getting closer to the goal; top of Snøhetta. We are both happy to see the goal, and we are a little sad. We sit and look north. I think everyone, as we sit breathless, thinks about our trip, about the experiences along the way. That it will be a little sad to end this nice journey. But, we probably all think that it will also be fantastic to reach the goal and that it will be good to come home. Home to do the usual things that we miss doing. Still, it is sad that it will end both with the journey and the nice community. 

We get up, shake off the inner thoughts and laugh. Sharam shows off his footwear for the day; wool socks and sandals! We don't think anyone in modern times has ever worn this footwear from Øvre Dørolseter to Grimsdalshytta. Sharam has an impressive beard and walks with a cane. He almost looks like a prophet as he walks. We laugh so hard that we almost lose our breath. Sharam laughs too. 

The last part is an incredibly picturesque and beautiful part. We slope downhill towards Grimsdalelen. This lush and beautiful valley. Eventually, we also spot Grimsdalshytta. Everyone is mumbling, trying to express how unbelievably beautiful the landscape is. The mobile phone is up all the time to take pictures. It is difficult to describe the beauty you see, so pictures will secure the memory of what we have experienced today, many probably thought.

Once down in Grimsdalen, it carried over the valley floor and finally over the bridge. Then it was just a matter of seeing the last slopes up to this beautiful cabin.

We left Grimsdalshytta after a great stay. The cabin appeared so beautiful and the hosts, Rune and Sonja, have left their mark on the place. Delicious food, cozy and well-kept. The morning sun was shining on Grimsdalshytta when we turned over the ridge for the last time. 

The hills up were hard and my legs are starting to feel like they've been hiking for almost 14 days. We have been privileged and traveled for a long time together this somewhat strangely composed tour group.

International and composed of people who know little from before. Only our "Kurdish" tour leaders have had trips together before. It has been inspiring. It has been fun to be allowed to join "the young people" on a trip. So much laughter, so much curiosity. But, I can probably also add; how much knowledge they have left to learn!

I feel fit. If we disregard technically demanding climbing, I have probably been involved in most things in outdoor life. Now I have hiked with great young people who have very limited outdoor experience. We have had to teach a lot along the way. Not only outdoor knowledge, but also culture, history and general knowledge we have conveyed. At times, I have probably felt more like a combined father and teacher for the young people. And here we come to a relationship I started to reflect on a bit on the slopes up from Grimsdalshytta and towards Hjerkinn. 

When we started the trip at Lillehammer, I was a friend. At least that's how I felt. Now, two weeks later, I realize that I am not. The young people have a distance from me when we get into silliness, fun and more friendly closeness. I also feel that I have so much more life experience and knowledge. As the days have passed, I feel that a small undefined gap has grown between us. I'm starting to miss the children and Anne Kristine. And it feels good to feel the loss. I miss my family and I'm starting to realize that a man of 53 is no longer as youthful as he feels.

Up to Hjerkinn Fjellstue, I met several acquaintances along the way. We stood and talked. It was also fun to meet a DNT group on the trip, where I got to talk to both the tour leader and the tour participants. My own hiking group went far ahead, and it actually did some good today. I got to go in my own thoughts. Now I'm starting to look forward to coming home. The need for social contact in the group decreases. Only two days left now.

Yesterday was fantastic. In glorious sunshine, we hiked from Hjerkinn Fjellstue and further north on the old royal road up to Grønbakken. Here we got an incredibly great view of Snøhetta, our big goal for the trip. We all had to stop for a moment and see, perhaps also reflect a little on the fact that the goal was now approaching. For two weeks we have been talking about the goal. Now Snøhetta was suddenly so close that you could "touch it". Just there, in just a day, we would stand at the top and feel that the goal had been reached.

From Granbakken we were to move 17 km steadily uphill all the way to Reinheim. This was a stage we had been dreading. In total, we were going to walk 24 km this day. Mostly upwards. However, the day was anything but exhausting. Everyone was in good spirits. Both Jessica and Hassan expressed that they felt fit. As Hassan said, the trip has only made me stronger. I believe him on that.

