#throwback – 11 June 2024

In the local scouts’ hut, I sleep straight through until seven. There are some mosquitoes, but they don’t really bother me. I’ve noticed there are many kinds of mosquitoes. One kind causes more trouble than another. They sting differently, itch differently, buzz differently. You could write an entire thesis about them. Sometimes they come in swarms, and other times you expect them and don’t see a single one.

In front of the hut lies a bow made from a forest branch. I try shooting with it—easier said than done, especially since the handmade arrows aren’t straight. Try hitting something like that. No bear shot, so I settle for updating my Instagram and WhatsApp before heading off.

As I walk up a hill, my shorts suddenly fall down to my ankles. I barely avoid tripping and burst out laughing. I’ve lost so much weight that my shorts are now at least two sizes too big. I usually keep them up with the strap of my Wheelie, but I must’ve forgotten this time. I’m looking forward to buying a new pair in Stockholm. These shorts are really old and faded anyway, but back in the Netherlands I decided not to get new ones—I expected to lose weight. I just didn’t think it would go this fast. And that while I eat like a construction worker.

The trail is stunning—I want to stay everywhere. I feel like I’m in love. The forecast for today and tomorrow is good too, although it has cooled down a lot. Everything seems to be going my way again. I eat at a church with a public toilet, where I also wash myself and my socks. I’ve had wet feet constantly these past days and my socks don’t smell very nice anymore. That’s putting it mildly—they stink so badly I make myself nauseous. Truly disgusting, but hey—part of the job.

After this little laundry session, I continue feeling fresh and cheerful. Around 7:30 p.m., I find the perfect campsite next to a breathtaking, mirror-like lake—with a shelter, a compost toilet (with toilet paper!), and a picnic table all to myself. Life is just so beautiful.