tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-72299321775947679942024-02-07T06:06:52.552+01:00Cesar and The WoodsCesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comBlogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-71031287747585403472023-05-20T11:09:00.002+02:002023-05-20T17:24:26.612+02:00Hiking from South West Sweden to Halden, Norway<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqx1qxRttiZmA9P4Ko2d8RsoKI_2-a71TOvXmd0aD-h4Sgarg9Q75bQTLSiLuuXJWeyYxbgumdqVFj1WEieAmdxGzEZPDq6_Q4uPvlcqyPZgBRQgl8EP4ZG4qU-g48as2ZsFR_GIUskfFE4lm2NQmZ7szMLS4wGc_bdFbahzQfzxs3IvaP_VyhRh_Dg/s4000/DSC_0536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqx1qxRttiZmA9P4Ko2d8RsoKI_2-a71TOvXmd0aD-h4Sgarg9Q75bQTLSiLuuXJWeyYxbgumdqVFj1WEieAmdxGzEZPDq6_Q4uPvlcqyPZgBRQgl8EP4ZG4qU-g48as2ZsFR_GIUskfFE4lm2NQmZ7szMLS4wGc_bdFbahzQfzxs3IvaP_VyhRh_Dg/s320/DSC_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigghE420dREhUdViaX9Xo7_67PKOksCj14n7jI-wJ5ivriKIJq3d1US0OhcPEW7nDS24jEcEH_zsBXIEwIgBUH0lJxf2mhZ74_7j8AVGRrpJuO4xGvxZfqEsieCDYIVpQAZtEUuPCAoVj5X4HTrFF22YMqXthA9YIlU6KgmQEP6lzBP7NrkQVSIYuKTw/s4000/DSC_0591.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigghE420dREhUdViaX9Xo7_67PKOksCj14n7jI-wJ5ivriKIJq3d1US0OhcPEW7nDS24jEcEH_zsBXIEwIgBUH0lJxf2mhZ74_7j8AVGRrpJuO4xGvxZfqEsieCDYIVpQAZtEUuPCAoVj5X4HTrFF22YMqXthA9YIlU6KgmQEP6lzBP7NrkQVSIYuKTw/s320/DSC_0591.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>Introduction</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">Halden is border town close to the south west region of Sweden. Halden is also a municipality (AKA a county) that is interesting geographically for hikers for a variety of reasons. If you single it out on a map you will notice that the municipality juts into Sweden, making it possible to hike from Sweden into Norway from any direction on your compass. For instance, you can walk south into Norway at the southern end of Iddefjord, which makes for the rather rare sentence: "I hiked south into Norway."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">But I would also say that the Halden area of interest because it is beautiful and has good hiking. Over the years I have explored the area here and there, taking short hikes across the border and then returning back to Sweden on many different section hikes. And for years I said to myself that I should plan some hikes that go through Halden. I finally got around to doing a few section hikes across this charming little slice of Norway, and I am happy to report that these were good hikes and that this area is worth exploring.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">What follows shortly is a trail guide to hike from Sweden through Halden municipality to the city of Halden and then back into Sweden again. The starting points I recommend (and the points I used in my hikes) are the town of Ed to the east of Halden, and the small city of Strömstad to the west. Another feature that makes this hike of interest to both section hikers and thru-hikers alike is the proximity to several other longer hiking trails. Meaning that hiking through Halden can be done, for example, as a side trail or hiked in addition to hiking Bohusleden, Pilgrimsleden, <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html" target="_blank">The Troll Trail</a></b>, etc. I will point out how this hike could fit into other hikes soon in the guide below, as well as other useful information on how to hike this route. After the trail guide will be my trip report, which will be in the form of a photo essay.