Lerkenfeld A Shelter to Viborg
Distance: 45km
It's a cold night. I don't sleep much. Not because I'm cold. My sleeping bag keeps me comfortably warm. It's the getting out of the sleeping bag that keeps me awake. I'm not feeling like getting out into the cold at all. I use my awake time to send a couchsurfing request for Viborg, where I should arrive this evening. A warm place and finally some social interaction sounds tempting. But I don't have much hope it will work out. It is 3 in the morning.
I try to fall asleep again. Without too much success. So eventually I find enough motivation to start into the day. As mentioned a while ago, I have a strict routine to get on the trail as efficiently and fast as possible. I get dressed as much as possible while still in the sleeping bag. Down jacket and watch it is today. All the other clothes I am already wearing. Then, still in the sleeping bag, I deflate my mattress. Once all the air is out I crawl out of the sleeping bag, stow it, the mattress and another sheet I use to protect my mattress in the backpack. Also some other stuff like batteries (which I keep in the sleeping bag as they hate the cold as much as I do) go into the backpack. Sandals on, a quick pit stop at the toilet, switch on the GPS tracker and off I am. 20 minutes or so.
Usually, as soon as I start walking I warm up quickly. Not so today. Maybe it's because I am tired, maybe it's because it really is really cold, maybe it's because it's all flat and I don't need a lot of effort. I don't know. Shorty past six, I have been walking for roughly an hour, I meet three Monday morning runners. They inspire me to try some slow, easy jogging to get a bit warmer. And it helps a tiny little bit. Why didn't I think of it earlier...?
Dawn is long so far up north and I can enjoy a spectacular burning sky for a while until the sun finally rises. Time for a break. I notice the water in my bottle is nearly completely frozen. So it is cold indeed. I'm happy I decided to put on three pairs of. Two on my feet, one over the gloves on my hands. Conveniently, there's a bakery right across the street. After being out in the cold for three hours, I think I deserve a little treat. The chocolate tart (I think that's what they call it) tastes excellent.
I'm about to continue, when a local approaches me. He is amazed that I am walking in sandals and calls me as tough as a Viking and offers me to grab a to-go coffee at home. I gladly agree.
Happy to hold something warm in my hand and having just had my first real conversation with a local, I continue.
Even though the low sun is not too strong, it sure makes a difference and walking gets quite pleasant. It's also when my Couchsurfing request gets accepted. What a nice, unexpected surprise. Knowing I will stay in a dry place tonight makes me fly along the rail trail until I leave it shortly before approaching Viborg. It's been a pleasure to walk on it. I certainly will miss it.
As my host won't be available until 18:00 I have some time to kill in Viborg. I install myself in the waiting room at the train station. Nice and warm in here and not too busy. I use the time to write the blog and plan the next couple of days. Hopefully with tonight's warm and dry place and some good conversation I can gain some well needed motivation.
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