Rachel’s Travels

Before coming to Lofoten, Susan and I selected three harder walks that we’d maybe like to do. Not all of them but we’d give one or two of them a go. Yesterday we did the first (and maybe only one) – Offersoykammen.

After parking in the trail head car park we found a rather steep entry point that we saw many using and decided to go the same way. I’m glad there was heather to hold on to as it was tricky to find footholds in places. It turns out that the real trailhead is a little further on. Apparently it is longer but less steep.

Then we did debate stopping at the top of the first section where it flattened a bit – see lovely view. We were conscious of time (concert at 7pm) and also of how we would manage getting back down!

However, we didn’t want to miss out on the experience at the top and so decided to go for it.

I won’t pretend it wasn’t hard! My walking poles helped a lot – even just keeping me steady when my legs were a little wobbly.

I had put on my hiking boots for today, but realised that the sole was flapping off at the front!! So I had a choice of hiking sandals and trainers. Thinking it was quite cold, I put the trainers on and left the hiking sandals in the car. Halfway up I regretted this decision as traction and grip were tricky.

The prize of the walk didn’t come until the very end: the absolutely amazing view is only available at the summit:

The way back down was tedious mainly because of the two scrambly sections and also because of time! We made it down at 6.15pm, home by 6.30pm and then at the concert at 6.45pm after a very quick shower.

The concert was thr finale of the ‘Lofoten Kammermusikfest’ and featured piano, string quartet, clarinet quintet, cello played with a tennis ball(!) and voice. It was well worth the effort.