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>Trail Guide<br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">As far as basics go, like much of Scandinavia, water in this area is both plentiful and of excellent quality. There are many springs, streams, lakes, ponds, etc. to fill up on water--and if you're feeling especially lazy, there are even several campgrounds with tap water. You can resupply in Ed, Halden, and Strömstad; and those place will also be where you can find trains, busses, hotels, cafes, restaurants, etc. Note that this area is full of hills, cliffs, and generally very rocky, uneven terrain. So I recommend shelters with small footprints, and that you plan to spend more time to scout out a place to make camp. There are a few trail shelters in the area, as you will see pictures of later on.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">Hiking in Sweden you should already have some kind of maps and/or map app if you've made it as far as Ed or Strömstad. But for Norway, simply look up the UT app or check out the <b><a href="http://ut.no">ut.no</a></b> website which has decent maps and lots of info, but unfortunately as of the writing of this guide, the map/info are only in Norwegian. I speak Swedish, so I am able to figure things out without too much trouble, however. Click on "kart" for the interactive map.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">I completed a hike from Ed to Halden to Strömstad in two section hikes this spring that ended up being around 130km (60km from Ed to Halden, 70km from Halden to Strömstad). This total can be made shorter or longer depending on how much you want to explore, hike side trails, etc.--but my route is a more or less "direct" path between these three towns. If you are a thru-hiker with more time and are more ambitious, this Halden hike would make a nice addition to your trip, for example Bohusleden and/or Troll Trail hikers.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">So if you find yourself in Ed and want to hike this Halden route, you can do so and have a variety of options to modify your trip that best suits you. For example, you could hike from Ed to Halden to Strömstad as an alternate end to your Bohusleden trip. Or you could hike from Ed to Halden, and then rather than hiking to Strömstad from there, hike back to where you left Bohusleden (close to <i>Norane</i>), and continue hiking without any backtracking or missing any part of Bohusleden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">If you want to hike to Halden and then back to either Bohusleden and/or Ed, simply follow the instructions as follows, but then at the village of Bakke (with a campground on the banks of the fjord) hike east towards <i>Prestebakke</i>. This trail will take you to the border at N. Kornsjö, where you can bushwhack south less than 1km to Bohusleden. Then you will eventually end up in Strömstad anyhow, but with experiencing the Halden area as well. You could also just take a train from Halden back to Ed, but you'll be missing out on more good hiking that Halden has to offer.