The Hidden Valley - part 2 - Who Let The Dogs Out? Oslo Hundelufting

Those avid readers of the Dog Blog may well remember that a few months ago I wrote a post about a Hidden Valley I had seen off the side of one of my trails.

As I wanted to write about the Christmas Party yesterday, this blog was delayed until today.

Yesterday morning, and suddenly finding myself with a slimmed down adventurous and agile pack, I decided it was a good opportunity to go access the Hidden Valley and check it out.

We were absolutely not disappointed.

To warm up we took a jog in the chilly conditions for one kilometre to the base of the slope.

It is about a 30 metre high, steep access to enter the Valley. Up we climbed and picked our way around the ice and boulders.

To our left was an amazing dramatic cliff with icicles hanging down, making it look rather intimidating.

This was only the warning sign for what would lie ahead.

Now at the level of the bottom of this Valley I looked out over a crazy landscape with boulders bigger than my truck and trees that had come down in absolutely all directions.

I have been exploring daily in the Oslo woods for 12 years and I have never seen a landscape like this one. It reminded me of the Alps.

I could see the start of the route which I wanted to attempt to cross. I asked the dogs to go behind me and they were more than willing to oblige, as they used their brains and skills to navigate the smaller boulders.

200 m further on and the valley was only becoming more technical. As we passed by some huge boulders I saw a hole where I couldn’t even see the bottom.

Weighing up the fact that this area doesn’t have great mobile phone reception, that I didn’t have a rope and that the potential risk of pushing further was actually too high for the dogs, it was time to turn and go explore somewhere else.

In the end we followed the most glorious trail bathed in snow and sunlight, right up to the top of the ridge. A fantastic walk regardless of the fact that the objective had been postponed for another day.

Back to the truck and I immediately sent out two messages to my fellow Walkers and mountain guides to inform them of my find.

When the snow will eventually melt at the end of the Winter, all three of us will be heading back to the Hidden Valley with harnesses, ropes and climbing equipment. There is absolutely a way through and the adventure and scenery will be unlike anything previously experienced around Oslo.

As for the dogs, I don’t think that they will get to explore it. As with all extreme terrain or when in the mountains, I have no problem in not achieving my goals. You must always cater to the weakest member of your team, whether four legged or two legged.

Watch this space next spring for part 3 of the Hidden Valley.

Doggies: Palo, Bandido, Stella, Quila and Jello