Norwegian Roadtrip: Voss
If there is something this land has always kept in my mind is the sense of longing. I tend to dismiss the most popular spots as, for me, Norway´s true wilderness resides in its inland rural areas. Misty gravel roads, cold water rivers and mix-species of woods that covers the fjell base, this was the scenery Jenny and I moved around for an entire weekend.
Flowing away from the main road, in which Dutch and German campers make traffic so annoying, we turn our march through unpaved tracks that wanders into the forest. Signs written in the local dialect let us know that we are entering farming lands and several gates make us stop the drive to open and close them after.
During the day, the weather is hot and humid and especially so for someone with Nordic blood like Jenny. For this reason, we find the numerous rivers and lakes as the perfect retreat in the middle hours of the day.
Clear snow-melted and tropical color waters create a stunning atmosphere to admire. Here, swimming takes it into a high level. Neither of us have ever dived into such a cold stream, where the entire body gets shocked and extremities begin to ache. However, it feels like an authentic reset. The rocks near the shore are heated by the sun serving as the perfect tool to exchange refreshing swims and drying lay downs.
The day develops by spontaneous exploration, no meal schedule and, above all, without seeking any hurry. Either when backpacking or sleeping in our hammocks, rhythms like these help to create the same vibe among Jenny and I. Reflected in chill conversations about life and funny jokes, as Jenny says (and as the Norwegian behavior demands), she is more into listening; analyzing my words or ideas in a easy-going way that even makes myself talking more.
It’s curious to think how the feeling of achievement can appear after such a random plan. I want to guess it’s produced by that nostalgia that I named at the beginning, what makes wrap ourself in the moment, leaving aside everything external and knowing the time has been tamed.
Thanks for reading.
