#8: another big climb

We knew another solid climb lay ahead of us to get back to Adventdalen and we braced ourselves for a big day. The start of an unnamed valley was an inconspicuous cleft that slowly broadened to a beautiful open glen flanked by mountains and glaciers. The usual reindeer and fox tracks criss-crossed the snow as we ploughed ever upward. Just before lunch a bitter wind blew down from the pass ahead and left us chilled as we’d dressed lightly for the climb. Thankfully we found a windless sun-drenched spot where we ate our ramen noodles and melted cheese, salami and crackers. Nom. After 7km of climbing we topped out at the pass and looked back at the impressive view into Reindalen and beyond. It sure was a solid climb. Our descent into Adventelva (a frozen creek bound by steep walls) provided a few adventures, the first a 20m lower of our sleds by rope followed by a comical tumble and jumble of skis, skiers and sleds down into a snowy bowl. We continued down the creek for 4km before finding a flat camp site just before 6pm, a few kms short of Adventdalen. A big day with big rewards. Thanks to Romain for the photo of Mardi and I.