Slow living

My tent has withstood the storm and the frustration has blown away from my mind. A new day has dawned. I’m ready to tackle it cheerfully again. The water of the lake is crystal clear and feels warm. Delightful in the early hours. It still takes me quite a while to start, but I’m deliberately taking my time today. Slow living. I highly recommend embracing it.

The supermarket is the goal

Today I won’t cover many kilometers. Intentionally not, because I want to make up for it tomorrow. The goal today is the supermarket and not much more. After that, I have a long stretch ahead without shops and shelters, through an area with various nature reserves and wetlands. Experience has taught me that it is often difficult to find a place to camp, so this time I’ll really have to walk a long way. Therefore, not too far today and doubling it tomorrow.

Boring bike path

Also, this section of the Hallandsleden is not particularly special. I walk seven kilometers on a straight bike path with only occasional nice views over the Fylleån river, but that’s where it ends. I arrive at my shelter earlier than ever. I’m eager to read, and I want to indulge in that, as I just can’t get further in The Circle by @timvoors, and I finally want to know how the story will unfold.

The shelter is already occupied early

But what surprises me: the shelter is already occupied by two German students who are on a cycling trip through Sweden. This time I’m fortunately welcome. I still try to find a spot for my tent, but the pegs won’t go into the ground here at all. So, back to the girls it is, because I have no desire to keep going. Fortunately, it really isn’t a problem.

Full house

Not long after, someone else arrives on a bicycle. It turns out to be a Dutch woman around my age, who has also been cycling around the world on and off for many years. She, too, doesn’t feel like cycling any further. Welcome!

This works too

Eventually, we spend the night together as four. I feel at ease; this is good and calm company. There is conversation, but also silence, reading, and writing. So this is how it can be.

Overnight stay: Simlangsdalen