Afternoon hikes and ski-trips

Peaks visited:
Peak | Height | PF | Location | WCP |
Laupsnipa | 558m | 380m | Herøy M&R, Norway | WCP |
Garnestua | 653m | 415m | Ulstein, Norway | WCP |
Høgkubben | 450m | 62m | Ålesund, Norway | WCP |
Aksla | 188m | 188m | Ålesund, Norway | WCP |
Haddalshornet | 611m | 103m | Ulstein, Norway | WCP |
Sollia | 661m | 661m | Herøy/Sande M&R, Norway | WCP |
Rundebranden | 294m | 141m | Herøy M&R, Norway | WCP |
Varden | 333m | 333m | Herøy M&R, Norway |
Jan 8 2018 – Laupsnipa
Really tough hike in deep snow, but very rewarding when Karma and I finally reached the top.

Jan 9 2018 – Garnestua
I expected this hike from Haddal would offer deep snow to the very top, but it was only massivly strenuous in the upper forest. The ridge to the summit was fairly OK. Another gorgeous evening.

Jan 10 2018 – Høgkubben
Working in Ålesund, and doing a round trip hike along a well worn snowy path before taking the ferry home.

Jan 11 2018 – Aksla
Another day in Ålesund and my regular 7,4km running route along – and across Aksla. This was a very challenging run because the entire route was icy. Really icy! When Karma and I returned to the car, I took out my phone to check the stopwatch. Under 55 minutes. Great, given the conditions! But then all of a sudden I was horizontal in the air and the landing was extremely painful. I did not think I would be able to walk the next day, but icing the bruises helped a lot.

Jan 12 2018 – Haddalshornet
Friday afternoon and a quick hike before my girlfriend Anne came from Sogndal. I took the trail from Havåg, and fortunately, someone had been up here and I didn’t have to break trail. Above the forest, I went off-trail, directly towards the top and encountered some strenuous sections with snow that didn’t carry my weight. The weather was stunning and this was clearly the best afternoon hike this week!

Jan 13 2018 – Sollia
Ski-trip with Anne from Leikongsætra. The weather was still gorgeous, but the snow was hard as rock. Except from Leikongsætra to Skaret, where it didn’t carry our weight. Fortunately, a we were able to follow tracks from a snowmobile.
It’s not many days during the winter where you can sit on top of Sollia – the highest top on Gurskøya island – without the wind blowing fierecly. Today was such a day and we enjoyed the stay on top, talking to other skiers. The summit register was all wet so I brought it home to dry up. Which means I have to go back soon…

Jan 14 2018 – Rundebranden & Varden
On Saturday evening, we enjoyed nice food and good company with good friends and as it got a bit late, it wasn’t rise and shine early on Sunday morning. After breakfast, Anne and I decided to go to Runde island.
We parked just after the bridge and hiked to Rundebranden via Sandshornet. The wind was really strong and we had to fight for the balance.
On Rundebranden, Anne decided that her bad knees were in favour of a smooth descent to Goksøyr. I took Karma and ran back to the car – via Varden – the highest top on the island. Then I drove to Goksøyr to pick Anne up.
