The heaviness of the last day sets in. I don’t really wanna go back but my ankle tell me it’s okay. Six days with a heavy backpack, barefoot shoes, and a summit try was enough for now.
It is crazy how I needed 4 days to actually get into the groove, rhythm, and balance for this hike, and then it’s over. I love this so much, these long hikes, and I am already wondering how to create space and time for this next year. If there is still a small window this year before the snow arrives.
I break camp. Of course it rained last night, so I store away the wet tent knowingly that I have to get it out again when I’m back home. Today will be 18 km with an overall downhill. Should be smooth. I enjoy the boardwalks for a last time. I take stops regularly to either look back. Or sit down and munch on my last provisions.
The last day is always weird. Part of your brain already plans the way home while the other part really just wants ti enjoy the walk. And not think about its end.
I find a nice spot in the sunshine, looking back towards the mountains, and make a second coffee. While I listen to the wind, I realize that I haven’t listened to anything else than this for the last 6 days. No music, no podcast. Just the dolby surround sound of my environment.
Just before the last stretch, there’s a small rest stop, serving reindeer burgers. I guess this will be my first proper meal again. They have no problems with adjusting to my dietary needs and to my surprise, it’s nit just a burger. It’s a freaking delicious reindeer burger.
5 km to go. I’m debating how to get home. Originally I planned to stay a night in Kiruna and take the inland bus again tomorrow. But they are moving their church today and tomorrow, so everything is booked out (google Kiruna church move, it’s nuts!). I wonder if I should just take the train and night train combination. Why stay another night when it’s not in a tent?
I’m still walking but back in mobile service, when I book the trains. I guess it’s settled then. I let Bridget know.
Boarding the bus, I think I’m a little in shock about leaving. If there weren’t so many people I might cry some tears.
I’m eating the last piece of chocolate.
I notice the first pines after days of only birches or no trees at all.
I feel a bit ripped out of this place.
At least I will have a full day tomorrow to arrive. And spend time in my favorite coffee shop in Östersund. That soothes the pain.
