We woke up late (passed 8) and packed the tent quickly while I was still being attacked by mosquitoes. That will probably be a returning topic. Donald decided to have breakfast higher up which reduced the number of mosquitoes.
After the late start, the trail was easy going and we passed the Tjäktja Fjällstuga. Decided not to leave the trail to visit the hut because it was too earlier for a break. We continued the gentle climb further to Tjäktja Pass (1150m) where there was even the tiniest snow patch left. Just before the last 25m climb, we saw the Korean couple we met on the train. So we had a brief conversation and we both felt amazement that they were ahead of us. We didn’t see them after we left before them from Abisko. But never again will I underestimate a 60-year-old Korean who looks no older than 40 and who completed 103 marathons.
On top of the pass, there was a cosy emergency shelter. We had a short break and the Korean passed us again. The downhill was much steeper than we climbed previously and the view into the new valley was amazing.
As we pre-booked a bed at the Sälka Fjällstuga it was only a short distance. However, the trail became rocky and slow going. It might actually be for the better because we already arrived early at 3:30 pm and you can check in from 4 pm. Once we did rain clouds could be seen at the end of the valley. The weather forecast didn’t predict this, but it’s generally known that the weather forecast in this region isn’t a 100% reliable. So we were about to go inside the hut when we again saw the Koreans. They would continue and probably stay ahead of us.
Inside was nice with a equipped kitchen and beds. So we had tea and read some books. Donald was more in a social mood than I was so whilst I was reading my book in bed, he was chatting with a France and two German women. At 6 o clock, it was woman’s hour for the Bastu (Sauna). I went down to the Bastu a little apprehensive, but it was THE best!! So nice and hot and just happy chatting between women. And after a while, it was time for the ice-cold river bath. So good but still so cold. I repeated the process three times and every time I could stay longer in the river. In the end, I could scratch off dirt and with a final shower, I was clean.
After the women, it was the man’s turn and with s small reassurance from me, Donald was on his way and returned after the full hour had passed.
He also got more information about the weather because we wanted to climb Kebnekaise but not with rain or low-hanging clouds (meaning we would have a view). But the forecast had changed, currently a lot of rain and tomorrow it would be dry and sunny. The detour to Kebnekaise was still 10km from this hut, plus 17km and 1700m of elevation for the actual summit. Tomorrow was promising to be a BIG day.
Still early now so we played and lost multiple rounds of Uno with the 2 German ladies and 1 Italian man. The rules differ a bit from the ones I know. Probably the reason why I lost ;).
After the last cup of tea, it was time to go to bed. An actual bed 🙂
Zilla-in-the-wild 