Krutvasshytta to 400m above Grannes
Distance: 40km
With the stove still warm from yesterday, getting up and ready goes reasonably comfortably.
After taking it easy the other day, I hit the trail early and a over boardwalks I head towards a burning morning sky.
Perfect weather and perfect trails make for a perfect day, which becomes even better when I get invited for coffee and sweet treats by a local woman and her hubby. On the veranda we have some great talks. A German hiker, who I met earlier and who just started his first thru-hike from Umbukta to Bremen, passes by. He gets invited as well but declines the offer as he seems to be in a hurry. More sweeties for me :)
With my tummy and mobile phone battery full, I say goodbye to the lovely couple.
I fly along the great trails and soon catch up with the German, who is having a break. He feels stupid for declining the offer for coffee.
I know exactly how he feels. I used to be the same in the very beginning of my thru-hike career: so focused on the hike that I forgot everything else around me. Like with everything you do for the first time.
Now, as a well seasoned thru-hiker, I have become different. I can savor these moments on the trail, enjoy the trail magic.
I leave the young German behind and continue my pace. We have roughly the same goal for today. Seeing him there, looking exhausted, I somehow doubt I will see him again.
A last steep descent followed by a last even steeper climb (which, after hiking for nearly 40 kilometers is tough work, requiring a last big effort) bring me to my camping spot, high above Grannes. What a lovely day it has been. Thru-hiking at its best!
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