Notes from the North

I had the most enjoyable evening last night and it continued in the morning. Olov and little Arvid were the most enjoyable company, especially Arvid who talked non-stop about fishing. So I was in no hurry to say goodbye and get going. It wasn't a very long stage ahead...

This is going to be a two day report. The last two days I've been walking through the landscapes of Lord of the Rings. It's been absolutely magical and I wouldn't have been surprised if the Hobbits and Gandalf had appeared next to me. Fortunately, there was no sign of...

15th May It was a wonderful evening. And fittingly for the occasion, we had found an old festival site with a stage and dance floor that we used as a shelter. It was very special. It was a bit hard to say goodbye, but that's what happens when you've had a great time...

I've moved on. After some wonderful days with the family (thank you so much for everything, Kajsa and Johann) I set off again. To avoid having to walk another 60km on tarmac and gravel - my legs can't really take it - I decided to take the bus until I got back to my...

Sometimes - in fact, always - the close proximity of life and death puts everything in perspective. It can be devastating, or it can be uplifting. In this case, I feel life has won. This morning my dear friend Hazel died, after having taken on the fight with cancer...

No, I have not disappeared. Yes, I am continuing my journey. I've now enjoyed getting some rest with the family and still do. The thing is that I had ordered some small things as an upgrade to my pack and they were unfortunately delayed. They should be there by...

After about 50km on tarmac and gravel, I've arrived at my cousin Johann's place in Broddetorp. He met me halfway through today's stage and we walked the rest together, which was wonderful. And it was great to arrive at his house and know that now it will be a couple...

It was a day of transition. Off the trails and onto tarmac and gravel roads. It's hard on the knees and feet. I came in through a slightly larger town (by Swedish standards), Tidaholm, and of course stopped at one of the several(!) pizzerias in town for an early...

Happy days! Today I bumped into two people with whom I had a chat. I had decided to walk only half a day today, because I have a longer day with a lot of tarmac and gravel road ahead of me. Tomorrow I will start my detour to my cousin's house. Today I walked in the...

When I woke up this morning I just had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude. Just the view when I opened my eyes. The hot morning coffee. I thought I just have so much. In a way, I feel incredibly rich. I have my health. God knows I don't take that for granted. I know...