Norwegian Mountains, Møre og Romsdal
Sandvikhornet after dark, Jan 26 2009
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Sandvikhornet, Øyrahornet, Skåla track
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Sandvikhornet, Øyrahornet and Skåla, located near Tjørvågane, are some of my regular evening walks. Preferably Sandvikhornet and Skåla, as the paths are well worn and they allow me to keep a good pace. Øyrahornet is also easy once you get on the ridge proper, but the path below 200m isn't particularly pronounced. My regular starting point is at Tjørvågane, but Sandvik is also a good starting point. Both Sandvikhornet and Øyrahornet are satellite tops on the Sollia massif. Once up here, you can hike for the rest of the day...
Venus
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It can easily get a bit lonesome on the mountain after dark, but Venus has been a faithful companion throughout January. People down in Tjørvågane will easily recognize Venus, but they might have been asking "what's that other light? The moving one?" And so the myth begins. "There's someone on the mountain at night..." Brr...
He he...
View from Sandvikhornet
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In addition to the nice path, I like Sandvikhornet for its view towards Skorpa, Nerlandsøya, Bergsøya, Runde, Leinøya and Hareidlandet islands. On some nights, there is an ocean of lights. On other nights, I don't see anything. I've had my share of gales, strong gales, snowdrift, rain and hail since I started visiting this top. This evening (Jan 26) was the first time it was possible to even consider bringing a tripod to the mountain. And only because I got a hint about a possible northern light this evening. I didn't see the northern light, but I didn't regret bringing the tripod...
Ulsteinvik
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The view towards Ulsteinvik is especially good from Sandvikhornet. I can't get over how tidy this city is built. Racked, packed and stacked. Layer by layer. This is where I work. And yes, it's a Norwegian city. As long as the petrol station is open 24 hours, I don't care what they call the place. Not that I'm in serious need for petrol in the middle of the night, but at least you can get groceries. Which is a must for people like me, only capable of planning for the next 5 minutes...
Herøybrua
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So this was a quick intro to why I like Sandvikhornet. If you're passing Tjørvågane one day, you should visit it too. Park by the local grocery store, cross the road and follow the forest road to the Sandvik/Tjørvåg forest road junction, then continue yet another 250m on the forest road, turn right and follow the path (signposted Sandvikhornet) up the ridge. There is a visitor register at the top where you can leave your signature. See you there.
