We checked into the Citybox hotel (in my mind the least exciting lodging thus far, but still decent). Then, it was find food fast time. There was a Thai place around the corner and it was open so we ate there. Delicious pad Thai!
Then, one of us had this genius idea to spend our one day in Bergen doing this hike that goes from the top of one mountain to the top of another. You ride the cable car up to the top of Ulriken and then hike to Floyen and ride the funicular down. Rick Steves said is was a 4 hour hike. I'm still not sure whose idea this was, but it seemed like a good one since we hadn't done anything like this.
After 5.25 hours....8 miles...1 bad fall by Alison...many wrong turns and endless scenery we finally arrived at that freaking funicular. There were many times I didn't think we'd make it.
1) The signage was terrible. I even spent like $3 on a trail map so we wouldn't get lost. Terrible. The map only covered about half the trip. What a waste. Plus, I am not a topographical map reading expert.
2) We were not properly equipped for this hike. The only shoes I had with me that worked for this type of thing were my running shoes. And I was wearing jeans. And a white shirt. Jeff had his walking shoes on but not great for the slippery rocks (it had been raining earlier in the day). Also there was mud everywhere and I was trying not to get too dirty since my running shoes need to last another month before my parents bring me my new pair. And I didn't want to get my jeans dirty because I needs to wear them again. Not the best attitude/gear to have on a framing crazy hike through the mountains.
3) My fall. Ugh. So, because I was being so cautious I was not being as aggressive as I should have been on some of these rocks. I slipped and fell at one point banging up my left knee (now my knees have matching scrapes after my running fall last week) and pulling a muscle in my right leg or something. It hurt like crazy. I thought I had torn a ligament or something, but after sitting there for a minute or two, I was able to walk on it, but it want pretty and walking today is still a bit rough. All I could think was what would have happened if I had hurt myself. How would I have ever gotten out of there?! Props to my friends who do this hiking stuff on a regular basis. Crazy stuff!
Despite all this ridiculousness and my desire to watch where I was stepping, when I did stop to look around the scenery was beautiful. Lakes, mountains, the town below us. And sheep. Everywhere.
I think it was worth it, but boy did that take it out of us. We saw a bit of the town on our walk home. But that was it. The town looked cute. Maybe something to visit another day, but I'll skip the hike next time.
The cute bus to the cable car.
Finally! The Funicular!
2 comments:
So glad Jeff was with you on this hike because that would not have been good being alone after your fall and being lost! I would have had a meltdown myself!
I'm jealous of your close-up photo with the sheep. We've tried to get mountain goat and sheep photos on our trip to Glacier National Park and no such luck! Hope your jeans and shoes are still presentable!!
Both of you enjoy the last few days of your journey.
Gee, sounds like a dangerous hike, one which I wouldn't have attempted (mainly because I'm 'old' and out of shape (although I did make it to Planet Fitness yesterday and am feeling the pain this morning). Glad you weren't hurt, Alison. You might have made national news if a rescue by helicopter was necessary. Views were great and I'm sure more spectacular in person. Glad your camera continues to work after all the picture taking. Keep them coming!! Ei enää laskee, Alison! (No more falls, Alison!)
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