I can’t say goodbye!

I just can’t seem to part with this wonderful sleeping spot, surrounded by the lake on three sides. It’s so quiet and peaceful here; I have rarely experienced anything like it. There’s not a whisper of wind, hardly any bird sounds, and no other noises. It feels like I am the only person in the world. No traffic, no people, and even the leaves on the trees aren’t rustling today.

Lump in my throat

Others might find this uncomfortable, but I feel completely at ease. It even moves me to the point where I have a lump in my throat. The temperature helps as well. It’s sixteen degrees, and with a bit of sunshine, it quickly becomes delightful. I wash my hair, shave, and do everything in slow motion. Why is this so incredibly nice?

Together

Suddenly, a little bird chirps. It feels like we are here together. Only around the water lilies is there some movement. Without sound. The skaters who dance over the water. Of course, I’m talking about the insects that bear that name. They don’t sink thanks to the surface tension of the water and the special, water-repellent hairs under their legs.

Aggressive dog and ladies

After a long delay, I finally set off. On my way to a shelter because a storm is expected. It feels a lot better to have a roof over your head. Today, I’m mostly walking through the woods, but I never find that boring. I’m a bit tired, and when I arrive at a beautiful shelter, accessible via a bridge over a fast-flowing stream, it turns out to be occupied. There are two ladies with a very aggressive dog that just won’t stop barking and pulling. The expressions on the women’s faces say it all. I am not welcome. Those aren’t the rules of the game, but I don’t feel like arguing. Moreover, they indicate that the dog will continue barking when a stranger approaches.

In pitch darkness without a headlamp

I was overjoyed that I was finally there and didn’t have much energy left, but that’s just how it goes when you have to keep going. I walk for another two and a half hours until I arrive in the pitch dark at another shelter. To make matters worse, my headlamp runs out of battery just then. But by half past ten, I can safely enjoy my rest, a good stretch of the route behind me.

Overnight stay: Oskarström