I spent my 31st birthday in Stavanger, Norway while accompannying my husband on a work trip. It was mid June and cold - at least for my Texas blood. When we first decided that Colin (our 15 month old son) and I would come to Norway, I started googling and researching Norway from every angle. The biggest attraction, aside from its oil industry, seafood and adorable port side culture, is Preikestolen, also dubbed Preacher's Pulpit, or Pulpit Rock. The cliff, aptly named for its technical climb and epic views, creates somewhat of a religious experience once you reach the top. I've never had a fear of heights, but even I was a bit shakey on top of the cliff. It was an amazing feeling and so very terrifying at the same time. It was beautiful and perfect and I felt all of the feelings. It was easy to feel a range of emotions while hiking up - we got to experience several different climates on the way up, including dry spots with vast views, areas so thick with fog that we could barely see our hands in front of us, cold points where I had to put on a sweater, and parts so hot and exposed that I sweated completely through my shirt. This is definitely the hike of my lifetime, and I've done several. I hope to do more, but I think this one will always take the cake...
