Eurojournal - 11 Sept 2006

Today we enjoyed Flam. We walked around and got some groceries. This place is absolutely incredible. So peaceful and beautiful. We looked at the hiking map and decided to take an easy hike up the hill near the ecological farm. We really wanted to hike to the waterfall but the map listed it as level 3 meaning there was climbing and very thin paths. Kids probably could not handle that.

We walked up the hill and were amazed again at the beauty surrounding us. In on direction is the water with a giant boat and small village buildings. On the other are mountains, waterfalls and green valleys. At the top we ate a snack and all discussed how wonderful this place is. Byron decided he wanted to learn Norsk and move here. We walked back down and Byron decided that he at least wanted to walk near the waterfall. So we did. We found the trail. I figured we’d go as far as the little ones could handle and wait for Byron there.

We hiked and hiked up a very very steep hill with some bouldering but no actual rick climbing requiring gear. The whole time Liam was an optimist telling us to get going and how strong he was. The kids were totally excited at the progress we were making up this hill. As we got higher up we could see Flam far far below. The houses grew smaller. Wow, we are THIS far up? We heard the waterfall in the distance. Okay, let’s keep going. Kids are marching along full of energy. The whole time talking about how proud they are of themselves. I told them daddy will be so proud of him. We talked about how I started hiking with James. We got further and had a snack break. From there we could now see the waterfall! We will do it. All four of us were so energized. Here we go. Byron warned the kids that it might get harder but they could do it. It wasn’t much harder. A few palces where the kids needed help over some petrified wood. Walking and walking, climbing up the hill, I see Byron stop and his face lit up with a huge smile. I asked if we were there. We were. We made it to the top of the waterfall. He walked down the slippery rocks to touch the pool of water. I had him take one kid ata a time. Luna touched the freezing cold water and loved it. Liam was excited to go down and did but came right back up to me because it was too cold. We spent some time at the waterfall and then headed back down. The whole time all of us were in amazement that we did it. I loved seeing how proud the children were of themselves. They want to hike all the time and are totally jazzed on hiking. I think they are ready to go for a weekend backpacking. Luna can hold her own baggage. Liam will still need help carrying his but between James, Byron and I we can carry his stuff. I am thrilled that they want to go now. I’m sure James will be too.