Day 28: Back To Norway

Arasjahka to Sorjushytte

Distance: 35km 


With the days getting shorter rapidly (roughly 30 minutes every day), I currently start my days more or less with sunrise. Today, the rising sun paints the mountain tops in a blood red. The spectacle only last for a blink of a second before clouds moving in front of the sun end it abruptly. These clouds bring rain shortly after. It doesn't last long luckily. At Staloluoktastugorna I leave Padjelantaleden - a hiking trail leading through Padjelanta National Park - after following it for the last 40 kilometers. Initially still a good trail, it gets fainter and rockier as I approach the border. At Sarasjaurestugan, I have wonderful chat with the hut warden. I am intrigued by the fact that he has been here since mid-July. Nonstop. No signal, no shower, basically no contact to the rest of the world. If I recall correctly, he hosted 13 guests only during the last five weeks. Corona... 

Somehow it's something I would love to do once in my life. Disconnect from the hustle and bustle. 

After an hour I continue my hike. Another 10 kilometers Sorjushytte. Another border crossing. Another broken bridge. Slowly it's getting ridiculous. This is not what I expect from a country like Norway. Anyway, I am more worried about all the snow ahead of me. Snowfields, which I have to pass tomorrow. And from experience I know, a snowfield at the wrong place can ruin a day. The tricky section is not long though. 10 kilometers. Then I will reach the road taking me down to Sulitjelma. I hope right in time for a late lunch.

For now, I pitched my tent right in front of the hut. While the hut is unlocked, they ask hikers not to use it. I respect it. I need to dry my tent anyway. Let's just hope it's not a rainy night. 


Grey morning
Grey morning
Staluokta
Staluokta
Too heavy. Still, a half full water bottle, a wet tent and food for another 5 days explain the weight.
Too heavy. Still, a half full water bottle, a wet tent and food for another 5 days explain the weight.
Civilization 20km away
Civilization 20km away
Sarjasjaurestugan on the the right. My path goes left into the snowy hills
Sarjasjaurestugan on the the right. My path goes left into the snowy hills
Back to Norway
Back to Norway
Lovely beach in not so lovely weather
Lovely beach in not so lovely weather
Last snow field for the day. A tricky one.
Last snow field for the day. A tricky one.
Camping...
Camping...
... close to the hut.
... close to the hut.

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