Touching scene

Lying in my tent, sipping my coffee, I see the other campers sitting on the dock. A touching scene. The tent field is still in the shade, but soon I too will be able to enjoy the sun.

The half hour of the midges

Not long after, I start talking with Bogdan, the father of the family in the shelter. I felt sorry for them because of the midges last night, but according to him, they were gone after half an hour. Fortunately, that was exactly the half hour during which I set up my tent…

Saying no to certainty

A long, engaging, and inspiring conversation follows. Like me, Bogdan studied marketing and had a good job. When his contract was about to become a permanent one, he felt suffocated. ‘I was nearly choking.’ He resigned. After a week, he turned down an even better job with an even better salary. He retrained as a carpenter and now lives simply with his family in a van. Working for a boss? Never again.

Screens are taboo

His children: clearly super happy. Playing, swimming, laughing, and discovering, without screens and in nature, with parents who are PRESENT.

The moneyless man

As a young man, he wanted to experience what it would be like to travel without money. Inspired by ‘The Moneyless Man’ by Mark Boyle, he blindly chose a last-minute flight and left. For years he hitchhiked around the world. I could have talked with him for days.

Thank you, Bogdan!

Bogdan, if you are reading this: thank you for your stories and inspiration. A lot can happen even without money. You have proven that.

Today is pure magic

And as beautifully as the day began, so it continues. Purple heather, bright green moss forests, boardwalks, stunning lakes, babbling brooks, swamps, and little waterfalls. It’s endless. And since I only have to walk 17 kilometers, I take it easy. I walk, stop, smell, look, feel. What a magical day.

An hour off

Until… I notice that it’s suddenly a quarter past eight and I still have four kilometers to go. I had miscalculated by an hour and the sun sets at nine! Therefore, I run the last stretch with Wheelie following me. Just before dark, I arrive at the shelter.

Hasty speed is rarely good. But sometimes it has to be done.

Overnight stay: Knäred