Dumpster diving
04.09.2019 - It is raining cats and dogs all day long. It has never rained this heavily since we arrived in Norway. Hence, it is a convenient day for driving. We head on to Hyggen, a place near Drammen. Occasionally we stop at fjords and give fishing a try, unfortunately without success. Maybe we are far too inland and there is too much fresh water coming into the fjords from the waterfalls.
At a supermarket in Drammen we pay a shocking 3.20 EUR for a single zucchini. As we are about to leave, we see the garbage bins in front of the building. Some young climbers told us that dumpster diving in Norway is worthwhile. We take a look into the bins and actually find what we are looking for: vegetables and fruits individually sealed in plastic. There are even a few organic cucumbers without any marks. A few pieces look better than those in our vegetable crate and even those in the shop. Ever since I have seen a report on dumpster diving, I have always wanted to try it myself. However, I never thought that it could really be that rewarding. Honestly, I would not do dumpster diving in Austria because many supermarkets give the food to charities instead of throwing it away. Furthermore, it is not quite okay by law even though there are apps indicating suitable spots.
Overnight stay: N 59.6915, E 10.3969
Hyggen
05.09.2019 - After midday we head to the climbing area in Hyggen. At the parking space we meet climbers who know the area. They recommend a few routes which always stay dry when it rains, routes which dry within a couple of hours, and routes which should definitely be climbed. Sigi takes a look at them one after another and climbs a few of them. While he is busy deciding on the next route, we hear a drone buzzing. The owner politely asks if he could film Sigi climbing one of the difficult routes. In the course of the afternoon we find out that this nice gentleman takes care of the climbing area by cutting down bothering trees, renewing bolts and writing the local climbing guide. He is a very active climber himself and several times a year he travels to other countries for climbing. He especially likes to visit the Dolomites in Italy at least once a year. In the evening we meet further climbers who tackle their projects after work. On this day we do more talking than climbing, but it is very entertaining and the routes demand a lot of Sigi’s skin anyway.
In the evening we return to the parking area we used the day before rather than using the local parking space with its fantastic view. On our quest for a fishing spot we also explore the surrounding area. This evening we even see the moon, for a short time it is very low in the sky.
Overnight stay: N 59.6915, E 10.3969
Last day in Norway
06.09.2019 - We start early this morning to be able to climb a few more hours before the rain sets in. The day before climbers recommended the climbing area Damtjern to us. It is an idyllic place at a small lake. Unfortunately, only the really difficult routes are dry and climbable. While Sigi is checking out the routes, I collect porcini and bay bolete mushrooms directly at the foot of the wall. Since Sigi is not motivated enough and above all already too tired to deal with very hard short routes on this day, we leave and pick up a few chanterelles on our way back.
This day we complete shopping for souvenirs and head on to Sweden.
Lessons learned
- The best time to travel to Norway is probably between mid-July and mid-August. Before that there are many mosquitoes and the temperatures might be too high. After that the rainy days start and the temperatures might drop.
- 100% whole grain rye flour is not suitable for pancakes and not well tolerated.