Three Tops

The weather was better this morning. Although it was still quite cloudy, most tops were clear. We started by going up a mountain, Lakstinden, which was a short drive away. This was an enjoyable climb, through birch woods, with lovely views and good terrain underfoot. On the last stretch we had sightings of sheep with bells and of a family of stoats. We decided we would now attempt Hillesøya, the hill at the end of the island string, which we could do from our hotel. The sky was lightening by this time. A fixed rope was provided to help with the ascent though some of us found it more of a hindrance. We reached the top fairly easily and enjoyed the wonderful views of the islands that form the ‘Arctic Caribbean’. There was a different way down with lovely sea views that slowed us down considerably as the photographers needed to record them. After a break we ascended our third hill of the day. This was Ørnfløya, a short drive from the hotel. The sun was out now so the views from this fairly low hill were superb.