Day 76: Few Good Views, Plenty Of Blueberries

Stjernfors to Storsjön

Distance: 40-45km

I sleep like a baby. It's windy and the waves from the lake are calming. 

Yet, I wake up just past four in the morning for an early start. The way I like it.

E1 in Sweden: every day is a surprise. You never know how the trail is gonna be. Today: wet and overgrown. Slightly annoying to walk. It's a rewarding morning walk though as the views from Mackarsberg are fabulous. I have an early break, soaking up the scenery. There really aren't that many sweeping views anymore. Once I have enjoyed enough, I continue. After following the trail for a wee bit longer, I opt for a shortcut along a gravel road, as the trail is meandering east and west through forest. As much as I want to hike the complete Bergslagsleden, which is a part of E1, it's just too much detour at times. Even though I have enough time for all this meandering , the urge to head south is strong. Extremely strong. 

Before noon, I rejoin the trail, which now leads me through farmland. A very welcoming change and, if it wasn't for the red houses, reminds me of home. While stopping for my lunch break, I head, like so often, straight into my midday crisis. Usually 20 to 30km hiked and nearly as much still to go, when your body is already tired. Not too motivating, really. 

Anyway, I usually get my act together quickly. No difference today and so I am off again. 18 kilometers to go. 

They are relatively easy kilometers. Plenty of blueberries to keep my stomach happy, a dry, well formed track. Initially along ATV and farming tracks then forest and eventually some boardwalk, before I reach Storsjön, my destination. 

Another lovely vindskydd. Right by a tarn, just me and even an open shed with firewood. 

Before settling in, I cut some not very dry wood, make a fire. Not easy. After a difficult, smokey start (I'm gonna smell like a smoked sausage tomorrow), it's burning surprisingly well. 

A fire at the end of a day is something I really enjoy. Somehow rounds up the day nicely. No different today. 

Before the now slowly dying but still warming fire, I'm typing these lines. Life is good.