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">But to begin in Ed, simply hike west (doing some bushwhacking) then north to the <i>Tresticklans</i> National Park. You can also walk north then northwest following a road if you want an easier path (though less fun if you ask me, and you miss out on the cabin at <i>Bastedalen</i>). Then at Tresticklans decide if you want to hike through the national park or not. I've hiked through this park various times, so I opted to continue hiking west towards Norway. But I highly recommend you hike north through the park to the border crossing at <i>Budalsvika </i>if you haven't before--it's worth it and it's also a fairly short (10km) detour. There is also an excellent campground and trail shelter at Budalsvika right on the border.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">Either way (skipping Tresticklans or hiking through it), once you are in Norway, follow the marked trails that head west. Both paths from Tresticklans intersect close to the northern tip of the big lake <i>Ørsjøen</i>. Continue hiking west/north-west/north and you will be in Halden. There was one trail shelter and a lookout tower (both next to each other) along the way that you can see below in the pictures from my trip report.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">I highly suggest that once in Halden that you walk around the Halden fortress, which not only has historical significance, but has amazing views of the city and the fjord. Conveniently for me, as I needed to break this trip up into two section hikes, you can pick up the trail again heading south towards Strömstad close to the central train station. Just head southbound on a few cobblestone old roads, enjoy the scenic docks, and soon enough you'll be climbing up the cliffs overlooking the fjord for more stunning views.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">From there, just continue south following the fjord, which you will be hiking around until you cross <i>Berbyelva </i>river that feeds the fjord's southern tip. But if you intended on returning to either Ed or not skip any part of Bohusleden, when you get to the river you've gone too far! Remember to find the trail that heads west before circling the fjord (close to the Bakke campground, mentioned earlier). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">Circling around the southern end of the fjord, you'll hike north again to the border, and from here you can hike more on autopilot again. Just follow Bohusleden towards Strömstad where the trail ends. You'll get to see both sides of the fjord on the way.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;">That wraps up my trail guide on hiking through the Halden area. It's definitely an area I plan on returning to in the future. Enjoy my photo essay trip report below, and feel free to email me with any questions or feedback.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><b>Trip Report</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyx6dFV_t-TZUBul-7MSoaOsxuyxuakv-MDvnsgO2g5hAI7anRxx2S5Tv2I_dord7CB9-rP09FvE--wyHhRqMfJD01Ov7TnNaJIO3_OHILdzXFiSlU7fC79P1XEQI1de703OuJKitOwCo-bgQRpxIaj3bQOf4Pj4ocC_cVUObtpxQaGuGDvCRDa_rfA/s4000/DSC_0364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyx6dFV_t-TZUBul-7MSoaOsxuyxuakv-MDvnsgO2g5hAI7anRxx2S5Tv2I_dord7CB9-rP09FvE--wyHhRqMfJD01Ov7TnNaJIO3_OHILdzXFiSlU7fC79P1XEQI1de703OuJKitOwCo-bgQRpxIaj3bQOf4Pj4ocC_cVUObtpxQaGuGDvCRDa_rfA/s320/DSC_0364.