#throwback – May 28, 2024

I wake up in the sunshine and, for my standards, I set off early. The frame of my cart has now completely broken — I tape the pieces together and plan a route along paved roads, avoiding the forest trails. At a scenic viewpoint, I spot a van with Spanish plates. It turns out to be the home of Tania and Pablo from @patas_traveling. They’ve embraced vanlife with passion. After working hard for eight months in Galicia, they’re now travelling through Scandinavia until October. Their previous journey was through the Balkans. Their dog has clearly had a long walk and is totally crashed out in the van — doesn’t even look up when I pass. What a lovely encounter. We agree to keep following each other’s journeys.

I see a sign pointing to a viewpoint, 200 metres into the forest. I leave my Wheelie by the roadside and head into the greenery. Then panic strikes: I’ve left my Wheelie unattended! The zippers can be locked, and I have a cable lock to secure it — why didn’t I use them? I tell myself not to overreact. I’ve only seen two people all day, so what are the odds? I walk on. After 200 metres I see nothing. Nor after 400. On my app I realise I’ve gone the wrong way. Panic rises — without my gear, this entire adventure falls apart. I walk/run back. My Wheelie is still there in the sun, untouched. The relief is immense. I lock everything up and head to the viewpoint after all. There’s nothing to see. No view — but a great insight: never again!

The landscape becomes more rural, and I’m walking straight into a strong headwind. Suddenly, a huge animal crosses the road — a wolverine! (the picture is not mine) Wow, that’s rare! I hear thunder and see lightning, but I get lucky: only ten minutes of rain. I find a beautiful camping spot near a lake, where I cook dinner and video call my son for his 23rd birthday. So good to see and talk to him — I’m incredibly grateful for today’s technology!