A Sensible Retreat is No Disgrace!

Being less than 50 metres climb from the summit of the “Troll Mountain”, the call to turn back was difficult to make, but what happened later, made it the best decision of the day!

Saturday morning was calm, overcast and a little cool (10C). Mum decided to take Tiarnan for a trek to the summit of the “Troll Mountain” at 1021 metres. Because of where we live, not much planning is required to get going, and a lot of our outings are done on impulse. Anyways, after lunch mum packed a few bits and pieces together, incl. rain gear and emergency food. Once in the car, black thundery clouds and a heavy shower changed the scenery completely. Had today’s trek come to an end? Mum decided to carry on and by the time we parked at the starting point of the trek, the rain had stopped! The sky was still mostly dark, but spells of sun also warmed our skin at times.

The 300 metres climb to the summit is mostly along a lively stream, making the navigation very easy. It is not a marked trail, but sheep graze here every summer, and a reasonable trail can be found on one of the ridge lines if you read the terrain as you climb. 100 metres up we were rewarded with a lovely waterfall! Tiarnan pointed at the running water, and walking along the stream from here, seemed to have a calming effect on him. If only he could talk!

The “troll mountain” is known to be the home of the local troll, which we have never seen despite some persistent searching. The closest we came to seeing him today, were the rocks deposited by the glaciers along the ridgeline, don’t you sometimes think rocks can look like fairytale creatures that have turned into rocks? Well, we often do ;-) Near the summit we met a grouse, rather shy on this cool day. Mum pulled out her map and compass, at this height everything looks the same, all grey and rocky. While setting the compass, another heavy shower started, isn’t that typical! So close to the summit, and now what do we do? Being alone with a 1 year old I had to make a quick decision. Back to the car for us. I could not have known the rain would stop after a few minutes!

The decent went quickly and the weather was still on our side. However, once we were safely back in the car the heavens opened again and I was happy not being high up there with my Little Trekker!