Distance: 148km
Elevation: 1.150m
Another long day in the office. Today I had some major motivation issues. Partially, that was because I had not slept well. As it was midsummer, everyone started partying at midnight – when I wanted to sleep. Hence I woke up late i.e. around 7am which led to a slow start. But I did not to miss out on my daily swim in a lake … so I was on the road around 8:30am.
It was not quite as warm as yesterday but I figured that I needed to make close to 150km to make it the next campground. And a next thunderstorm in the afternoon was also announced.
Over lunch I met a Dutch couple who had retired in Sweden and is now operating a maze-like garden as a local attraction where people can wander around. We started chatting since I really needed some human interaction. Revenues had dropped by 95% since last summer. Because of that he had taken a job as a freelance consultant again to be able to pay the bills. That meant traveling to Poland, long days. “But that was the life I retired from” he said.
In the afternoon, I passed to Örebro and found a Pizza Hut with free refills. Yeah! I needed carbs, meat and garlic and a lot of ice-cold Coke.
By then, the thunderstorm was already developing and Komoot, my GPS, in its wisdom led me some 10km up a mountain to show me a beautiful lake – in a thunderstorm. I got soak and wet but it was very refreshing, too. It was super scary but I just wanted to get over the hill. Trees where laying across the road – but the lake was really pretty.
I arrived tired, wet and happy at the beautiful campsite directly next to a lake – which was closed. So I had to sneak in, get someone to open the shower for me and set up the tent. I will pay tomorrow then.
So, a somehow bad start but the rain brought the energy back again. Now I am sitting on a porch looking at the lake and the thunderstorm.
Hi Karsten,
these are already exciting stories you have to tell after only 4 days. We will definitely cherish the 9 EUR donation. It has so much value.
But I would also like to give you a tip, which I give to all my zis-Mentees this year who are travelling with tent and bike because of Corona: think about what you can actively do to not get lonely on the road! Especially with your planned route, “mental hygiene” will certainly become more important from day to day. I know, it’s not easy, but maybe it’s food for thought during your long trips… 🙂
Have fun!!
Regina
P.S: I love your hat-style from yesterday !! It’s gorgeous.
Hi Karsten,
thank you for keeping us updated with your astonishing images from the wonderful tour. You already made it past Stockholm within a few days!
I’m already excited about the pictures we will see from the far north, but also slightly worried about the mountains you’ll pass there… 😉
Enjoy the ride!
Leo