Day 32: Back On Track

Sulitjelma to Laggejahka

Distance: 30km

After a heartily breakfast, my lovely room neighbor Jurek gives me a ride to Fauske, where he is collecting old clothes destined for Eastern European countries. Rain accompanies us for most of the 40 kilometers rides. Also, when he drops me on the intersection to Sulitjelma. 15 minutes later I sit in a car together with two girls, who are about to hike to Padjelanta - the opposite way I hiked a few days ago. Before they drop me off at the supermarket, where I finished my hike on Friday, I let them know about the broken bridge. The least I can do.

With an ice cream in my left hand I start my hiking day. It's 9:30h. A late start but still earlier than I thought I would begin. 

As E1 seems to avoid roads and towns like the pest, it doesn't come as a surprise it actually doesn't pass through Sulitjelma but rather stays high above the valley. Therefore, I initially follow a road, which is climbing parallel to E1 towards Balvatnet. Despite or exactly because of my rest days I feel like a flat tire. A typical Monday morning mood (literally). I'd rather be somewhere sheltered and warm. Going is tough. Rain doesn't make it easier. My thoughts are everywhere just not with the hike. Music helps me to keep going.

At 15:00h I approach the road end and I don't feel like leaving it. Especially, as a hiker I met earlier today has warned me that the trail is wet, muddy and a constant up and down.

The trail is undulating indeed. Not as bad as I was expecting. And yes, it's wet and muddy. These parts are far and few in between an otherwise beautiful trail with even better views. Especially, with the weather, which improves dramatically. The landscape is similar to Padjelanta. But in a smaller scale. In fact, the trail is so easy to walk, I can take my away from the ground and enjoy the scenery. Just the Cloud Berries are slowing me down. After four days without eating a single berry, it's high time to catch up. 

Only the few last meters, it's already 19:00h and time to pitch my tent somewhere, are muddy and slow going through scrubs and across several rivers. With some swearing I make it across and find a beautiful spot overlooking Balvatnet. I enjoy the scenery until the next rain shower sweeps over my camp spot.