Just when you thought things were going so well, challenges arise. This morning I ran out of gas for my storm kitchen. I knew that was going to happen. There was just enough for porridge and morning coffee. The plan was to go into a small town, Hestra, buy some food and a new gas canister. It didn’t work out that way. The way in was easy. It was easy to walk and it was a lovely morning. Shortly before the town I met Lotta and Anders who were really nice and we walked to town together. At the grocery store, the first thing I asked was if they had gas. They didn’t. They did at the petrol station, but due to the first of May it was closed today. I hadn’t thought about that. So what now?

I could get it in Gislaved, they said, it’s only 25km. No thanks, I don’t think I’ll do that. I wondered for a moment if I should take the bus, but there were only 4 a day, so I could get there, but not back. So what now?

Challenges are there to be met. I could of course cook over a fire, but it’s so bone dry everywhere, I don’t really dare. So I decided instead to go shopping to eat cold for the next four days until I hopefully get another chance to find gas. After all, that’s not the worst thing. The Swedish hikers who at first didn’t want to talk to me but then did anyway said that gas for the storm kitchen was everywhere. That remains to be seen.

I went to the town’s pizzeria (the small Swedish towns all seem to have a pizzeria), had a hot meal and charged my devices. They were extremely nice and helpful again. And then I hiked on until the early evening hours and am now hidden in my tent right by a small lake right by a small town.