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8f6W0jgrUXtAczfYptbBAAcuVjqXTRENDsnFL2AwF9rv-KGAdqnC0isA1dcAens3tiQmUN67Ka3PYo3xa6moLXbnuKn45IHMnWuAxFx04khqWGDsXaSBGrYZFGzcPDIAbh2K1A8JuPNC3Ct6rfVJr4P4UZtq1gMQLBNrLm4yWW-MEgKtAzL1MZJ72A/s4000/DSC_0372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8f6W0jgrUXtAczfYptbBAAcuVjqXTRENDsnFL2AwF9rv-KGAdqnC0isA1dcAens3tiQmUN67Ka3PYo3xa6moLXbnuKn45IHMnWuAxFx04khqWGDsXaSBGrYZFGzcPDIAbh2K1A8JuPNC3Ct6rfVJr4P4UZtq1gMQLBNrLm4yWW-MEgKtAzL1MZJ72A/s320/DSC_0372.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBVLcePG6hHiKt3DjjorFcSeOOW9osn0Wox4Ca_ZXLLC9u9yAVy3pB6GKzPI-2rATshi3ChrGyg0lAy-a2WQpr_xYxtXqVFcox8BrVh5SrCz8ulRQQVFClIOUoe7LVOGauDpc2b8uR4W7pBE74bs9NDjk3GHqjllX9ckH0_5JiVSIEwVE9CfDD0A2Hw/s4000/DSC_0375.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlBVLcePG6hHiKt3DjjorFcSeOOW9osn0Wox4Ca_ZXLLC9u9yAVy3pB6GKzPI-2rATshi3ChrGyg0lAy-a2WQpr_xYxtXqVFcox8BrVh5SrCz8ulRQQVFClIOUoe7LVOGauDpc2b8uR4W7pBE74bs9NDjk3GHqjllX9ckH0_5JiVSIEwVE9CfDD0A2Hw/s320/DSC_0375.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dKMtmtaZIFqs0zm9TD1xrkXgKIgfK_pHtVjLUVD_qiMtcArU707X5aEx8w-x5FL1QXufPWE3SEISEjtv-StaxqsT_ELfwmy8zdo1u2Wt5tnMu805Udoq5j36iw5HC84BR70E6MO2g5yTCTY3CyvYamun_HB7KdpjZl1p-LLeTmCrgvdgnJYbEyQW-Q/s4000/DSC_0378.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dKMtmtaZIFqs0zm9TD1xrkXgKIgfK_pHtVjLUVD_qiMtcArU707X5aEx8w-x5FL1QXufPWE3SEISEjtv-StaxqsT_ELfwmy8zdo1u2Wt5tnMu805Udoq5j36iw5HC84BR70E6MO2g5yTCTY3CyvYamun_HB7KdpjZl1p-LLeTmCrgvdgnJYbEyQW-Q/s320/DSC_0378.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhaOVaV5E5Rv61ggiJH-mcQ7e7F1mKcwoY96MvSBlGeSWV3NIeFT-czx07kf5sbtg7wzAWOL26f3KH8OJ-5WI7groBJ4aC5xQW57LBhU8Ms26E8mKGvJ8SG8WI7n-RIFIWtu8VjpQ3r5u4aJOqg8CQRNAfUBVNr3Ong_UdSPiWfKmtRcfDIiGGzEdvg/s4000/DSC_0388.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBhaOVaV5E5Rv61ggiJH-mcQ7e7F1mKcwoY96MvSBlGeSWV3NIeFT-czx07kf5sbtg7wzAWOL26f3KH8OJ-5WI7groBJ4aC5xQW57LBhU8Ms26E8mKGvJ8SG8WI7n-RIFIWtu8VjpQ3r5u4aJOqg8CQRNAfUBVNr3Ong_UdSPiWfKmtRcfDIiGGzEdvg/s320/DSC_0388.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7u1FVyZeKxkAqPWTw3Ouawvt0unT0EjQPXqs9Ma5wtE1BImNfW2_iMVMSog3lcIdBe4b8Re5QjHmDd4sIkadEqmqG1YsL65JSjp-gto7q95Alvzh6nshuQCKLZhK3-u5rYVIVoS-14awXOL7xr0S5qYmmosHMfkR7i4Ji7ztVJnTzrQ1gxXeNlssCA/s4000/DSC_0392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7u1FVyZeKxkAqPWTw3Ouawvt0unT0EjQPXqs9Ma5wtE1BImNfW2_iMVMSog3lcIdBe4b8Re5QjHmDd4sIkadEqmqG1YsL65JSjp-gto7q95Alvzh6nshuQCKLZhK3-u5rYVIVoS-14awXOL7xr0S5qYmmosHMfkR7i4Ji7ztVJnTzrQ1gxXeNlssCA/s320/DSC_0392.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNfGpy5oAX_3TaOX14C7aIGJsIpEdgYVy4_Q2iGg99-FV0QUTER0UAXpb54mO3SaIF041YkJAtddaZYWLNX2FBrx7CGt9fePDv-GkEw4Myi8Vrcm_Bj2P1oMc2DMougeyz_2_bAgEVHhFcByNF_YAkzsU49ym6MQ6pt7JKkEXOoj2wIF5fvBiDNoeNw/s3264/DSC_0393.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNfGpy5oAX_3TaOX14C7aIGJsIpEdgYVy4_Q2iGg99-FV0QUTER0UAXpb54mO3SaIF041YkJAtddaZYWLNX2FBrx7CGt9fePDv-GkEw4Myi8Vrcm_Bj2P1oMc2DMougeyz_2_bAgEVHhFcByNF_YAkzsU49ym6MQ6pt7JKkEXOoj2wIF5fvBiDNoeNw/s320/DSC_0393.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0uqHntOOZjEadtBJ2qCzSq2zjPkC1JzU35pn6yS1xhT4_X3VpYYhBDDyfYSJdMxCjlak6VAvXMJf1LULeCQfSyiB4YIpmfyFstgXWFYh74VzdRcIUfn0RADgqGatAzoW6addTJUZJLI-redCTasX8X2x7YsxOidYxFbPimSkto1aZEfs3AWF74KUuA/s4000/DSC_0397.