Where is Rune?

It’s around 5km and 5200 steps to the top of Adam’s Peak, and the elevation gain is 1000m, from 1200m to 2200m. On top of the peak, there is an unremarkable temple. The place is a pilgrimage centre, although I was not there as a pilgrim, just as a tourist/traveler.

I went to sleep early so I could get up early for the climb. I wanted to get to the summit before sunrise, so I started the climb at 02:00. I brought my camera, GPS, a water bottle, and some warm clothes (sweater and a borrowed jacket).

On the crowded way up, I met a local pilgrim who asked the standard question “where are you from”, and to my surprise he started to speak in Norwegian after I replied! He said he had been living in Norway for 3 years as a cleaner, and was happy to be back in Sri Lanka.

The ascend was in fact quite easy, and I reached the top too early, around 05:30. Sunrise was not until 06:19 (according to my GPS). So I had to sit around on the cold and windy top (at the open-air temple), waiting for the sunrise to happen. It was very crowded too, just a few other tourists. And when sunrise finally happened, it was cloudy… Bummer!

I was about to start on the descend when the guards closed the temple gates, and started some kind of praying ceremony. It was interesting enough, but felt like ages in the cold and wind, and I’m not sure if it was worth it… At 07:15, I could finally exit, and began the climb downwards.

Now the hard part began. The descend was easy in the beginning, but after a while, my knees started to become very weak. Around halfway down, my legs felt almost totally useless, and I had to concentrate for every step I took, as not to collapse. It felt as my legs were almost paralysed, and unable to control. I have never experienced something close to this before. I was totally exhausted when I finally reached the Green House 4 hours and 15 minutes later. Still, I managed to take a shower and pack my stuff before catching a bus away… On the positive side, my new sandals did a good job and felt comfortable during the climb. Many pilgrims walked bare-feet.

I’m still limping as I write this.

GPS track log.

The start of the trail.

The end of the trail.

Walking down again.

Adam’s Peak can be seen in the background.

Man carrying gas container to one of the many rest stops.