Today is a rest day

I had already decided this yesterday, and as soon as I wake up, I make a decision. Today is a rest day. I feel tired and don’t feel like walking far or urgently searching for a campsite again. I already know that there won’t be any shelter in the next 35 to 40 kilometers.

Sleeping in after coffee

At seven o’clock, I make coffee. I’m looking forward to it. In the meantime, I enjoy the view. The lake looks beautiful in the early sun. Calm. Peaceful. I feel zen. After my coffee, I just fall back asleep. Around ten, I wake up to three skiffs rowing past in the distance. One of the steersmen gives his commands through a megaphone, which echoes over the entire lake. Apparently, I really needed this rest; otherwise, I wouldn’t have slept so long. What a pleasure.

Soaking up the moment!

The soaking up can begin. My little solar panels in the sun. Barefoot on the gray rocks. I sit there for a long time. Without a phone. Without a book. Without anything. I just sit. That’s it. A grumble in my stomach gets me moving again. I fry some eggs, and that’s a task I take my time with. Yesterday, I found some alcohol, but before the flame is really hot, ten minutes have passed. I actually find that quite nice. Everything slow. Everything without hurry. Everything in silence. Just the singing of the birds and one that occasionally raises the alarm loudly. At least I’m not the danger.

Guilty

Later, I leave Wheelie behind in the shelter and walk without the cart to Strömstad to get water and groceries. Now I feel like exploring the town. It’s strange though. Without the cart, I walk faster and lighter, but I miss something too. I almost feel guilty.

Harbor town and a head with strange jumps

Strömstad surprises me. A cozy little harbor town that feels almost Mediterranean in this beautiful weather. Suddenly, I feel like I’m on vacation and carefree. It’s actually a strange thought. Because I really don’t need to do anything. But, well… that mind of mine. It sometimes makes odd leaps. The need to perform, the need to do… you can’t just push that aside.

Accommodation: Strömvattnets Nature Reserve