The brown gold

Coffee. It is sacred to me. My first coffee in the morning. It’s always a delight. Whether I’m still lying in my tent or in the shelter. A highlight of the day. I think of my former colleague Q., who always brought me coffee. He was always the first one at work, and when he saw me coming down the hallway, he would already have a fresh cup ready for me. He was the absolute coffee maker at work. Perfection of the brown gold.

Spanish love

And I often do that. While walking, I ‘walk’ with a certain person. Today, after Q., it’s my former colleague L. A Spanish person who came to the Netherlands for love. I once went to Spain for love myself. Love often conquers distances. However, love doesn’t always overcome everything. But that’s another story.

Drizzly weather

The day is drizzly and unpleasant. Crouched under my poncho, I tackle it. It can’t be helped. That’s life, we might say. Not always a party and sunshine. Tell me.

The grave field of Li

Not long after my departure, I walk over the grave field of Li, one of the largest Viking burial sites in Sweden, with more than a hundred (!) menhirs. Large stones that have been erected by humans in the ground. One of the most famous forms of megaliths, structures made of gigantic stones from prehistory. Truly impressive.

Climbing and enjoying

After a very steep climb of thirteen percent, I walk for a long time along a mountain ridge with beautiful views over the Skärsjön lake and areas with more buildings and farmland. I’m enjoying it quite a bit; walking gives me a sense of satisfaction, and fortunately, the route isn’t too heavy, aside from that climb.

Cooking over a wood fire

Just before it really starts to rain harder, I arrive at my shelter in the woods, with a large grassy area in front of it. Three German hikers are already in the shelter. The fire is already burning. I can start preparing my food right away: perfect timing!

Comfortable with company

The trio warmly invites me to sleep in the shelter as well, but in between the rain showers, I set up my tent anyway. I prefer to sleep alone, and it’s perfect for camping here. However, I stay with them in the hut until we go to sleep. And so it becomes a cozy and comfortable evening.

Overnight stay: Äskhult