Day 11 – still on the shores of Lake Vättern (same little nook of the forest)

The temperatures climbed back up today on what for southern Sweden at least, was a warm and humid day, in the late 20s.

I found a track that skirted the lake and followed it. It became less of a track but Roja remained confident it went somewhere. I’m not sure that it did, but I fought the way through the bush and over the 25 metre rocky boulders that are a feature of the region, the edge of the Tiveden National Park.

National Park means something a bit different to Scandinavians though, as usually something is being protected, wildlife, flora, fauna, or just the environment. Basically the whole place outside the towns where there are forests and lakes are what we would term National Park, in that they are perfect for recreation.

After more than two kilometres through the forest we emerged on a track that I had aimed for with the GPS. Another further section proved too much, too wild and thick to get through, but we did meet a young couple with their white golden retriever who were fishing, and we chatted for a while. For the remainder of the route we used the tracks. There are so few people around, just a handful of vans like me, all with the same aim, peace, and wilderness.

I spent the afternoon reading and catching up with some reviews, which I’ll insert into the blog at some point. Three great books, all recommended highly.

There’s a storm brewing. The humidity has set it off according to what I read on the forecast. It should be cooler after about 11 pm, but until then the cloud is building, the thunder rumbling, and the dog and I have retreated into the van.