Ic.27    Section Kvitsteindalstunet - Virtvasshytta 21 km

I had a late start in the morning. The sky was cloudy with occasionally blue sky patches shining threw. Near Kvitsteindalstunet a hiker bridge lead me across the River Litlumelva. Even so the lakes are still low these creeks and rivers are running with plenty of water from these almost daily showers. It took me quite a time to cross Djupvasskardbekken, a low wet and swampy forested area. Finally I came out of it and entered the valley of River Kvepsendalselva slowly climbing up to Ardekfjellet. I arrived at Kwitstendalskoia for lunch. Leaving the hut the trail became easier to hike. Crossing one of the many nameless creeks I was not careful enough and got water into one boot from the top. Complaining did not help as it was my own fault and I moved on trying to keep the foot warm. Later I met a Norwegian girl with her dog and an enormous back pack. Her pack reminded me of the fire fighter we met in Yellowstone NP.

The final bit down from the fjell to the hut lead along a long ridge line. Eventually I could see the hut and was glad when arriving that I had made it in time. No sooner was I inside the first shower of the day came down. After having started the wood burning stove I tried to dry my boots. This hut turned out to be pretty busy. Generally there are separate areas for hikers with dogs and without, the dog part being the smaller one. A nice dinner rounded out the day and I went to bed for a good nights sleep.

View from bridge across River

Nordlandsruta trail markings follow reindeer fence

Nordlandsruta runs from cairn to cairn

Wherever I look there are snow patches in the mountains

I surprised these reindeer next to Nordlandruta

Interesting rocks creek rapids