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB0uqHntOOZjEadtBJ2qCzSq2zjPkC1JzU35pn6yS1xhT4_X3VpYYhBDDyfYSJdMxCjlak6VAvXMJf1LULeCQfSyiB4YIpmfyFstgXWFYh74VzdRcIUfn0RADgqGatAzoW6addTJUZJLI-redCTasX8X2x7YsxOidYxFbPimSkto1aZEfs3AWF74KUuA/s320/DSC_0397.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXVyYO9YYeu7jjcCf7vheU4A-rwwoVZX2JYJUsb4GsTS_DMejLQ5iSn5IuFQkYx0N2H-mS3SZJ0JNksjtvWzd-xiEPA91qbXb4k_E77P1kh4PT1p7TAkCu5QhP7Omruk4xjwxXhcB9UiJIFTUv4IC42Hu-RuIYVH0GqDbVuVWbpPctMdVsnYK19fKkw/s4000/DSC_0406.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisXVyYO9YYeu7jjcCf7vheU4A-rwwoVZX2JYJUsb4GsTS_DMejLQ5iSn5IuFQkYx0N2H-mS3SZJ0JNksjtvWzd-xiEPA91qbXb4k_E77P1kh4PT1p7TAkCu5QhP7Omruk4xjwxXhcB9UiJIFTUv4IC42Hu-RuIYVH0GqDbVuVWbpPctMdVsnYK19fKkw/s320/DSC_0406.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wfz6-HisVj6ncJfdcG25nUGG2pWcqWEbZiMkGQrhzGHPfRjrFeOPOzWBRGVwQIwxyTwIlPRsy0OvS-yrzJmewg3fDnxQDyzY78SeLrPSVhioJP8NMpoVEpVeBW9jaUyinhkMC3S1ZgcrWRLrbhxCPLsTmDgDiArQpuAtVq4jjyy_9PvTpmilACPwcQ/s4000/DSC_0407.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9wfz6-HisVj6ncJfdcG25nUGG2pWcqWEbZiMkGQrhzGHPfRjrFeOPOzWBRGVwQIwxyTwIlPRsy0OvS-yrzJmewg3fDnxQDyzY78SeLrPSVhioJP8NMpoVEpVeBW9jaUyinhkMC3S1ZgcrWRLrbhxCPLsTmDgDiArQpuAtVq4jjyy_9PvTpmilACPwcQ/s320/DSC_0407.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uP2DpLtlkw1c1h6tZ8yo6gGGFCQlRg5czTRM9o1s3NUrCNRONoh1f1JQnOV1P-vO3YPQ_KtzS6KUJta5UkwqQXPLnpjWM-09jG8Mmxd2S4EWRN-k8t4seDLyNDSdwepF1jz2lHyt-JVFawlt8i3dtHI-eNSavWqIEGJunmBri5GNNMaXgageSA4HZg/s4000/DSC_0409.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uP2DpLtlkw1c1h6tZ8yo6gGGFCQlRg5czTRM9o1s3NUrCNRONoh1f1JQnOV1P-vO3YPQ_KtzS6KUJta5UkwqQXPLnpjWM-09jG8Mmxd2S4EWRN-k8t4seDLyNDSdwepF1jz2lHyt-JVFawlt8i3dtHI-eNSavWqIEGJunmBri5GNNMaXgageSA4HZg/s320/DSC_0409.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LA8kyCqxyMUF9zksM7yN7QbZe5xw4KIVWLtCRfO0vnG2jGJZwU_Gzhs1D1ID0tdSa09jHTTodqcuSH0L_vYQfo1S_JIiFi-ovwKzSd2IejDgtuR8ppDJeuRI0nqnDiwlhllUyezAypuS3CbQ6MZVKrw3PWstS3Wweirje99Oyv1vawjBjgodZImzIg/s4000/DSC_0414.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LA8kyCqxyMUF9zksM7yN7QbZe5xw4KIVWLtCRfO0vnG2jGJZwU_Gzhs1D1ID0tdSa09jHTTodqcuSH0L_vYQfo1S_JIiFi-ovwKzSd2IejDgtuR8ppDJeuRI0nqnDiwlhllUyezAypuS3CbQ6MZVKrw3PWstS3Wweirje99Oyv1vawjBjgodZImzIg/s320/DSC_0414.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J1LJNgtiKsF6B_pc42uSt5CpMJPTfF2YBxATvcq46GS7ux7XrXdnrFJShuK4Fo7vurwV92lpeSmr3Rb1fD9wjx61Ov0I1SU6ztOQc82DkMLm4z_xbQ2DQCoXGmM1OmbL0aPjLcfALsECyeSxceTS7d7W3p5hrXWCUG-569d5Y8p7Ec2NSAYESYTJGw/s4000/DSC_0415.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6J1LJNgtiKsF6B_pc42uSt5CpMJPTfF2YBxATvcq46GS7ux7XrXdnrFJShuK4Fo7vurwV92lpeSmr3Rb1fD9wjx61Ov0I1SU6ztOQc82DkMLm4z_xbQ2DQCoXGmM1OmbL0aPjLcfALsECyeSxceTS7d7W3p5hrXWCUG-569d5Y8p7Ec2NSAYESYTJGw/s320/DSC_0415.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMg0qp73qYmC1iJzB-xRBAyxs3w7bICKV0SPKCf5TD3FCr1F0yNCJ6DWl0j94GdNtuBqRoJxoATX_ko3pcqbyrF--NuX3gSkWfgLD0yUH7tNwG-ipe6h3xcfGpJkaj7f6JZ6FqiesKtUPqYjsIeb41SY7aZrqB6J4AmviqRuN02xbW5qGRQOpEwMJxw/s4000/DSC_0431.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLMg0qp73qYmC1iJzB-xRBAyxs3w7bICKV0SPKCf5TD3FCr1F0yNCJ6DWl0j94GdNtuBqRoJxoATX_ko3pcqbyrF--NuX3gSkWfgLD0yUH7tNwG-ipe6h3xcfGpJkaj7f6JZ6FqiesKtUPqYjsIeb41SY7aZrqB6J4AmviqRuN02xbW5qGRQOpEwMJxw/s320/DSC_0431.