Day 18

Hålland to Åre
Distance: 13.8 miles / 22.2 km
Cumulative: 216.4 miles / 348.2 km

“There is a hidden message in every waterfall. It says, if you flexible, falling will not hurt you.” Mehmet Murat Ildan (Turkish playwright)

We started today on a trail through the woods to the beautiful Ristafallet waterfall. 

About 20 minutes into the hike the rain started again. This, of course, made the ground a little treacherous and about a mile later I hit a slick patch and went down. Apparently, our Turkish friend is correct and my tremendous flexibility prevented any damage, except to my ego. 

Before my tumble we saw this little box with measuring cups. I have no explanation. 

We crossed the main road and headed back into the woods where we came upon fresh moose tracks (not the ice cream). 

This prompted the loudest and most extensive conversation between Kristine, myself, and any potential moose, of the trip. 

Having avoided a moose attack (mynd you, møøse bites Kan be pretty nasti… [Monty Python again]). We dropped out of the forest onto a road. Given the rain, wet trails, etc., we opted to stay on the bike path rather than re-enter the forest for an extended period. The rest of the hike was routine, although we are getting close the mountains. 

In fact, Åre, pronounced “or-ah,” is a ski town with the highest gondola in Sweden. And our hotel is a beautiful resort with a proper bar AND a door on the shower. 

Between the waterfall, my fall, and the close encounter with the moose, it was a big day topped off with two more bathtubs. 

This brings our total to 13.