Day 43 - Vierttjamoalkke to Aras' - Padjelantaleden

I descend holding the line of the jokk to my left. Below the valley holding the hut of Staddajakka, it's bathed in bright sunshine and water reflects off Gahpesluoppal. I stop and chat by the bridge that marks the branching of the Nordkalotleden. There's a man camped by the bridge, an elderly German who is clearly delighted to be here. He's to follow the western branch of the trail to Sulitjelma via Sarjasjaure. That's a fine walk, one I did in 2010, the route runs high into the Norwegian mountains and there's a real change to high rocky peaks. A contrast to the rolling hills and woods of Padjelantaleden. For me though I head north east along Stalojahka. My third time this way and a path I am very familiar with.

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At the end of course is the vast space of Virihaure and Staloluokkta itself. After the quiet of the south it bustles, almost the feeling of a resort as tourists disgorge from helicopters and people pitch tents along the shores. I use the facilities to dispose of my rubbish and wander through. I hear English spoken by native speakers which causes me to stop and stare. There's folk all around, a party of girls are organising a boat trip across the lake whilst another group is working out the helicopter timetable.

I move on though, picking up the path that runs along the shoreline. The views across the vast lake never fail to impress me. This is what Padjelantaleden is about, a fine trail and a walking experience similar to a cliff walk. And the context is the watery expanse of the two lakes and Rago, appealing in the distance.

By five I've enough, on the outskirts of Aras I stray from the trail and find a fine pitch by a jokk. It's enough glorious evening and I'm happy with my progress. My intention though still is to reach Ritsem in two days.

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