Kungsleden – day 13

Awoken by an early Alarm I noticed that it was a relatively cold morning. So before getting up, I put my hiking clothes in my sleeping bag to warm them up. The worst of all were my wet and muddy socks and shoes. I mean 100m on trail and they would be the same, but still not a pleasure to put them on.

I packed quickly and was on my way. I knew I had sufficient time, which was nice. I nearly nearly fell on one of the boardwalks, so glad it was only a big wobble and not an actual fall! That would’ve been really wet and a struggle to get back on my feet. So I blessed my stars I didn’t actually fell.  

On the way I met two Japanese hikers whom I passed yesterday. They thought the boat left at 10 so they were thankful I informed them 9.

I arrived well in time at the boat dock. Nice timing without stress. There were many more hikers, some I had seen before and some new faces. Most memorable was the one of a handsome Swedish guy. After the boat arrived he jumped out at hiked at a super-fast pace. I started later because my feet required some tape. However, I do enjoy the occasional challenge/chase. Especially one so literal. At the summit, I caught up with him but sadly he took a break. Assuming he would be fast, I continued downhill (my slow terrain) and started to plan all the different ways we could end up in the rowing boat together. There was a mandatory 300m row coming up after 10km of trail.

Option 1: he passes me on trail and then I’ll speed up and we end up at the boat together
Option 2: I stay ahead and wait for him and the boat
Option 3: There would only be one boat left, So I would row across, tow another boat back, and at that moment he appears.

Content with my options I hiked happily onwards. Of course, the whole plan fell through. The French couple who I let pass on purpose were waiting for me because they knew I was alone and otherwise there would only be one boat left (my option 3). I mean it was really kind! Plus handy for them because I could row and they couldn’t. I guess you cannot force meet-cutes.

On the other side of the lake, there was a family who offered us food. Can’t say no to that. It was delicious. In the meantime, I was looking at the other side, but no handsome Swedish guy came and so I continued cured from the small obsession I developed in the previous 2 hours.

In Jäkkvik I resupplied (bought way too much because I was hungry). Saw some people, had a chat with Joel, and a lovely lady with two husky dogs.

As it was still early and sunny, I continued a little bit further to a hut. On my way, I met the French couple I rowed with again. I did ask their names, but I forgot ☹. I was tempted to camp with them, but I did continue, as more rain was coming and my plan was to walk far tomorrow and then on the rain day reach another hut.

Arrived relatively late at the hut and no one was there. So I assumed no one would come. I took a river bath and as I was alone, I didn’t put my bikini on. And as the water was really cold, I might made some sounds to deal with the coldness. However, suddenly I heard very heavy footsteps. So still wet (and naked) I ran up to see which animal it was, turned out to be two other hikes who I didn’t hear arriving due to my high-pitched screams. That was an interesting introduction, but luckily they didn’t mind and laughed it off.  

After I finished my bath I had a nice chat with them and went to bed early. Tomorrow would be a long day to dodge the rain the best I can