#throwback – May 30, 2024

I wake up, quickly eat my Gräddfil with muesli, and hit the trail. Coffee can wait — first I need to get out of these bushes. I brew a cup later on, at a disc golf course, where I discover a new sport I never knew existed. The trail is beautiful, and the sun is doing its best. I feel grateful — for the life I’m living now, for my children, and for all the beautiful friendships. A deep sense of happiness washes over me.

Motala comes into view, and I visit the town’s church. A striking detail: a sailing ship hanging from the ceiling, prominently on display. I stroll through the town and park, when a young woman approaches me and asks if I’m Dutch. I’m a bit surprised — do I look Dutch? “No,” she says, “I heard your app say you need to turn right in 35 meters.” I laugh — my Komoot app is giving me exact walking instructions. She works at a restaurant and tells me she was tired of life in the Netherlands. Since April, she’s been living in Sweden — and loving it.

I continue walking along the Göta Canal — a 190-kilometre waterway that opened in 1832. After a few kilometres I sit down at a picnic table and prepare my meal, watching boats pass by and people taking a dip in the water. Not much further down the path, I find the perfect camping spot. It’s still early, but I don’t want to risk ending up with nothing again. The spot is gorgeous — a jetty, a soft grassy field, and a view to die for. What more could anyone want?

At one point, a hiker passes by. It’s the second time I see him — he passed by earlier in the opposite direction. His name is Peter, and he’s in the process of starting a business that promotes walking. A few years ago, he and his wife took up long-distance hiking and experienced such physical and mental benefits that they now want to encourage others to do the same. He’s fascinated by my story and asks if he can record a short video of me. To my own surprise, I respond enthusiastically: “Yes, of course!” And honestly — I think I did quite well. When you’re talking about your passion, it just flows.

All in all, today more than makes up for yesterday’s camping fiasco. Life is good.