Preikestolen, otherwise known as Pulpit Rock, was our destination today and words cannot describe, nor pictures do justice to it's amazing beauty! We left the apartment about 10:00 am this morning and drove over to the bottom of the hiking trail. The drive included a short ferry ride on a huge ferry! We started our hike about 11:15, knowing it would be about a 2 hour hike. Just how challenging the hike would be was a bit of a surprise! But, we soldiered on taking a few breaks along the way and stopping to eat the peanut butter sandwiches we had packed. Kyla was like a mountain goat and all but ran up (and later, back down) the trail. Brendan and I were definitely the slowpokes on this hike - we apparently aren't quite as coordinated! The trail was very narrow at times and it required lots of climbing and careful stepping. Along the way there were several beautiful views and lakes in the mountain. Brendan was starting to wear out at one point, but we kept pushing - we were soooo very close! And sure enough, there it was! The wind was pretty cold up there but it didn't matter - fjords as far as the eye could see in one direction and waterfalls and green areas in the other direction! Absolutely a spectacular, majestic, awe-inspiring view - truly one of God's masterpieces! I would say it ranks way up there with the Grand Canyon!
We stayed up there for a little bit taking in the views and even laid on our tummies on the edge for the ultimate of experiences - see picture of Spencer and the kids! Absolutely breath-taking! Before long, it was time to start our trek back down...so, about 2:00, we began to pick our way back down. After the climb up, we knew the climb down would be equally, if not more, difficult. The kids did great! Kyla took off and led the way, followed by Spencer, and then me and Brendan bringing up the rear. Spencer spent half the time trying to get Kyla to slow down a bit so Brendan and I could catch up! HA! Sure enough about 2 hours later, we made it back to the car! Whew, were we tired! Legs were like jello (and still are!) But, WE DID IT! WE DID IT! It was amazing and we are all so glad we pushed ourselves a bit - the reward was so great! Success is sweet and the sights fantastic! I am even more anxious to see the fjords from a boat in the near future on a fjord cruise for a totally different perspective!
A couple funny things...we ran into Mrs. Jones, Brendan's teacher, on the trail. We were headed up and she was on her way back down. Apparently, the primary school principal had taken all the teachers up today to do the hike up - how weird is that?
Oh, and the drive to the ferry and back...the tiniest road I think we have ever seen and certainly ever been on - some places were only wide enough for one car, literally! It was a twisty, turning road and so narrow! I am glad Spencer was driving today! But, when you think of Norway or see pictures, this is the road and the views they put in books - the quaint little houses, small fishing towns, a beautiful white church...
Anyway, we have two exhausted kids and none of us may be able to walk tomorrow, but it was a great day! Enjoy the pictures and remember, they don't even compare to the real thing! God is great!
