We started on old snow climbing up through trees and then finding our way avoiding rocks and steep terrain to descend to Kjemåvatnet. On this difficult terrain progress was worryingly slow. But at least the weather was fine and we had the fist sighting of reindeer.
Then started the gentle ascent, on much better snow. Before reaching the pass we saw two more herds of reindeer.
At just under 1100m altitude, the Lønstind pass would be unremarkable in the Alps. However at these latitudes, it is a cold and windy place. Luckily we had the wind nearly on our backs, making it tolerable. Even so, the ascent seemed to go on forever.Eventually we reached the saddle and started the long descent to Bjøllåvatnet. Still wobbly on these skinny skis, with a heavy pack an on snow that changed suddnly from wind-packed to powder and back, I had a bit of a struggle and lost count of the head-plants. First-Mate seemed to be doing much better.
After crossing the lake, started the search for Saltfjellstua. It is well hidden among the trees, but luckilly there were lots of old traces leading to some private cabins in its vicinity.
In Saltfjellstua we found a German couple (who live in Trondheim) who had also come from Lønsdal, but taking an easier route: driving to Semska and then skiing the valley route, this way avoiding the ascent to Lønstind pass.
That night we slept like logs.