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCOheWH4ENQIGBkCY7WmTi2BUiK8M96TympdB2pHZKu3Jq_mAmR1_IVRRojmnw_zW_ASuVx81mb76E1MPhfgy6AMVyLIRXRmDSAjhAJXLstlOlNlNzdRHvWoEAtspjov40099vkYLOU1BYpk61E750_AQ19sY2yQiKJbdhNVLtU3qG5VKHgs6vkzMEw/s4000/DSC_0432.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGCOheWH4ENQIGBkCY7WmTi2BUiK8M96TympdB2pHZKu3Jq_mAmR1_IVRRojmnw_zW_ASuVx81mb76E1MPhfgy6AMVyLIRXRmDSAjhAJXLstlOlNlNzdRHvWoEAtspjov40099vkYLOU1BYpk61E750_AQ19sY2yQiKJbdhNVLtU3qG5VKHgs6vkzMEw/s320/DSC_0432.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A75V6uI3hSi5VbAPXMPwne85ZueCCI13UNpBsw5dZQHsaFGmWJwfevAn95ifcseIE6z0WlVSj1muaEtZ0JLcRsrKch321SaTixgQQ3l3CO4AlQeRmjgxp52HiJ1wK5_4h9XL8KSXuGx2ZdDIZcz7m54KILt-OorYsMLsu8O8eOoXouJyEOcMGNOlLQ/s4000/DSC_0434.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A75V6uI3hSi5VbAPXMPwne85ZueCCI13UNpBsw5dZQHsaFGmWJwfevAn95ifcseIE6z0WlVSj1muaEtZ0JLcRsrKch321SaTixgQQ3l3CO4AlQeRmjgxp52HiJ1wK5_4h9XL8KSXuGx2ZdDIZcz7m54KILt-OorYsMLsu8O8eOoXouJyEOcMGNOlLQ/s320/DSC_0434.JPG" width="240" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bn_aQJRD0_I" width="320" youtube-src-id="bn_aQJRD0_I"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCT4WSjuX1i4i5vUEccrsujzpkrEasmQuklWbOZbSZtMpJvlYLpQhGS3CTZQSHKlQdmDa6D1b35wMa5rQSsQdohvfWqBFqG391ib4llF1UtW8zGSBidbJ2V3lJPRIqUUe9Du9n0Jcz3-1yRp_ZtMplArsICbkyrIlKNWu_59v6DMwtOgmUnn-p3S8vA/s4000/DSC_0440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKCT4WSjuX1i4i5vUEccrsujzpkrEasmQuklWbOZbSZtMpJvlYLpQhGS3CTZQSHKlQdmDa6D1b35wMa5rQSsQdohvfWqBFqG391ib4llF1UtW8zGSBidbJ2V3lJPRIqUUe9Du9n0Jcz3-1yRp_ZtMplArsICbkyrIlKNWu_59v6DMwtOgmUnn-p3S8vA/s320/DSC_0440.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqkJkY2RdKrxU89j6T5NRxsJSJj4RC2beFnIkLRfqbvmo1xfSTs3vD3VLoMKz_ddTgUdsJJ5Px4ZnAmDx6B8mc914CxG0-KLNvMUWwcPzSIW2A9RFr_9jdNTucrbaxNPmoaJE6ulC3Zd-FzRjsp6TPVpMSQasXfAT_xFxEKZo-kfw0pp1RWJczItwzw/s4000/DSC_0447.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKqkJkY2RdKrxU89j6T5NRxsJSJj4RC2beFnIkLRfqbvmo1xfSTs3vD3VLoMKz_ddTgUdsJJ5Px4ZnAmDx6B8mc914CxG0-KLNvMUWwcPzSIW2A9RFr_9jdNTucrbaxNPmoaJE6ulC3Zd-FzRjsp6TPVpMSQasXfAT_xFxEKZo-kfw0pp1RWJczItwzw/s320/DSC_0447.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2Lg9UY1e83His3zkOUNC_hpZk9Y-Wv24XT26Agh-LCo7bYJD3NoH50fTl-Xdyysu3gtCsyo75fGdmA9IArEy0jNJHnx042pOdbmzMocxVr6SbWmsfzCMgTJozu4xAUsJkp8Qh60WPjFgfHjFdPTYmF-s1ThMoR0OPYXQJfDzfv5fcACMVBo5n3yK7g/s4000/DSC_0448.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2Lg9UY1e83His3zkOUNC_hpZk9Y-Wv24XT26Agh-LCo7bYJD3NoH50fTl-Xdyysu3gtCsyo75fGdmA9IArEy0jNJHnx042pOdbmzMocxVr6SbWmsfzCMgTJozu4xAUsJkp8Qh60WPjFgfHjFdPTYmF-s1ThMoR0OPYXQJfDzfv5fcACMVBo5n3yK7g/s320/DSC_0448.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAfeXywuYzup0b7wzEE2LDwHNeOBllGikyKKwV_vg9rmR_-ZygTXHFnqZuonaJXpN1nxqIyY_yleXY31OkbSBDK2fC4GFBi_hWUU9HsnH3Eu8Up3c1DjodFpuG9hV8_4mYNE94PgNA6pgOTYcdC-nyrOtAp3BJ1B4r54ghlCAg3dQGdJwRW4WHTGcUA/s4000/DSC_0451.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIAfeXywuYzup0b7wzEE2LDwHNeOBllGikyKKwV_vg9rmR_-ZygTXHFnqZuonaJXpN1nxqIyY_yleXY31OkbSBDK2fC4GFBi_hWUU9HsnH3Eu8Up3c1DjodFpuG9hV8_4mYNE94PgNA6pgOTYcdC-nyrOtAp3BJ1B4r54ghlCAg3dQGdJwRW4WHTGcUA/s320/DSC_0451.