Pulpit Rock / Kind Strangers

Today, we hiked Pulpit Rock (in Norwegian: Preikestolen) which is the flat platform rock that towers 604 meters above the Lysefjord.

To be honest, I didn't take many pics because I was so focused on placing my feet on the rocks so that I could remain in an upright position. The trail wasn't long -- only 4 kilometers or 2.5 miles, but it was extremely rocky and steep. It was supposed to take 3-5 hours, depending on your fitness and stamina. Well, ha! It took us (me, really because I slow Doug down) 7 hours! I had a reason though. Part way down, I bruised my knee and was going extra slow.

A couple who passed us gave me one of their hiking sticks, which helped me speed up a little. When we got to the parking lot I hunted for them to no avail. So now I have another hiking stick to join my Crowded Closet pair that Jenelle bought for me. But I feel kind of bad I didn't get his name or contact.

That's the best thing about hiking -- Yosemite, Sequoias, Iceland, or anywhere. People seem so relaxed out in nature. They talk to each other and help each other. Another couple asked (when I was sitting resting for a moment) if they could give me an energy bar.

Maybe the moral of the story is that we should all go hiking more often.

However, even though it was a great day in so many ways, I want it on record that I don't plan to ever agree to that kind of hiking again. Doug will have to find another hiking companion.