Sep 7 Naeroyfjord Valley Nali Walk

 

Our 6 day tour with Backroads began at the train station in Voss. Our group was transported in a couple taxi vans to our hotel for the evening. Along the way, we stopped to visit this waterfall. We saw countless waterfalls along the way. Most were just silver ribbons dropping vertically. This one has some character and a small souvenoir shop for the hordes of tourists. 

A view from our hotel was obscured by the weather. There was a verdent green valley and river below. We could see it on a few occasions and we coulkd always hear the river. Our hike today, called the Nali Walk, had this valley in view the entire way.

After a brief stop at the hotel to get orieted, we hiked up a steep narrow road to an old barn for a lunch spread and orientation. 

Then, we began our hike for the day. Beginning on a faint road, the route crossed this raging torrent of water, fueled by the rain we were walking in. 

A steep and rocky trail took us relentlessly upward to this meadow which had been the site of a mountain farm. Norway doesn't have a large population. There just isn't enough room for many more. This farm is a great example why that is the case. Level land in Norway is very scarce. This land was shaped by tectonic events and glaciations. This tiny bit of land, high and almost inaccessible in the mountains, was level enough to eke out a living for a family years ago. Stone foundations show that there were several buildings here and maybe enough land for some sheep, goats and maybe a cow to graze. It had stunning views but was seemingly inaccessible. 

 

Everywhere you look, there is a waterfall. Norway has more of them than anywhere else.

The trail was steep and took its toll on folks. The rain made it slippery and there were a few falls among our group. Offtrail scrambling here would have been extremely difficult.