Ic.23    Section Sivertgården - Stekvasselvgård 15 km

Having paid my stay I left late in the morning. I planned to hike into the next valley only. There is another hostel run by a farm slightly off the trail. It was dry when I walked back along the gravel road to the turn off point of Nordlandsruta. But soon it started raining and never really let off during the day. Water levels of all creeks where much higher than during my hike so far. I could manage all of them but one. Crossing River Stuhpeljohke was a real challenge. The water was running rather fast and high. Eventually I got across. While getting across Fjell Kilvassaksla I met an English hiker. He had a similar small rucksack as I. We talked for a while. He has hiked amongst others PCT and CDT too. He is out hiking for half a year and making custom tents and backpacks the other half year. He was the only English person I met during all of my hike. Due to the constant sometimes lighter and sometimes heavier rain I only stopped for a short cold lunch.

Finally I arrived at road 324. This road follows the northern shore of Lake Røssvatnet. Earlier I met two German hikers who I had met a few days ago and who wanted to move on. The trail leaves the road at River Spjeltfjellelva again. I continued along the road to hostel Stekvasselvgård. The owner's daughter showed me into the hostel. Later the owners came by too. I got out off my wet clothing and had a nice shower before preparing a warm meal. Then the two German hikers showed up. They felt it was raining too much and they wanted to dry out too. We had a nice evening before resting for the night.

Signpost of Nordlandsruta's start of next section going north

Rain with Mountain Vesttinden with Glacier Okstidbreen

Bend down grass from high water following last nights rain

High and fast running creek Austre Tverrbekken needs to be forded here

Lake Røssvatnet with low water level from dry summer

Lake Røssvatnet at Stekvasselvgård hostel with incoming clouds and rain