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We took a side trip from theNorway in a Nutshell route. We went to Baletrand from Flam and got backto the route throw a mid fjord transfer between boats. It was neat. I really like the town. Since it is off the main route, it is a lotless touristy. We stayed at the historic Kviknes hotel for 3 nights. Itis the largest wooden building in Norway, has a commanding view andvery nice interior too. Of course with a price to match. Its specialdinner buffet is very scrumptious, I had my fill of seafood. Maybethat's why I was itching all over for a few days. The first two pictures are taken from my balcony.

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We went to see a couple of Glaciers the next day. The boat took us through a different Fjord and the small town where we got dropped off is famous for used books. Even I bought one, in English of course. I needed a book to read on the airplane anyways, so I bought "Airport". Unfortunately I finished it before my flight home.

Also, I met a bunch of senior British citizens from a tour group. It turns out they were staying in the same hotel as us. Their iteneray was posted besides the elevator. They would be staying for a week, they had visits to local craftsman for 2 whole days! I wonder what kind of kick back they get out of it. It seems tour operators everywhere are the same!

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We planned to go hiking the following day, and it started to rain in the morning. That's when I read part of the book by the window. The misty scenary is calming and romantic, I was happy with the effect. Razz

Anyhow the rain let up some and we decided to go anyways, but to a short trail than planned. On the way we met a middle-aged American gentlemen, he actually turned back from the trail because the trail path was too slippery. We plowed ahead.

The trail was slippery, with exposed tree roots causing even more problems. The scenary along the way was nice. You see lots of ferns, decidous trees, then ever green, back to decidous trees. And I found lots of blue berry bushes. I picked them to eat as I go, it doesn't get any more organic than this! I also found some rasberries along the way.

Anyhow, as we climbed up the side of the mountain we saw quite a few vista points. Fjord is meant to be seen from the top! What gorgeous views! It is at times like this I wish I had the gifts of the languages. But at least I have selective memory, and you bet this day has been selected.

The rain started again and we arrived at a picnic table closed to the end of the trail or was it the end? We decided to have our picnic there. The poor guy was drenched, my parka showed its value by keeping me dry. We saw noone at all along the trail, but we heard lots of commotions 5 minutes after we sat down. 2 middle aged people showed up, then 2 more, then more and more. They were all white, and someone said "You don't have solitude anymore". One of the ladies offered us some croissant, and bythe way I had plenty of croissant along my trip, especially in Denmark, where I believe I gained the 3 lbs from. But it was worth it! I asked about them, since it was odd to see so many people together and they didn't look like tourists to me. It turned out they were having a high school reunion, and they were all from the school where the trail head started from, how cool!

I suggested we backtrack after our picnic, seeing how miserablely wet he was. We met still more reunion folks along the way, the more pampered ladies I assume. Cause going straight up like that was not easy.

My pants had so much mud splashes on them that I decided to leave it in the hotel. Believe it or not, I lost most of my luggages along the way. I started my trip with a backpack and a small bag, and ended the trip with only my backpack and it was filled mostly with 2 gift boxes. Travelling light is the way to go.

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