The End of the Boardwalks
After several kilometers on the marked Padjelantaleden trail we reached a junction where we turned onto an unmarked path. The wooden platforms, boardwalks and bridges ended. The terrain turned out to be what we had expected: boggy. Peatlands, wetlands and streams to cross.
We also changed footwear. Green rubber boots appeared on our feet and very quickly proved to be the most valuable piece of gear. I cannot imagine traversing Sarek without them. So we look after our boots like the greatest treasure. If only they last until the end of the trip!
The weather did not spoil us. Drizzle, rain and wet fog took turns.
News from the Greek Messenger
Along the way we met small herds of reindeer and the occasional trekker. One of them brought us news like a Greek messenger: the day before, fifteen people had turned back from the route through Sarek. A tributary of the Rapaälven, usually small, had swollen so much that crossing it seemed too dangerous to them.
We were still about two days from the swollen tributary. For now we kept going. The day turned out to be a real slog. We covered about nineteen kilometers, making up for the half day lost to the ferry change of plans. For the night we chose a beautifully situated spot on a gentle hill between two rivers. Tomorrow’s camp falls at a crossroads. There we will decide whether to change the route.
Along the route
Day 3 in photographs. Select an image to enlarge it.
