We met at the top of the Floybanen at 6:30 pm. The day was sub-freezing with no precipitation and no wind, hurrah! We were eight adults and a dog. At the rate the days are getting longer, this was our last chance to hike with headlights. The sky was deep purple as we started. As a Girl Scout, I remember how spooky/fun flashlight hikes were. As a mountain climber, I remember one beautiful night watching a line of headlights twist and turn down the snow-covered mountainside to camp. I suggested this hike and lots of people were interested. What if I led them into injury? I brought Ed's headlight and shoe spike attachments for anyone else to use, my first aid kit of course, and a thermos of hot chocolate. The hot chocolate would stave off disaster.
After saying hello to the troll in the playground, off we walked, up the snow-covered way toward Brushytten. The trail is wide and has lights, so we didn't even turn on our headlights for most of the hike. We had to avoid a couple of cross-country skiers, but mostly we walked several abreast, enjoying the night and the company. The snow seemed to glow in the darkness, with black holes where trees or rocks were. When we got to the hut, Brushytten, we stopped for snacks and drinks. While we were walking back again, one of the hikers' husband texted her to see if we had made it to our destination, or did he have to send a search party? The views of the golden city lights from above could have been from a fairy tale. We got back to the start point by 8 pm. I was so happy that it was a great hike.
Ed was disappointed that he doesn't have the breath or the leg strength for Floyen any more. He has had his struggles with side effects! Right after the great oncologist news Jan 14th, he ended up back in the hospital since he couldn't catch his breath. He had to miss out on his trip to the world's biggest coin show in Berlin. It was an inflammation of his lungs, a late-appearing side effect of the radiation. The doctor says it will go away by the end of February, and it is, very slowly, going away. The leg muscles have been attacked by the steroids, which are needed to treat the inflammation. We have been waiting for physical therapy for him to help build his legs up. Pain management is a constant balancing act, but he's getting pretty good at it. Great news! He had his PEG tube removed Thursday. Never needed to use it, and it was annoying. The little hole is already closed up. Quality of life is looking up.
Today was a good day. We got out of the apartment for over three hours, taking a trip to IKEA. We bought stools, and chairs that are high enough that they will be easier to get out of. IKEA already delivered them, we assembled them, and are sitting on them! They are going to be great, we can tell.
After saying hello to the troll in the playground, off we walked, up the snow-covered way toward Brushytten. The trail is wide and has lights, so we didn't even turn on our headlights for most of the hike. We had to avoid a couple of cross-country skiers, but mostly we walked several abreast, enjoying the night and the company. The snow seemed to glow in the darkness, with black holes where trees or rocks were. When we got to the hut, Brushytten, we stopped for snacks and drinks. While we were walking back again, one of the hikers' husband texted her to see if we had made it to our destination, or did he have to send a search party? The views of the golden city lights from above could have been from a fairy tale. We got back to the start point by 8 pm. I was so happy that it was a great hike.
Today was a good day. We got out of the apartment for over three hours, taking a trip to IKEA. We bought stools, and chairs that are high enough that they will be easier to get out of. IKEA already delivered them, we assembled them, and are sitting on them! They are going to be great, we can tell.
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