going up

There is warmth in the air and the sun is shining as I put the skins on mye skis. There is no sign of the freezing temperature and wind that has been forecasted. Since the kidney biopsy next week will put me out for a while, I want to make the most of this weekend. So this will be this year's first ski touring trip, and I am standing in a parking lot in Hemsedal.

There is a certain nervous anticipation associated with this trip. Am I in good enough shape for this now? It´s a small group and patient people, so I'm not afraid to disappoint anyone. Other than myself, but I feel ready for this. The weather forecast reporsts low tempratures and a bit of wind, so I have a heat pack for the gloves and socks to avoid frozen fingers and toes (Raynaud's phenomenon). Based on the weather in the parking lot, I may have dressed to  warm with the insulated pants. Usually get really warm on these kind of trips, but I'm not sure if that´s different now.

​We put on our skis and start heading towards Skarvanfjellet. Slowly but surely we´re making our way upwards. As we get a little higher, the weather is starting to look more like the weather forecast. I'm glad I put on the warmer pants and tighten the hood on my jacket. The wind is frisky, noisy and coming straight at us. We are sliding along silently, within our own little bubble. Being in this kind of weather is Harder on me than anticipated,  but I am determined to get all the way up to the top. Enticing myself with small imaginary prizes as we move along "If you get all the way up you'll get good news soon" As we´re getting closer, I start to realize I will actually make it all the way up. Tears of joy are making their way out and as we reach the top, I can´t hold it back any longer. My friend comes running over looking concerned, but quickly realizes that these tears of joy not pain and joins the celebration. Because this, this feels like a really big win!