Day 10: Preikestolen

Today's program includes the attraction near Preikestolen. Unfortunately, Rene is ill and therefore stays at home. We start shortly after 9 o'clock by car to Høle to the ferry, cross over and then drive to the parking lot. Many other cars are with us. We pay a proud 25€ per car for parking fees and start. Michael carries Irma and I carry David on my back. Frida, Erik and Greta have to walk. We start shortly before 11 o'clock. The path goes steadily uphill on a rocky path. Often stairs are built with large stones. However, these are not uniform, but of different heights and sizes, sometimes up to 50 cm high. This is very exhausting for a distance of 4 kilometers. Unfortunately, there are many tourists on the way who push and are inconsiderate. After almost 3 hours of ascent and a long break, we have reached the destination. Preikestolen is a natural rock platform that drops vertically into Lysefjord at 603 meters. There is no safety barrier up here. The view is fantastic in sunny weather. The children are anxious and stand in a safe place. David is sleeping on my back. We take photos of the surroundings, but the crowds of people are annoying. Standing in line is necessary for a picture at the edge. We choose a different motif. After 30 minutes, we start the return journey. Now we have to walk down the stairs and steps. This is faster, but just as exhausting. The water reserves are getting low, but our strength is also diminishing. Only Frida and Erik walk ahead and enjoy the way. After a total of 6 hours, we are relieved to be back at the starting point. My back hurts and I am happy that David is no longer on my back. The children have done the hike very well. There are hardly any complaints or whining, and even the little ones on our backs are participating. David looks for dogs that are also with us and waves to them. We are very proud of the great performance of us and the children. We reach our cottage around 6 o'clock in the evening. Fortunately, Rene is feeling better again and he has cooked our dinner. We warm up our muscles in the sauna and enjoy a cider.