Day 61 (3): the long way back into the thru-hiking mindset

Hodalen to Brønnåtjønna

Distance: 45km

Thanks to the firewood, the tipi is warm and cozy when I slip into my sleeping bag. Nevertheless, the sleep still isn't as deep as I hope it would be.

Maybe, it's, beside the not so dark nights, the usual tension at the beginning of a new hike, that is keeping me awake. 

Anyway, it's an early start. By 04:30, I am on my way, climbing out of Hodalen on a particularly wet track. Yet, progress is smooth and once above the bush line, the views are beautiful.

Every now and then, there's even some sunshine, which really helps to boost ny hiking spirit.

Eventually, I join a gravel road, taking me down to Bydalen, before gently climbing up the other side of the valley until I find a somewhat suitable place to pitch my tent. Nothing fancy, between a gravel road and a lake. Plenty of mosquitoes (reminds me of my time in Finnmark) but it's a flat, dry spot that will do just fine for the night. 

It was a long day today as wanted to make the most of the weather. Doing these long ones are mentally challenging for me. Especially, when I haven't really arrived in my thru-hiking mindset. Somehow, I am still stuck, back in Switzerland, going after my daily routine. Running, swimming, working. Challenging as well, but in a very different way. 

During the 45 kilometers today, I was thinking a lot about Switzerland, how nice it would be just to go for a run, a swim, having a shower and a coffee. Yet, towards the end of the hike, somehow I started feeling slightly more comfortable on the trail. Hike, eat, sleep, repeat... Doesn't sound that bad after all. I wouldn't say that I am fully there just yet but definitely on my way.