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTMQA63QiHe6vRVvftwCRvLfpoYv8Xsnh9T0R6JBcEZkozl23H4NxoLJxSkbgewz1xIDPbF8IPRIIDzvIsQIhtU60DQ1IKxqejWIT1p3i2TDqI_faHS2vP2sN0itcOlXtebMqDot9lHPn3mQJrVFFDIoArWmDVGLEAc94j9buEqynuLxgytkXHYYaNQ/s4000/DSC_0454.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTMQA63QiHe6vRVvftwCRvLfpoYv8Xsnh9T0R6JBcEZkozl23H4NxoLJxSkbgewz1xIDPbF8IPRIIDzvIsQIhtU60DQ1IKxqejWIT1p3i2TDqI_faHS2vP2sN0itcOlXtebMqDot9lHPn3mQJrVFFDIoArWmDVGLEAc94j9buEqynuLxgytkXHYYaNQ/s320/DSC_0454.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9XvmmiH3CihO2_BfwsmCMMELDNFfSCtZPPSPyn6ZBy7b2J_LH2Mb6RdhVKuEuTmQ2614Kn3IES18tFGAyGJNC98dC6gjJ8hAHZ1J88Bcmyc07STo6lz5e72xqDt-_Bx0HW751Fc78CRqKgZfL6-yLB6LIt0v8cu_LX-qTPMXvWhZDeWwzPwPlaE8PQ/s4000/DSC_0455.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9XvmmiH3CihO2_BfwsmCMMELDNFfSCtZPPSPyn6ZBy7b2J_LH2Mb6RdhVKuEuTmQ2614Kn3IES18tFGAyGJNC98dC6gjJ8hAHZ1J88Bcmyc07STo6lz5e72xqDt-_Bx0HW751Fc78CRqKgZfL6-yLB6LIt0v8cu_LX-qTPMXvWhZDeWwzPwPlaE8PQ/s320/DSC_0455.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbVgJU-lJsgOYhz-6IdGblY5xPg4A6f9N2-JEEgHNxgMrCBfOgC7XPf64xgGvmJ_o-gRUb5LHXr4sZ2arFDE2GBi8qeKa-JDfj471fOAqzc9JCivuw8BWejm_C43MVdp96MOPG7hTgZSMz9dPjLPsCiVOf_eHx52HTk1HVEZcnFkI5TXCSzJFQesSTA/s4000/DSC_0475.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFbVgJU-lJsgOYhz-6IdGblY5xPg4A6f9N2-JEEgHNxgMrCBfOgC7XPf64xgGvmJ_o-gRUb5LHXr4sZ2arFDE2GBi8qeKa-JDfj471fOAqzc9JCivuw8BWejm_C43MVdp96MOPG7hTgZSMz9dPjLPsCiVOf_eHx52HTk1HVEZcnFkI5TXCSzJFQesSTA/s320/DSC_0475.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOVDA78hhwsYsEHrQvKu_a8kYD39brGh_7jTgaMct6vnp-d-OfjE8XlxFR3qnmLsmTHEE7tH_XuycvEVHA5F3pD7Ac6zGokjbAn6jKVA8qQ0gNAp28DVv8DLzCMlSs_vxM7KNdZ5BMYNUJg2tLirauCOCPx02Xbk6dVXnMq9NccbTxPxGEarXs3kYgg/s4000/DSC_0476.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcOVDA78hhwsYsEHrQvKu_a8kYD39brGh_7jTgaMct6vnp-d-OfjE8XlxFR3qnmLsmTHEE7tH_XuycvEVHA5F3pD7Ac6zGokjbAn6jKVA8qQ0gNAp28DVv8DLzCMlSs_vxM7KNdZ5BMYNUJg2tLirauCOCPx02Xbk6dVXnMq9NccbTxPxGEarXs3kYgg/s320/DSC_0476.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeHoKQnVFx-jR-VPjWuJZ_HKzC2ppLU4dE6BlvRTQVSiUzKIQ3PBirbMcVG_6hentCjjTTFoHU7wmmNGvI-CB_XLEVXdDJ7BurMG1sIiB4Vw_qrxX7NT0obPb1Ji79U6tcJvgZTcELkojcgUwGgv1hdx4orpG5Q07kqYj8nk43serQHtIouTqKA8HXg/s4000/DSC_0481.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijeHoKQnVFx-jR-VPjWuJZ_HKzC2ppLU4dE6BlvRTQVSiUzKIQ3PBirbMcVG_6hentCjjTTFoHU7wmmNGvI-CB_XLEVXdDJ7BurMG1sIiB4Vw_qrxX7NT0obPb1Ji79U6tcJvgZTcELkojcgUwGgv1hdx4orpG5Q07kqYj8nk43serQHtIouTqKA8HXg/s320/DSC_0481.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LXCIFJV9edSak-SckDy5GvbO8_x1RrFn75rflC_1_0lIxVr-paFiKH2AMODi1LxyZDwXWaJrmoNOR59vTZF0OylAtiR18rdrWjdYop1CaADUde5ECoLBbiNFimpGwLzaQADsA_PIwdM9y61Lkwa-Cp7_dCH83EMYZZvzND0Wi9SDDVniMKNPfI0NZQ/s4000/DSC_0482.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7LXCIFJV9edSak-SckDy5GvbO8_x1RrFn75rflC_1_0lIxVr-paFiKH2AMODi1LxyZDwXWaJrmoNOR59vTZF0OylAtiR18rdrWjdYop1CaADUde5ECoLBbiNFimpGwLzaQADsA_PIwdM9y61Lkwa-Cp7_dCH83EMYZZvzND0Wi9SDDVniMKNPfI0NZQ/s320/DSC_0482.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg3R3AODjJrOBaqjA3kzOUrwr3Z9h2QfEjoJNg1B3Cu70hAOHZdnVIA-i0UQD2oeZiNIqtbYPtACgrf628cEZdAUYvA87B3drxyRHh5Q9I6z6dHL7ZO7hhYSE1qOTVLzz8wGiD0SqaLoQFhbOQSwXzMDSIPiQBj-I4KxJULZE_OG0tKwovdmigFaIaA/s4000/DSC_0483.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIg3R3AODjJrOBaqjA3kzOUrwr3Z9h2QfEjoJNg1B3Cu70hAOHZdnVIA-i0UQD2oeZiNIqtbYPtACgrf628cEZdAUYvA87B3drxyRHh5Q9I6z6dHL7ZO7hhYSE1qOTVLzz8wGiD0SqaLoQFhbOQSwXzMDSIPiQBj-I4KxJULZE_OG0tKwovdmigFaIaA/s320/DSC_0483.