I’m back again to share about my second full day in Norway. A week has passed, and looking through the photos again really makes miss Sarah. I guess I just need to go back again some time!
Saturday started with another delicious breakfast to fuel for the first hike of the day: Prestgaardssetra.
This hike, like the first, followed along a waterfall.
It was the perfect hiking temperature. Cool enough that we didn’t get too sweaty, but warm enough that a few layers were enough.
I was feeling a little sore from the previous day’s hike and needed to take a break about 1/4 of the way up. I don’t look tired at all… right?
Sarah and I had extra company on this hike. Her dog, Koda, joined the ranks. He was one curious dog, smelling anything and everything.
Isn’t he beautiful?
He’s friendly, too.
This trail was wetter and more covered with pine needles and leaves than the first.
It was exciting once we were able to begin to look over the trees.
From the top of the mountain, we could see Sarah and Aug’s tiny little town below.
When Sarah and I were on our first hike together, she called Aug when we were about to turn around and mentioned that we weren’t going to make it “to the book.”
Being the novice that I am, I though “the book” was hikers’ talk for the top of the mountain.
Low and behold, at the top of every hike in their area, there is a post box that literally contains a book.
Everyone who makes it to the end of the hike signs their name into the book.
As you can imagine, I was quite proud to sign my name.
I made it to the top!!!
A beautiful morning for an invigorating hike.
I call this photo: Two friends on top of the world.
Even Koda was excited to take in the view.
Ok, maybe he was more excited to be cuddled.
Once we made it back down to the car, we went back to Sarah’s to freshen up for lunch.
Sarah took me to an adorable little cafe which is next to an equally cute shop.
We both had a pasta salad which came with arugula, kidney beans, red onions, mozzarella and croutons. The dressing had a very mind curry flavor which pulled the whole thing together. 
This lunch was light, fresh and delicious!
I tried to recreate this at home, but my dressing wasn’t spot on.
After lunch, we headed back to Sarah and Aug’s home. We relaxed for about an hour then changed back into our hiking boots for the second trip of the day.
The weather was a little dreary for our hike to Innerdalen, but the conversation was great.
We had to walk through a tiny farming community to get into Innerdalen. 
On the way through, we bumped into this farmer and his flock of sheep.
This hike was a lot easier than the first two. There were still several big hills, but most of the way incline was pretty gradual.
I was really surprised when Sarah pointed out the glacier between the mountains above.
Apparently Aug has noticed a dramatic change in this glacier since he first arrived in Norway. It’s heating up up north!
The walk to Innerdalen was really beautiful. 
Lots of rushing waterfalls and Autumnal colors.
Innerdalen is a beautiful valley between huge mountains.
As beautiful as ever!
The lake water was crystal clear and ice cold.
Sarah said that this little cabin community is packed with tourists during the summer, but on the day we visited, we were absolutely alone.
While it was beautiful and serene in autumn, I can imagine Innerdalen to be a fun center for hiking activity in the summer.
Fishing boats just waiting for the summer sun. I was so amazed that these cabins were quite literally balancing on stones.
So peaceful and calm.
After walking around the deserted summer camping grounds, Sarah and I went back to her place for another delicious dinner.
Following three strenuous (by my terms) hikes in 24 hours, I was so grateful to soak my weary muscles in the hot tub. The rest of the evening was spent relaxing in front of the TV before I could no longer keep my eyes open.
Saturday was such a fun day. I felt so accomplished and proud of my body for taking me on two wonderful hikes. It was a great day spent talking with Sarah about life and futures.
Never would I have imagined that my own future would hold the blessings and opportunities that it has. Praise the Lord!
Eating Abroad