The trip up was also going to be eventful. It didn't take long before we saw a musk ox. And then another. Suddenly we had 20-30 musk oxen around us. An amazing sight. The vast majority of us had not seen musk oxen before. A group of musk oxen lay on a snowy area where the path crossed. Rodrigo and Dawit were beaming and wanted to get closer, but we had to hold them back. For a long time, we got to look at them and feel the feeling of getting to experience musk oxen so close. While we were standing there, many more musk oxen came down the mountainsides. Some of the entourage began to get a little worried. Should we run? Together we stood and watched the amazing animals few of us had seen before. All the chafing and sore legs had been forgotten. 
We arrived at Reinheim far less tired than we had anticipated. Nice experiences along the way certainly help to ease the feeling of exhaustion and pain. In the yard we were met by the cabin guard, Geir. Several of us know Geir well as he has worked for some time in the administration. He has also been a cabin guard for more than 10 years at Reinheim. Pretty impressive.

Our last night before the summit and the end of the whole SAGA was to be at a self-service cabin here at Reinheim. And what a nice evening it was going to be!
Geir smiled slyly. He had something in hand. Was there anyone who would like some fresh trout from the river? "I'm happy to smoke some fish, if you wish... and I got a nice one of 650 grams that we can bake in the oven". We stood there, gaping and couldn't say anything but thank you. Then Geir was gone, he started the preparations and at the same time had to keep an eye on the cabin, which this evening was completely full. He had reserved the security hut for us.

In the evening we ate fantastic smoked trout. Then came the baked trout with sour cream, butter, herbs and garlic. What a taste! The best thing on the whole trip, according to Sharam. Geir was so excited about the feedback that he then brought out several ice-cold beers. He grinned. He shared and enjoyed it a lot, it seemed. 
We finally went to bed, blissful and full of both good food and experiences this day. Outside, it gets somewhat dark. The fog hung a little over Snøhetta, but the weather forecast was promising. It will be sunny at the top!

I turn around and look back at our hiking destination Snøhetta. We have all completed SAGA and a short time ago we were all at the top, far up there. I'm standing at the DNT cabin Snøheim, looking back and up. A long journey is over. Here I'm standing I'm a little unsure of what's moving inside me. Is it sadness, emptiness, relief? Maybe missing those at home or strange now soon to be separated from the good friends I've made the last few weeks?

It begins to drip lightly from the sky. The clouds move up the valley from Hjerkinn. Slowly but surely, the mountain is covered by the clouds. In the end, the majestic peak must also give way. Again, I can't see the top, the mountain or the route we've walked. A chapter is over. An expedition with five young people with no hiking experience is over. 
Yes, I'm a little sad, but in a good way. I'm going to part ways with amazing hiking friends. Hiking friends who have had nature experiences for life. Hiking friends who for the first time have hiked north and looked out over Jotunheimen, Rondane and Dovre. Every day we have walked north. Every day has brought new experiences. I can look at each one and it lights up with their faces and eyes: "I have been part of something I have never experienced before. There are so many impressions, so many experiences."  
We part ways at Hjerkinn station. Maybe I'll see them again, maybe not. But what we have in common is that the trip will mark us and burn itself into the memory as something very special.

Then I hope Hassan finds the motivation and completes his studies in Trondheim. That Dawit settles in Norway and makes good friends after only three years in the country. Karianne has missed her boyfriend and I hope they get together and get a platform for a good life. Rodrigo is a proud boy, a boy who takes challenges, maybe he will take the challenge and become both a tour leader and a good ambassador for DNT? And Jessica, the youngest. Just finished high school. May she have been inspired and reflected to choose a way forward.

No matter where the road goes next, I am convinced that all five are filled with experiences. Filled with impressions and met other people than they normally meet. I hope Sharam, Kaweh and I have given them nature experiences for life and security that they now have friends they can lean on in life. I will be there if they want it!