To the Fjords of Norway - Part II

Pt. 2

The hike has concluded at this point and there are many stories and descriptions which i would love to share with those who are more interested!! Just ask!!

Well, as i said, the hike is over and I currently have 6 hours to wait for my 1:05 am train to Oslo. I am sitting at the Myrdal train station drinking an absurdly priced cup of coffee flavoured water as i add an instant cappuccino mix to enhance the cup's body. With that now "satisfying" my palette, I embark on the warmth of love and resolve for living for something more.

There seems to be a continual fountain of drive and vigor that befriends someone of resolve, of one who has something or someone to hope in. On this trip it has consisted of two parties administering these monuments of hope and love, those are both God and you. I'll begin with you. "You" who are reading this have somehow invested in my life in some form or another, and for that i thank you. Running reminders of the past and present have warmed this soul of mine and brought new joy to my step (both literal and figurative). So now I dare to make mention of those I have recalled on my adventure. (please forgive me if I don't mention you specifically... you are still loved :) )

-For continually caring for me in the midst of life and selflessly shepherding on this adventure; Patrick.

-Maria and Allie, as i mentioned earlier, I saw a girl watching Friends on the train to Gothenborg; my how much you both love them. And, Monica (i mean Maria), thank you for your love.

-I saw two touring cyclists on my trek (one of which i took a picture) along with the fact that i am actually in Norge; Kevin Marshall Jones, thank you for your friendship and honesty with me. Congrats on your graduation, let's talk soon.

-I sat down in the city of Flåm at a micro-brewery called Ægir Bryggeri and revelled in the five samples I received; each one reminding my of the boys back at home (myself, Patrick, Caleb, Kevin, and Kyle). xoxo

-This trip in general has been a step outside of normal or typical for me. Thank you Brett, Bri, Ben, and Devin for exampling a spirit of testing and freedom. Your encouragement, friendship, and love mean so much to me!

-I got quite sun-burnt today as I was laying under the sun for a few hours reading and it reminded me of most of my life, but specifically of two years ago when i visited you, Brett, in LA and one day at Zuma beach we both got fried. Man, that sucked! :)

-During my one night on the streets of Oslo, it was affirmed yet again, that "Somewhere deep down, we're all street kids." Thank you Paul, Forrest, and Brandon for many memories.

-As I sit down to my second cup of "coffee" I am feeling the BOOMS coming on; thank you Mich, Forrest, and Devin for the memories and the ones to come.

-Also, as I sit down to this cup that epitomizes the averageness of Joe, I can eagerly look forward to the one that awaits me back at Holsby, the Stumptown i got for my birthday. Thank you, you lovely, lovely girls: Mich, Kels, Jules, and Rachel.

-I went on a fjord tour boat and felt the loving feeling of familiarity as it reminded me of my time in Alaska. Thank you for the blessed memories Chris and Dan and for Ben and Kelly who get to enjoy it this summer. Also, Crabb, after all, it is your home.

-On my way back from Flåm after the "cruise" of sorts, i took a bus. On this bus I sat next to a lady, both gentle and kind in the way that she smiled at me that imitated that of Bev's, my grandma. Coincidentally remembering grandpa and his joy that is infectious.

-In town (Flåm), I saw a tourist with sketch pad and pencil, detailing the Majesty portrayed before them. Your gifts amaze me and unyieldingly hold my attention of their beauty and creativity. Thank you for the blessing of art Catie, EmLem, Rachel, and Alyssa. Your blessing will always be welcomed here.

-I was at the Flåm tourist center inquiring of the happenings in the area, predominantly areas of hiking and the like, when the girl behind the desk invited me to her house for tea and conversation with her and her roommates (coincidentally they were all of the summer help for all of what Flåm has to offer). This reminds me of you, Jules, and for your caring pursuitof me and invitation into your own life.

-My Ipod batter was dead before i even started, bummer.. But i was able to sing to myself and odly singing some songs of friends (Bear Carver, Aaron Cowan), and of Doug and the Good Lookings (Matt, Brett, and Jess). In this I was recalling also those who love music, primarily my cousins (Scott, Erik, David, and Tucker) who's lives are encompassed by song.

-Cooking last nights supper of penne pasta, onions sauteed in butter (Kim), fried ham, and Parmesan cheese, I desperately wanted something better :) Thank you dad for the years of great cooking and passing that love to me.

-The fat that I was just backpacking for a longer period of time brings forth fond memories of our expedition crew last year of Kara, Kat, Patrick, Jim, Keith, Carol, and Alicia. Wish we could have shared this one as well.

-As I was having my tour of brew, a couple from Holland brought company. We had a genuinely interesting conversation over our 0.5 L and was reminded of the love that has been shared over a pint or cup of coffee with you who have a genuine interest in me. Thank you to all, but specifically to Dave, Brandon, Jon Gon, Ben, Andrea, and Eric.

-Norwegians seem to be a strange breed, one that i can say I don't fully understand but am intrigued by. With this i quickly think of an ever-so-slight similarity to my friendship with you Billy Hague. I miss you Billy and love you. Continue being used by Him as a catalyst for His Kingdom.

-For those "Fashionistas" out there, I met a few English models and camera crew when I visited my friend's home (from the tourist center). They had set up this modern art play house sculpture with a backdrop of the Norwegian canyon which the house was set in. I don't quite know who to put here, but it reminded me of.... beauty, lovers of photography, modern-art enthusiasts, and those who revel in the unique beauty amidst the natural.

-As I look back to my time in Flåm, there was a sweater shop of classic Norwegian knit sweaters, and as I look immediately in front of me, there is a sweater hanging on the wall for decoration. Norwegians love sweaters i guess. Strangely, they all have the flare and similar knit pattern to the one you wear Roy (maybe it is retired now). Thank you for your guidance, mentorship, and friendship. I'm looking forward to a good steak meal with you and Mesu.

-I know that there are others out there that I haven't mentioned, but there is one that I want to if I can remember... who it is... oh yeah, mom. Plainly, thank you for your love and support, they are a blanket of encouragement and comfort.


Thank you all, both family and friends for your love, encouragement, laughs, and challenges, for life shared and life lived.