Tuesday, 13th July 2010
The forecast for Dragsvik was not a good one so it was decided to take the ferry to Vangsnes as the opposite side of the fjord generally had better weather. Soon after setting off we reached the 40 feet high statue of Fridtjof (hero of a 13th century Icelandic saga) presented by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Continuing on our route, a wide track zig-zagged up the hillside but it was much more interesting to follow the shortcuts through the trees. Arriving at the first lake by late morning, it was an ideal spot for a morning break. Continuing along the track, which was boggy in places, we eventually reached a high plateau with a number of buildings and a large lake – perhaps a summer meadow in the past. The group went in various directions to pick a spot for lunch and I chose a position overlooking the lake. Here I watched a family of small water birds – one adult and about eight youngsters. These were quite small but the young chicks seemed to be able to travel at incredible speed. An easy walk took us back long the same track to Vangsnes and the ferry to Dragsvik.
Scroll down to see photos of the walk
A damp start . . .
as we make our way past a hidden house . . .
and tunnels full of soft fruit
A brief stop at the 40 foot statue . . .
presented by Kaiser Wilhelm II . . .
and another short interlude . . .
but perhaps we should have come the next day
The wide track is made much more interesting . . .
by taking the short cuts through the trees
Moth or butterfly?
Peter checks out . . .
an interesting bridge . . .
as the group wends its way through the undergrowth
Mist covers the surrounding mountains . . .
and adds to the atmosphere as we reach the first lake . . .
but clears by the time we have finished our coffee
Woodland path or obstacle course?
The surrounding trees . . .
sport twisting trunks . . .
and a hut shelters in the trees
Having reached the second lake . . .
some of the group head for a distant lunch spot . . .
while others find a vantage point . . .
overlooking the lake . . .
where a young family . . .
explores around the reeds
Time to re-group for the return journey . . .
and clouds shroud the mountain tops
How to make your house stand out!