Here we are starting off for our hike in the mountains of Lakkenstova, about two hours north of Kristiansand. Organized by three of the mothers in Walter's class, the hike lasted about four hours each way with a stop for lunch. Note our goofy hats.
As I, the straggling American, hobbled along in this rugged landscape, I felt a bit like Mrs. Oleson carrying her parasol in the Little House on the Prairie episode when the Ingalls take the Olesons camping. The other Norwegian kids and parents had no problem with the terrain and ambled easily over the rocks and through the mud. The red marks on the rocks indicate the trail. Both Walter and I fell at different points and scratched our glasses. He did much better than I did, however, and after I fell and felt particularly dispirited, he squeezed my hand and said, "It's going to be okay, Mom."
Here is the cabin at Lakkenstova. Note the solar panels, which powered small lights throughout the cabin, which also offered food, books, and bedding. Payment is on the honor system. We brought in drinking water from the stream in front of the cabin.
The kids are enjoying a spaghetti dinner after their hike.
This is a picture of Eva, one of the organizers of the trip, who guided and encouraged me even when I was well behind the others. If it weren't her kindness, the trip would have been an ordeal for me.
When we stopped for lunch, it started to rain, but a rainbow soon appeared. On the trail we ate Krekling berries from the small evergreen bushes that grew from soil between the rocks.
At one point, Walter had to have his socks changed. Note that mom is nowhere in sight. I'm way behind.
On the way back Eva, her daughter, Walter and I stopped at a Mineral Shop near Setesdal Mineral Park.
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