Test hike part 1

After quite a few short and long day hikes from home, I felt ready for a proper challenge. I had picked out a route that partly followed sections of the Pilgrimsleden. The Pilgrimsleden includes several long trails that all end up at Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. One of these starts in Oslo and goes through Lillehammer on its way to Trondheim. The first leg of the journey, up to Lillehammer, comes in two versions — each following a different side of Lake Mjøsa.

My plan was to hike along the western side up to Lillehammer, and then take the eastern route back to Oslo. Personally, I prefer walking on quiet roads rather than trekking along trails, so I mostly followed alternative roads. But overall, my path more or less traced the Pilgrimsleden route.

I didn't get going on the first day until early afternoon, for practical reasons. So I took a bus for the first 10 kilometers out of Oslo, in order to reach my first overnight stop on time. The actual hike started from Haslum in Bærum, and continued across Krokskogen to Sundvollen by Tyrifjorden. The weather was sunny and warm, and it turned out to be harder than I expected to refill my water bottle. That would become a recurring challenge, so by the second day, I made sure to carry twice as much water in my pack.
The first leg was just over 23 kilometers, and it was a beautiful and trouble-free walk.

The second day was just as warm and sunny, and my body felt great after a hearty hotel breakfast. From Sundvollen, I walked through Vik and Klekken to Jevnaker: Quite a bit of walking on asphalt, but not much alongside busy roads — just the way I like it. The route took me through beautiful farmland with lovely farms, and some stretches of larger roads here and there. Getting water was a bit easier today, which was a good thing given the heat.
Stage two was 22 km and went smoothly and easily. 

The great weather held up, and so did the warmth. The third day turned out to be the big test, with a fairly long stage and several decent climbs. I got an early start after a hotel breakfast that probably wasn't very profitable for the hotel  😊 — this was all about loading up on energy reserves. That day's stretch went via Jaren up to Lygnasæter. A beautiful mix of asphalt and gravel roads across the "flatlands of Hadeland," which is some of the most stunning scenery I know. It was a tough hike, but I passed places where I could grab both food and ice cream. I tried to treat myself to at least one ice cream a day — a wonderful little luxury in the heat. I've learned that churches — and especially cemeteries — are reliable spots for refilling water bottles.

Even though I really enjoy walking on asphalt, it seemed my right shin didn't quite agree. The combination of pavement and all the uphill climbs was probably a bit too much, and it started to feel sore, red, and slightly swollen.
 The stage covered nearly 29 very hilly kilometers.