Grimacing on Grindane

Today we started out the day spending time in Vang.  We toured the refugee center, which houses 140 people from various counties around the world who are trying to receive Norwegian citizenship.  We also stopped at the Øye stave church and visited the church Dr. Fielding's family attends.  

After heading back to camp for lunch, we headed to the Grindane trailhead.  The trailhead itself began far above treeline, and our hike started out by descending into a meadow/floodplain with several tarns.  According to some sources, the word "tarn" is derived from the Old Norse word "tjörn" meaning pond.  As we ascended, the terrain became more rocky and we passed many grazing sheep.  The last hour or so, up to the summit was simply scrambling over lichen covered boulders.  From the top we could see several glacier-formed valleys, 360 degree panoramas, and a local weather station!

It was a great day for hiking, just a little windy.  Hopefully that wind dies down soon because some of us are going on another long hike tomorrow!  A few of us are nursing injuries, but overall we're having a wonderful time.  Stay tuned!

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Christine and Zoe

The church in Vang.

Hey, look at that tarn!

The van is so far away...

Sheep family!