Thursday 14/4

Due to the nature of the train timetables, I had to take Nabotåget to Storlien first, and then wait for the regular train to take me back several kilometers to Enafors, where I could be picked up by the fjeld taxi service that does runs to the Storulvån fjeld station. All the way from the vicinity of Ånn, the Sylarna massif had been perfectly visible through the train window, which is a bit noteworthy.

I made final preparations at the station, and was on my way by noon. The weather was fair, with temperatures a few degrees above freezing and a dazzling sun. As always on this trail, there was no shortage of people coming and going. The upward slant in the beginning is gentle and snow conditions were good, so in an hour plus change I had reached the Spåjme shelter, where I paused for lunch. I also saw a lemming there.

Climbing...

Clear view of Sylarna

Reindeer stampede?

The Spåjme shelter with Sylarna in the background

After Spåjme, there's an easy portion until one reaches the vale of Enan, from which three kilometers constantly sloping upwards remain. That proved a bit demanding – not because of the height per se, but because it was by then rather hot and physical exertion tends to add to that. I passed a group whereof several members were skiing in the equivalent of shorts and t-shirt, but I refrained from stopping to adjust my own clothing as I was almost at the target anyway. It was a bit on the warm side, though.

I arrived at the Sylarna station at around 15:30, and after having checked in I went back out and sat reading on a bench, with the entire Sylarna massif as a backdrop. After a tranquil afternoon, I lightened my pack by a significant amount by consuming a can of water-saturated salted beef for dinner, together with mashed potatoes made from powder.

First sight of Helags

Approaching Sylarna

No lack of snow at the station

Not on the other side either

Mini-panorama of the Sylarna massif in the afternoon sun

Not much of consequence transpired during the rest of the evening. I read in various publications strewn about and studied the map in preparation for the morrow. I had my evening snack, and then went to bed.

Templet, with its characteristic pinnacles, in the evening

Lingering light on the Norwegian side of the ridge