In the time of the Norwegian holidays (VInterferie) we went to Hovden to have a skiing trip. Our group consisted out of 5 people: Sharon, Jais, Katja, Will and me. The basic plan was to go to Hovden by bus on Friday morning, ski the first stage (13 km) to the first hut and stay there for one night. On Saturday we wanted to pitch the tent on the half way to the next hut (about 7 km of skiing) and stay one night in the tent. On Sunday we wanted to do continue for another 7km to the second hut and stay there the third night. On Sunday we would make the way back (7km) down to … and take the bus back to Kristiansand in the evening.
We met twice to discuss the route and the dates. We also talked about the food, we decided to make group food, and how to share the weight of the tent and food between us. Three of us went to the DNT shop in town and bought the map, the others were printing out the maps from the internet in daily stages. We also did the route plan together, measured out distances and thought about where to camp the best.
A lot of planning was done in a facebook group where everybody just posted some links and ideas we found. Also in class, on the way home and in breaks we talked about little things, which had nevertheless to be planned (who is going to buy the food, who is precooking it?).
Our group worked together very well, everybody took place in the planning process and participated the best he could. Tasks like the route planning, where some of us already had experience, we did together and had the chance to learn from each other. As we know each other very good already it was no problem to talk about everything and also to argue about something. But having a trip together outdoors helped us to get even closer then we have already been. This is of course based on the experiences we had together and the stories we can share.
The trip went very well which also brought us closer together and made us feel good as a
team and group. We really enjoyed being together for 4 days and no fights or argues at all. It was really harmonious.
We were able to execute the trip exactly how we planed it. All the distances took us about the time we thought sometimes we have been faster. We changed the campsite a little as we were going further on the route than we originally planned to.
The first stage of the route was challenging for me. As we were not used to ski with big and heavy backpack we lost balance all the time in the beginning. And it was even harder to get up again. Most of the way was uphill so we had to work quite hard on the first day. But I think this was a good decision, so we got used to it and the following three days seemed to be easier compared with that. But the last two km were quite challenging for the most of us, and we were happy and proud to reach the hut.
Challenging for me was the night in the tent. I was happy to have other people to decide about with where to pitch the tent and it was nice to do it as a group. As we arrived in the early afternoon to the campsite and had everything prepared before 4 o’clock it was a
challenge to stay warm. So we were skiing around and playing and giving each other tips on our skiing skills. But still this couldn’t keep me warm. So after dinner I was really cold and scared about the night. But Sharon and I did some running which really helped us to get warmed up. I was a bit scared about being cold at night. But the night was way more comfortable than I imagined and so the night on the tent gave me a positive impression.
Staying at the DNT huts was probably the best idea ever. We really enjoyed those lovely cabins. Especially after the night in the tent we were all looking forward to have another cosy night in the cabin.
I also liked the navigation, which turned out to be way more difficult then in Jegersberg before. As everything was covered in snow and the path was not always marked, it was hard to find the exact place on the map. It was difficult to differentiate lakes from open areas and streams were not visible at all. But we figured it out and worked a lot with the compass so this was a good practice.
It is also interesting how big the weather can influence such a trip. We had beautiful weather, which made the trip so much more easy and enjoyable. As soon as you’re skiing in the sun and enjoying the nature and the silence around you, you can even carry a heavy backpack and go uphill and still enjoy the trip. On the second day we started with a lot of snow and wind and not much sun, and it didn’t seem to be worth it to fight you through that storm. But luckily the weather changed and we were able to enjoy it again.
I would consider that trip as a succeeded trip in all ways. We did a good job in planning it, we were motivated, we worked together and had a great time. And as a bonus the weather was perfect and we enjoyed every single day of it. We also met a lot of Norwegians on the way and in the second hut. We had a lot of good conversations with them and they were really friendly and helpful.
For the next trip I have to prevent my feet better from getting blisters. I had really bad ones and don’t want have them again. I also realised that I am not a lunch person, I wasn’t hungry the most of the time and I really didn’t like my lunch, furthermore I packed too much. So next time I’ll focus more on snacks.