Session of people watching

In the early morning, I receive a session of people watching as a gift. From my sleeping bag, sipping my coffee, I enjoy it: watching people.

Preparation for a lightweight PCT

Last night, we were five together. I had a nice conversation yesterday with Nicolai (on Instagram: @nicolai.hennig03), who is preparing for the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), a popular route of 4,265 kilometers from Mexico to Canada along the west coast of the United States.

His challenge is to go as light as possible. It’s a sport to find gear with as little weight as possible. Ultimately, he wants to reach a base weight of four kilos. This includes everything except food and drink. On the Hærvejen, he is testing everything. Very early, he packed up his tent and left. I didn’t even hear it.

Sounds of nature

With the other three shelter mates, it’s a different story. They are lying in the shelter next to me, and I hear them snoring and coughing at night. They all smoke. The distance is just enough not to be bothered by it. Sounds of nature, we shall say.

These are people who parked their car two kilometers away to spend a night here. The level of earthy humor and loud laughter is high. But it doesn’t bother me. They enjoy themselves in their own way, are kind and genuinely interested, and otherwise quiet. Busy making a fire and preparing food.

Funny videos

The three of them sit at the table watching funny videos. I can’t help but laugh along, even though I have no idea what’s so funny. When the blonde man lifts his butt and lets out a loud fart, the show is complete. I chuckle along. At this distance, I can’t smell anything.

The great flood

The route leads through fields and meadows. Large farms color the landscape, interspersed with coniferous forests. Occasionally it drizzles, and sometimes the sun breaks through. Everything is perfect. Until I suddenly get overwhelmed. The forecast: occasional showers, but this is a deluge!

Within a few minutes, the forest path is knee-deep in water. My shoes are soaked. The celebration is complete. Before my phone nearly drowns, I see on the map a shelter a little over a kilometer away. So I run. The reward is great: a beautiful scouting location. It really can’t get any better. I spend the next few hours there. I cook, I drink coffee, and I enjoy, despite my wet feet.

The beautiful Haldlake

The day is entirely made perfect by a truly phenomenal final stretch along Haldlake. Lovely paths and beautiful views. At the inn in Hald, I can take a shower, wash my clothes, use the kettle, which saves gas, dry my clothes in a drying cabin, and in a shelter 400 meters further, I sleep like a marmot.

Overnight stay: Hald