OVER HARDANGERVIDDA 24
FOLLOW Daniel, Bjarke, Thorunn, Miroslaw, Jouke, Rob
with Anders & Kathinka
The Final Ski Day of Our Hardangervidda Crossing
After a restful night in a cozy hut where our gear could dry, we started our last ski day of the trip. The weather was not too good as we began our first lap of skiing in a fierce snowstorm, setting the stage for a thrilling yet demanding adventure ahead.
The initial hour of our journey was a steep ascent, testing our endurance and patience as our sleds repeatedly tipped over in the deep snow. As the day progressed, the wind began to relent, and to our delight, the sun even made a brief appearance in the afternoon. The change in weather lifted our spirits and added a touch of magic to our expedition.
However, our challenges were far from over. The final descent to the hut in Haukeli proved to be the ultimate test of our skiing prowess, especially with the added difficulty of maneuvering a sled downhill. Amidst numerous tumbles (including the guides… 😉) and setbacks, we pressed on, fueled by determination and the promise of a warm three-course dinner and a cold beer awaiting us. We finally reached the hut just before sundown after a 10-hour day of skiing. A warm shower did a lot of good, and the dinner was fantastic.
The rest of the evening we enjoyed in front of the log fire, looking back on a superb week!
Rob & Team Efficient
Day5 -WE’RE GOING IN…:
Early start being on ski's at 8 am. Cloudy, around freezing we made good progress thanks to Katharines and Anders secret waxes. The wall - a steep Barrier was quite good to cross.
After 10 hours on ski's and 25 km we arrived at Hellevasbu hut - what a luxury! Warm, a drying room - this all in a cosy hut.
Jouke & Team Spirit
N 59.982948° Ø 7.215121°
Day 4 persevering
The wind has been in our face all day today as well, but our spirits are high and we push through. The sun has come out at a few occasions today for us to enjoy the scenery. We are now camped 7km from Litlos.
Team Battling the winds
Day 3 hit by the wind
The first part to Dyranut went very well. Sadly Thorunn and Bjarke chose to stop there. Too bad as they were both strong and did very well.
But just 2 stints out of Dyranut the expected wind hit. It came earlier and harder than expected, and straight in their faces. But the team battled through it and set camp a few km before Sandhaug.
The Windfighters
Hardangervidda day 2
A mixed day of skiing. Started off well with a beautiful sunrise through the mountains. Team all up and ready in good time! The surface temperature got progressively warmer causing poor ski conditions on the approach to Kjeldebu.
Conditions started to cloud over providing a much needed break from the sun. Then it was time for the long skins with an epic ascent. The team stayed together well. We pushed a bit harder towards the end with a possible new record for Ousland Explorers on day 2 with Kathinka!
It was definitely worth the push at the end with the upcoming winds and snow on Wednesday. Everybody in good spirits and ready to see what tomorrow will bring.
Dan, England & the Efficient Team
HardANGERVidda day 1
Team Efficient was ready on time on the first day! Breakfast at the Finse hotel at 09:00 sharp!
We started skiing at 10:30 and did 6 and a half pulls today in the beautiful scenery of Hardangervidda. The weather gods were on our side and we made good progress.
We ended the day with Polish philosophy and chocolate before we enjoyed the stars in the night sky and a good nights sleep.
Kathinka & the Efficient Team
DAY 1, STARTING AT FINSE
Yesterday morning we all met up at the central station in Oslo, ready to embark on our Hardangervidda expedition together. The train ride was 4.5 hours, and we arrived at Finse in the evening, the Polar training capital of the world.
At Finse we immediately started to organize our stuff, pack food, and distribute tents and stoves. Everyone worked efficiently, and we were almost done with everything by dinner time.
Today, after a good night’s sleep, we are starting our expedition with Haukeliseter as our end goal in about six days. The sun is shining, the air is crisp, and the group is excited to get going. Hardangervidda, here we come.
Anders and the Team.
SUNDAY, ON THE TRAIN
A very hay team gathered at the Oslo Central Station this morning and bordered the historic rail trip to Finse. This unique line opened in 1909 and has deemed the track that could not be built.
When it opened King Haakan said it was ‘Our generation’s masterpiece’ - the word Moonlanding had yet to be thought up…
The team was scattered all around the train, so last we heard from them they were planning a rendezvous vous in the cafe wagon.
After arriving at Finse they stay the first night at the Ousland apartment to pack, control, prepare, and plan the trip. – Tomorrow morning it is looking like a sunny start!
OSLO, BEFORE THE DAY COUNT
In a few days, everybody will be trickeling into Oslo for a first ‘rendez vous’ at the Brynje Flaggship Store on Saturday. On Sunday we head up to Finse by train.