Åre
Rest Day
Cumulative: 216.4 miles / 348.2 km
“Flexibility is the key to airpower.” Lt. Col. John Wolman, USAF, Air Force Legislative Liaison, 1995ish
My friend Don Mitchell, who I think is following this blog, will remember Lt. Col. Wolman. He traveled with us to South America in the mid-1990s. He was in charge of all logistics, and every time there was a hiccup, he would use that quote. There were often hiccups.
I must make an admission. The last two days on the trail were hard. The rain is bad enough, but then the trail isn’t great, it’s either through wet fields or along busy highways. There was a definite lack of fun. So last night we called an audible.
Our accommodations are booked for every night. Generally meaning we must get up and get to the next stop. We decided we needed a day off, particularly because the forecast for today was rain all day again, and cold (the forecast was correct). So we booked another night here in our fabulous ski resort and told our man Ruben to cancel the place reserved for tonight.
But that means we are a day behind. No sweat. In the morning we get up, get ready, and get driven to tomorrow’s start point. We realize that means we will miss a 12 mile stretch. We are ok with that. Today was a great day, two bars and good restaurants for lunch and dinner, with an excellent bottle of Bordeaux.
In addition to enduring two rainy days we were in need of some equipment changes. Åre has a good outdoor store, think miniature REI. My shoes were shot. I probably should have gotten new ones before I started. Kristine wanted waterproof shoes. She was tired of sloshing. So we both got new Hokas. We also did some food shopping for the next couple of days since we are heading into the wilderness area. Then we took the gondola to the top of the mountain.
We also found a sports bar to watch the end of today’s stage of the Tour. Where was Cavendish?
We are in a much better place mentally and physically. We will set out again tomorrow in search of abandoned bathtubs.
Sounds like a very smart and appropriate decision! Huzzah. New Hokas are a wonderful lift, seriously a joyful, dare I say nearly religious, experience. Keep slogging and blogging, pilgrims!
ReplyDeleteA well deserved rest! I googled “abandoned bathtubs trail of st olav” and got nothing.
ReplyDeleteLt Col Wolman's quote reminds me of two other quotes: There's a saying in the military, "Novices study tactics, professionals study logistics." And my old Battalion Commander once told me: "Bookout, always remain flexible, but don't go limp on me."
ReplyDeleteDid you know John?
Delete