Norway Day 3: Gaustatoppen

Maria is 14, and it's clear that at that age, she has no desire for mountain hiking. She would much rather stay in our motorhome. And honestly, the path up to Gaustatoppen is not difficult, but it's not really pleasant either. Not only is the ascent basically a big pile of rocks, but it's also Saturday, with beautiful weather, and it feels like half of Norway is out and about with their children and dogs. The stream of people doesn't stop, with hundreds of twosomes and several with four-legged companions, speaking all kinds of languages from Lithuanian and Polish to French, heading towards Turisthytta or the summit. There is also a cable car, more like an elevator, in the middle of the mountain, which among others disgorges a busload of Chinese tourists. At Turisthytta, you can buy freshly baked waffles - or continue on to this big radio tower, which is not really known for its beauty. After the tower, the interesting part of the hike begins - a wide block ridge where you might need to use your hands and climb over even larger boulders.

Maria is brave and agile - she could easily do it, but she just doesn't want to. She walked about halfway with us and then had someone give her the car keys.