🐾 Road Trip with a Dog in Norway: Day 1

📍 Route: Over Valdresfjellet (Valdres mountain)

🚗 The Drive and First Stop

After packing the car to the brim, we chose to drive the route over Valdresfjellet. Our first real stop was at Beitostølen, where we stretched our legs, grabbed some fresh air, and let Gizmo explore before continuing.

Eventually, we found a quiet rest area on Valdresfjellet, no RVs or other cars around. Perfect! It was right next to a hiking trail, so we parked there.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Drive Valdresfjellet during the day for the best scenic views.

• Pick quiet rest stops when traveling with a dog, less noise means less stress.

• Take frequent breaks for both you and your pup, especially on long drives.

⛺ Setting Up Camp

We started by pitching the tent, setting up the camping table and chair, then arranged the sleeping pad, sleeping bag, and Gizmo's dog bed inside the tent.

We took short hikes back and forth along the trail, down to a lake to explore the surroundings and let Gizmo sniff around.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Set up camp while there's still daylight, it makes everything easier.

• Let your dog explore the area on a leash before settling in.

• Bring a small bucket or bags for trash, leave the area clean.

📖 Evening Relaxation and Book Recommendation

Later, I sat in my camping chair and read Lonely Planet, The Digital Nomad Handbook. It's a fantastic book for anyone thinking about changing their life or traveling while working.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Bring a book or journal, perfect for unwinding outdoors.

• Be prepared for wind or insects, plan ahead for comfort.

🦟 Mosquito Spray Trouble

There were lots of flies, mosquitos, and gnats, so I sprayed both myself, Gizmo, and even the tent with a repellent meant for dogs, humans, and horses. What I didn't check beforehand was whether I was allergic to it.

When we lay down inside the tent, my throat started to close up. I got more and more congested, until I could barely breathe. We couldn't sleep in the tent. I figured the strong smell might also have been too much for Gizmo. We left the tent standing and hoped the smell would fade overnight.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Test bug spray on your skin before the trip, especially if you have allergies or asthma.

• Always have a backup sleeping option (like the car) in case the tent becomes unusable.

• Keep sprays and chemicals away from your dog's bedding to protect their sensitive nose.

❄️ Sleeping in the Car

We ended up sleeping in the car. It was cold up in the mountains, so I wore merino wool, had a blanket underneath me, a sleeping bag, and a wool blanket on top. Gizmo also got a blanket under and over him in his bed. At least we could breathe properly and stay warm.

💡 Tips & Tricks:

• Always pack thermal underwear and extra blankets, even in summer.

• Make sure your dog has insulation from the car floor, like a thick mat or blanket.

• Keep extra water and snacks handy in the car, plans can change quickly.

🌟 Summary

Although the evening turned dramatic with the mosquito spray incident, the day overall was great. We had a beautiful drive over Valdresfjellet, found a peaceful camping spot, and explored nature a bit. This was a good reminder that planning and small safety precautions can make a big difference on a road trip with a dog.