Norwegian Mountains, Møre og Romsdal
Hestehornet (688m) via Aksla, Apr 26 2009
To the main Koppefjellet/Hestehornet page (maps, route descriptions, other trip reports, etc.)
Route to Hestehornet
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Prior to this hike, I had been grounded with the flu for more than one week, fearing a repetition of the month-lasting-nightmare of April 2008. But fortunately, it turned out to be normal downtime. I had already done a couple of short walks in my neighbourhood, and was now looking for a new top, preferably one that I didn't have to ski. Baby steps, etc. And Hestehornet in Ørsta seemed to be a very good candidate. I assumed that most of the snow would have gone by now, and that I would get an easy hike up to the top.
Hestehornet seen from Åmdalen
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The weather was excellent while driving (roof down) to Ørsta. On the way up Åmdalen, I could see that there was barely any snow left on the Aksla ridge that I had planned to hike. I think most people who visit Hestehornet hike via Krøvelsætra, but the Aksla ridge seemed much more fun. The toll road to Krøvelsætra was closed, so I had to walk 1,6km before I noticed a faint path heading into the forest. Beforehand, I had been told by a local guy that there would be a signpost, but I figured this path would lead me to the marked path (if any).
Hestehornet seen from the forest road
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Well into the forest, I joined the marked route. The marking (paint) was old, and the path was barely visible. Yet it was easy to follow. Once above the forest, the ridge turned steeper, and I felt my blood pump work at an unusual rate.
The Aksla route was quite trivial and I reached the top of Hestehornet 57 minutes after leaving the trailhead. And then it started to rain (lightly). Giving some thought to the recent flu, I decided not to hang around for a break in the weather, and headed back down. It took me 53 minutes down, which included a short walk towards Krøvelsætra, hoping to find the Aksla signpost. But the signpost turned out to be just 125m west of the forest path I followed. On the picture I took of this path, I could actually see the entrance to the marked path..
Saudehornet seen from Hestehornet
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Back at the car, the weather was all great again, and I decided to stop by a friend in Åmdalen. I had most certainly earned coffee, and the coffee was served within minutes. As usual, he wanted to serve me dinner, but my appetite is always at its lowest after hiking, and I had to decline.
Then I got to visit his animal farm outside the house. A rabbit named Kalle, living in perfect harmony with a small battery of hens. Moreover, with plenty of space to move around. I applauded him for giving the animals enough space, and then he told me the hens (voluntarily) find to their cage at dusk, every evening. Rather safe than fox food. Evolution works!
Leisure suit .. Kalle
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The Aksla route to Hestehornet is described on the main Koppefjellet/Hestehornet page.
