Going solo – the first few days on the road… 

So a few days ago (3 if we are being precise) Aleks and I parted ways – with Aleks continuing the journey he has set out to do along the E1 trail, and myself following a new route along the roads of Scandinavia. 

At the time I was really nervous. It was hard to admit – especially given that I think Aleks had grown a sense of responsibility over my safety – and I tried with all my might to remain optimistic about what lay ahead.

3 days in and I am starting to get a feel of what this ‘new adventure’ will be like. I am still a little nervous about the scale of what I am taking on. I also have times whereby I crave a little company – just someone to talk to, or even throw a grin at would be great… but as the days tick over, I am becoming more confident in my ability, more comfortable in my own company, and more accepting of the fact that some days will be hard, but the only option is to keep moving forwards. 

In a similar style to my previous post – here’s a taster of what the first few days have entailed.

Day 1 – Saturday 13th August – Masi to Middle of Nowhere…

As I set off from Masi my emotions were all over the place. A little excitement at the prospect of moving to a terrain I feel more comfortable on. A little (really quite) nervous about being alone in the middle of Norway. A little despondent due to the loss of my trusted travel companion. And a little relieved to no longer be holding him back from achieving what he is truly capable of.

But, it was necessary to get moving and that I did, setting off late after a big breakfast and about 6 coffees (got to get them in when you can). I handed over the key to the cabin (a little reluctantly) and stepped out onto the road. This was my journey now and I had little choice but to embrace it.

And off I went. Pacing it out on the first day so as not to get any injuries. If I was worried the views would be less spectacular, these worries quickly faded as lifting my head after the first few km to scenery like that above. I also pulled into a parking/toilet/picnic area only to be treated to the view of a beautiful waterfall – the noise of which drowned out any noise from the road just metres away.

And this wouldn’t be my blog without further details of the toilet. Another great loo – simple hole in the ground system and loo paper galore…

And the rest of the day followed suit. One foot in front of the other, edging ever closer to Kautokeino and the next hint of civilisation.

Day 2 – Sunday 14th August – Middle of Nowhere to Siebe…

The day started out by the roadside – which due to the fact there is only about 1 car every 40 minutes during the night – had little to no effect on my sleep quality. In fact – my snores probably caused more of a disturbance than the traffic so for that, Norway, I apologise.

After a quick inspection (then clean) of the feet, I set off again, eager to cover the 20km to Kautokeino before lunch time.

I made it to Kautokeino at lunch time as planned (first thing to go properly to plan?!) and gave in to a hot dog at the local petrol station  (which I was pleasantly surprised to discover was open on a Sunday). I also saw a caterpillar which is irrelevant but no less fun.

The church in kautokeino looks a little  (lot) like this – just for reference…

And then again, more steps, this time another 20km ending in Siebe – where as Siobhan kindly pointed out from a google – there is literally nothing to do. But walk/run I guess.

Day 3 – Monday 15th August – Siebe to Finland…

Being not quite sure on my precise location and for fear of being kicked out of this cafe very soon I’ll keep it brief. Today I crossed the border into Finland and have got to a cafe 27km from Hetta- which is where I am due to arrive tomorrow. So far much food has been eaten and much WiFi exploited at the following establishment (which is no longer 3km away…).

I have another 7km that I will try and cover this evening and then it is just onwards. The body is tired but still working. The mind is constantly battling ups and downs, but is still working. My equipment which has seen me so well through to this point is still working. 

I continue to be grateful for all of those things. 

I moan to the people I love and their kind responses and patience keeps me moving forwards.

I am suffering a little – I think it’s alright to admit that – but I am also aware that it could be so much worse. 

I am now rambling and being death stared by the cafe owner so let’s pretend I wrapped that up in a thought provoking and insightful way. 

Until next time, thanks for the support and much love to you all.

🙂