First View of Gaustatoppen: Now, we were getting excited. We had been driving on twisting and turning roads for hours, and our destination was just ahead. Par was even more excited than I was because he could finally unload me onto solid ground and not listen to my constant, "Ooh...slow down...", "Are we going to run out of gas?", "Ummm...that sure is a sharp turn...", Ooohhh...slow down...", etc. etc., etc...I was a royal pain in the butt on this trip, and he was a saint to put up with my worries. He did mention that psychotherapy might be a real help to me (actually, several other friends have mentioned the same thing to me after having me as a passenger in their vehicles...I think I might have to finally listen to them, or I might lose all my friends before too long.)

Loftstogo: This was the cabin we shared in Rjukan. It was gorgeous inside, and very spacious as it could sleep 8 people. Click here to see information about our accomodations.

Rjukanhytte Caravanpark: The caravanpark was in a small valley between two huge mountains of granite. I felt so tiny with these massive walls on both sides, and with the Gaustatoppen to our south.

View of Gaustatoppen from the caravanpark: This area is known for ice climbing in the winter. The Dutch army is one military branch that trains here. Here is a link to information about the winter sports in the area of Rjukan.

Creek Bed and Gaustatoppen: I was too exhausted from our trip, and my head concussion was hurting, so I decided not to go up the mountain with my hosts. I was walking around the caravanpark, and saw a trail that led over some railroad tracks and down a slope into some woods. I followed the trail and came upon a beautiful creek that seemed to lead toward the base of the mountain. The creek views were stunning.

Gaustatoppen: I tried to see Agneta, Par, and Linda atop the mountain, and hoped they were waving to me. They did bring me some rock samples upon their return.

August 2, 2008...(Day 10)...From the mountains, to Oslo, to Sweden in a day

Gaustatoppen: I was up early so I could photograph the clouds as they rolled in over the mountain. I took this photo from the stream bed. The clouds changed every few minutes and I was captivated as the mountain gradually disappeared.

Gaustatoppen in clouds: A morning farewell as Gaustatoppen becomes cloud covered. It was such a beautiful morning in the mountains.