It rained all night and was still damp when we left the campsite at 11.00. The journey to Skaland where we’re staying overnight was short, only taking half an hour, but we stopped off on the way at a couple of scenic viewpoints.
First we stopped at Ersfjord, with its beautiful beach and golden toilet block (unfortunately locked). Then we stopped at Tungeneset where there’s a nicely designed 80 metre boardwalk onto rocky slabs, with views of the jagged Osken peaks (known as the Devil’s teeth). Unfortunately, the cloud was thick and low so most of the mountains were hidden away.
Once at Skaland, we easily found the parking by the marina. We did a little shopping and had lunch. The forecast was for the weather to improve in the evening so we rested in the afternoon, hoping to hike up Husfjellet later.
The sun did begin to peep through the low cloud, so we decided to have an early dinner and set off at about 18.30. Compared to the other hikes we’ve done on this trip, this walk was relatively easy on the legs and lungs. It was a steady ascent, first on a gravel track though birch forest, then on a slippery muddy path.
The views soon opened up and we could see Molly, parked far below at the marina. Then we crossed a small peak, Sommardalen (327 metres), before reaching a flat and very boggy area crossed by slippery, delapidated boardwalk. Thankfully, we managed to cross it without any serious mishaps, both glad we’d put our heavier waterproof boots on!
By now, the cloud was clearing nicely and, half way up the remaining ascent to Husfjellet we reached a ridge with a wonderful view. The cloud was swirling but we could see Tungeneset and the Osken mountains, beyond the steep vertical drop from Husfjellet. It was stunning, but the best was yet to come!
We continued our slog up to the peak through rockier terrain, finally reaching the top (635 metres) at about 20.00. And wow! It was worth the effort! We continued beyond the peak, past a couple of narrow drops to a flatter area where we could take in the breathtaking views all around us and watch the sun dropping.
There were quite a few people around, but the air was still and silent, with everyone in awe of the wonderful scenes before their eyes. The low cloud below our feet and hugging the mountain tops in the distance made everywhere look magical. We can’t believe we were so lucky, after it being such a miserable day!
We were still on the peak at 21.00 and most people had left, so John decided to get Dave the Drone out. There’s a soaring rocky pinnacle to the side of the main mountain and we made our way over to that, trying to ignore the 600 metre vertical drops to either side of the ridge. Breathing heavily, we made it to the end, where we could sit safely and fly Dave… once John had stopped shaking!
Back on the main mountain, we stayed for a little longer, finally dragging ourselves away at about 21.30. The cloud was clearing and we didn’t think there’d be an amazing golden midnight sun… in fact, I think we’d already seen the mountains at their best.
We retraced our steps, back to the halfway viewpoint, through the bog, over Sommardalen, down the muddy paths, through the woods and down the track, back to Molly. I was tired and ready for tea and biscuits… and a glass of wine!
There’s a pub by the marina and a band was playing when we arrived back at about 23.00. They were still playing at 2.00 in the morning! The Norwegians certainly make the most of the midnight sun!
Ramblings 
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