Peace and power

I slept moderately well, but without any strange dreams, which is an improvement. It remains quiet in the enormous shelter, or rather the ideal hangout spot. No young people, no noise, even though it’s Saturday and Pentecost.

I’m making the most of this accommodation. There is water and I found a hidden power outlet. The toilet building has light, and my experience tells me: where there’s light, there’s often electricity as well. And sure enough, at the back of the little building, two meters high, there’s an outlet. Bingo!

The hygiene of the wild camper

Often people ask me with a dirty look: “But you can’t shower when you’re wild camping, can you?” That’s right, there usually isn’t a shower, but washing up often works just fine. Just with an old-fashioned washcloth, like our ancestors did for centuries. In Scandinavia, it’s generally easy. Every church has either a public toilet or a tap. For emergencies, I always carry baby wipes with me. Not ideal, but better than nothing. But to be honest, living this way isn’t always very hygienic. Thruhikers are often quite dirty.

Long story short: I wash up thoroughly and set off feeling fresh as a daisy. My underwear and socks are also washed and happily hanging to dry on my hiking cart.

Writer’s paradise

Yesterday, I mainly walked through forests; today, the route follows a meandering stream. It’s absolutely beautiful, with flowers everywhere and the vibrant fresh green of spring. After just 4.9 kilometers, I come across the perfect allowed wild camping spot. No shelter this time, but a small grassy area with a table, a compost toilet, and a view of the stream. A true paradise.

During lunch, I contemplate. Should I stay? It’s still early and I’ve hardly covered any kilometers. Yet the decision is made quickly. I’ll stay.

Today I am not a hiker, but a writer. This is one of those places where my creativity starts to flow naturally. I want to experience what happens if I just stay sitting. This is also part of the journey. Trial and error, that’s how it works for me.

With my bare feet in the grass, I write at the table. The sun shines on my body, just warm enough. My lunch is over.

I let it happen…