This morning we didn’t make a move until about 11.30 am. We were up just as early as usual but because we didn’t have to leave the campsite till midday we decided to make the most of their excellent WiFi. Lynne shopped round for a new energy supplier (just in case we ever go home again) and I spent my time working out where to go next. We topped up the water before leaving and headed off toward Voringsfossen which is a huge waterfall. On the way there we passed through an 11 kilometre long tunnel which reminded me of one we went through yesterday and I forgot to mention in yesterday’s blog. It was 25 kilometres in length and to stave off the inevitable boredom that comes with driving for so long in a tunnel they’ve created 3 chambers along the way which are brightly lit in all the colours of the rainbow from yellows and blues to purple. I know how it sounds, and it’s definitely one of those ‘you had to be there’ moments but it made the long journey through the long tunnel strangely enjoyable. Back to today, we went through a tunnel where there were traffic islands in the tunnel. They were brightly lit too. The only trouble was we went straight on where we should have turned right. Hence we did a needless 15 mile detour which set us back somewhat!
I forgot to mention that it was raining with a vengeance this morning, yes, a big surprise! When we got up, there were new waterfalls all around the mountains which hadn’t been there yesterday. Not surprising really as it had been persisting it down all night. This was something of a hindrance when we chanced upon a massive waterfall on the roadside. I’d seen pictures of it before and I knew it was in the vicinity, but wasn’t sure whether or not we would pass it today. I’m glad we did because even though we’ve probably seen thousands by now, and that’s no exaggeration, this one was a belter! As I said though, the rain was blowing in my face as I tried to set up to photograph it so it was quite a challenge to keep the lens dry long enough to actually shoot the image. I hope you’ll agree it was worth the effort. Once again there are only trees to give a sense of scale but take it from me, this thing is massive!
Lynne made a new friend along the way and he was very friendly but unfortunately we had to leave him behind.
As we approached Voringsfossen we went through tunnels which weave their way up the mountain and I could see from the map on the sat nav that without it quite being a spiral, the tunnel was crossing above itself as it wound its way upwards. This happened three times. I find it mind-boggling to imagine the work that went into building these tunnels. When we finally reached Voringsfossen there was a huge well organised car park and we quickly parked and set off on the path to the main view. Lynne only took one look down into the ravine and decided to go and wait back in the van. I don’t blame her although I can’t quite relate to that fear of heights myself. Apart from a few other people I had the place pretty much to myself and I set about finding the best composition. Although Voringsfossen is about the waterfall it’s not really the only thing you have to consider. As you’ll see from the photograph it’s really just a bit part player in a much bigger scene. I personally think it’s one of the most epic locations we’ve been to whilst in Norway. I think the image illustrates what an impressive view it is. There’s a saying in photography that a great view doesn’t always mean a great photo but I think this one of my best of the whole trip. As luck would have it I was just finishing when two coach loads of Japanese tourists turned up. If you read yesterday’s blog you’ll know my feelings about the Japanese. At that point I was happy to beat a hasty retreat back to Nellie and a nice cheese and onion sandwich.
After we left Voringsfossen we carried on towards Notodden which is where we hoped to look at what is said to be the largest Stave Church in Norway but looking at it online we just found that it closes for the winter, TODAY! Bugger! Hey ho, we’ll just have to content ourselves with seeing the outside then. Anyway, we carried on driving looking for somewhere to wild camp. As time went on we found ourselves in the wildest rugged landscape I think we’ve seen yet. By now we were over 4000 ft above sea level and when I got out to take a photo my little old ears nearly fell off! The scenery was breathtaking though and also in full autumn colour with a huge mountain backdrop covered in snow. I wish I could say I took any photos that would do it justice but I don’t think any of them do. The photo I’m including here comes close to showing how beautifully desolate this landscape is, with what seems like the ghost of a snowy mountain in the background. In a vast area that almost defies description this is my best effort!
Wandering Wildman 