Am I sane or not? Some of you, other hikers, and similar will think I am sane, and others will definitely say I am not. That was what a relative said yesterday when I decided to walk 19 k in the sun to take a swim. Well, that is not the whole story, but I will definitely tell people about the longest walk I have taken for a swim. Almost as when we drove 2 hours to go dancing when I was young. The true story is that I decided to go for a real hike for the first time in a long while. So, backpack on, gear packed, and off I went on stage 6 on Högsbyleden, a well-marked trail that passes through our small village on which I have never seen a hiker. Me and my daughter had decided to walk stages 2-5 on that trail in July 2020, but Covid hit us the night before departure.
The first 4 k from our doorstep went through a beautiful forest with plenty of birds to keep me company and loads of flowers to admire. Then I walked on a road, without traffic, that passed through fields where the buzzards were hunting. My first lesson – prepare! I walk around 10 k most days, but it's not the same as hiking, and I tend to walk too fast. After doing the first 5,5 k in the sun in 1 hour, I was exhausted when I found a windshield and a toilet by a beautiful lake. I took one of my best lunch breaks ever. After 20 minutes, I was ready to continue.
The next 6,5 k went through mini villages with 2-4 houses, fields, and forests. I saw around 10 cars and 1 person, so this trail is not for those of you who want to socialize on your hikes. On the other hand, the horses rushed out to check out what was happening when I passed by, and even the cows seemed curious. The snake (the only poisonous one we have in Sweden) knocked by the heat also woke up, so I had to be careful when passing. My second break was by a railroad on which only a couple of trains per day pass. I had brought my small foldable stool that weighs only 300 grams and can fit into a side pocket. Great, since I was too tired after 12 k in the hot sun to trust that I would manage to get up again if I sat down on the ground. Lesson 2 – take breaks! After loads of water, coffee and biscuits, I was all set again and enjoyed the last 7 k, during which I took more mini-breaks. I always feel that the last part of a long hike is longer than it really is, as the first part always feels shorter.
The trail's end was in a mini village, but I skipped the last 0,5 k and headed for the lake for a much-needed swim. There I enjoyed an audiobook for an hour and another swim when my husband arrived to pick me up. He brought me a cold beer that he rightfully believed I was longing for. My summary is that it was a beautiful, quiet, but rather challenging 19,3 k hike since I, as usual, walked too fast. I did the hike in less than 4,5 hours, including breaks. My mental batteries are recharged, and I am glad I didn't do the hike today when it is 10 degrees centigrade warmer.