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2uYn_7ESLSkDs8eDVkqaR8tok-OYPP8WnMpJY4VUMpAOxgo5zB_lmfiJV5wwF8zdSWnTddsaVkFctQb5axT_XvmrQW7OZzf6z7jdn09JfpOgc2F-6Br8QnnDx_t-TtFhPPr8sJ_6Sky2JJnOBickseE7CHXAf-K4esh8T5XLRtlZnY1nz4ReLNUomA/s4000/DSC_0501.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr2uYn_7ESLSkDs8eDVkqaR8tok-OYPP8WnMpJY4VUMpAOxgo5zB_lmfiJV5wwF8zdSWnTddsaVkFctQb5axT_XvmrQW7OZzf6z7jdn09JfpOgc2F-6Br8QnnDx_t-TtFhPPr8sJ_6Sky2JJnOBickseE7CHXAf-K4esh8T5XLRtlZnY1nz4ReLNUomA/s320/DSC_0501.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL09ZyniFYaJRO_LhzTxuX9noDdTZzjYSJdrdO4S1UzMqFQpBXVaxk0TPrGwFz6-1USH1HNgCY8O7F1CawOunPO3vLdb9QYQdlImqx9g3MbKm_UryMNZCFnH38jYEXmiQaugBxjmzKwDJwWMz17eZveJ9n-I1lqvxpT2cNZlp_tR_Tl3mbAQxGSfks-Q/s4000/DSC_0509.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL09ZyniFYaJRO_LhzTxuX9noDdTZzjYSJdrdO4S1UzMqFQpBXVaxk0TPrGwFz6-1USH1HNgCY8O7F1CawOunPO3vLdb9QYQdlImqx9g3MbKm_UryMNZCFnH38jYEXmiQaugBxjmzKwDJwWMz17eZveJ9n-I1lqvxpT2cNZlp_tR_Tl3mbAQxGSfks-Q/s320/DSC_0509.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7paGn9kK8rnCK0osSPpJUwi16RqWyjG9pqN8r2UQSdM_LAQ1ycsgwweBSuuHQ8QVE__UCWgcYvrFDvGOajJ8Il2CVpUSg1VeUtt0D9GW5jcUIDrQ9nbg0RJKhJw2qoTIYnqrmVEqCSfjCR-g5hPGxhZkGCeWdMlehMN-GdNPUl5KZypbWF_EHxznt8A/s4000/DSC_0511.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7paGn9kK8rnCK0osSPpJUwi16RqWyjG9pqN8r2UQSdM_LAQ1ycsgwweBSuuHQ8QVE__UCWgcYvrFDvGOajJ8Il2CVpUSg1VeUtt0D9GW5jcUIDrQ9nbg0RJKhJw2qoTIYnqrmVEqCSfjCR-g5hPGxhZkGCeWdMlehMN-GdNPUl5KZypbWF_EHxznt8A/s320/DSC_0511.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx0MgHguejkkfJNGK8JlRnVSZ-oTiJJF3_uGAODIwsYwvH5v2d7F5NomNzpp6uQNPRpdtaJB8JMe74psPHtT0xs0CiwuJwo49vIUTQ4o6o93gadZT0g3NaDQCIIrfsrT-DGOxRIbbTnO9Wgtmr5d8DKYokQXZha0W_nFOJSfXDDk1G0ZhYNK1AH802w/s4000/DSC_0516.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPx0MgHguejkkfJNGK8JlRnVSZ-oTiJJF3_uGAODIwsYwvH5v2d7F5NomNzpp6uQNPRpdtaJB8JMe74psPHtT0xs0CiwuJwo49vIUTQ4o6o93gadZT0g3NaDQCIIrfsrT-DGOxRIbbTnO9Wgtmr5d8DKYokQXZha0W_nFOJSfXDDk1G0ZhYNK1AH802w/s320/DSC_0516.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mf9P08gaLlLgaWHBQgvpoGWM1hyzIJkh8PrCTiatgHoPsdsHwWvdXxHyQ43_ZsJ0jvVg9AsaILRD9S-25FIrvEkiNmaFosp_sgmkDnGkah0UOgcNpC7kQKClkXPxOGvypF-5oDN0qLM9-Jyb7hfYOyOCCUkkGWn74IGmVhcKpGcMGJvlVs3dcVEHg/s4000/DSC_0527.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA6mf9P08gaLlLgaWHBQgvpoGWM1hyzIJkh8PrCTiatgHoPsdsHwWvdXxHyQ43_ZsJ0jvVg9AsaILRD9S-25FIrvEkiNmaFosp_sgmkDnGkah0UOgcNpC7kQKClkXPxOGvypF-5oDN0qLM9-Jyb7hfYOyOCCUkkGWn74IGmVhcKpGcMGJvlVs3dcVEHg/s320/DSC_0527.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGehtb5s2tumGOroNDmD92vysoVXGW34uQF72eQ-t7m2iCvuCp-7scLhacy9MPNvkr5PUY2yCHr7g_VeLj7kJOzc7hsxYHUTKypHo0udB8a8Opxw7c1ZY5LX27VBeRsRTPYnR3NuCWG8b6zTgGlUmkZKpXI7_VL-ZjC_9JaNo9NL6iAfa6bZsY_oGLBg/s4000/DSC_0528.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGehtb5s2tumGOroNDmD92vysoVXGW34uQF72eQ-t7m2iCvuCp-7scLhacy9MPNvkr5PUY2yCHr7g_VeLj7kJOzc7hsxYHUTKypHo0udB8a8Opxw7c1ZY5LX27VBeRsRTPYnR3NuCWG8b6zTgGlUmkZKpXI7_VL-ZjC_9JaNo9NL6iAfa6bZsY_oGLBg/s320/DSC_0528.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u58hpzdUbPlXseSSeX0oSnwB6ouJlkR5rxbKUUP18R1CodDQZsTWmp1NqYK3V3uHGM1XAQp3vibr-P2VqrQotW-TLZyiVBPunURVsArgxXsKSX2HFocLKv8b-9HhUnB61dVj0qiENRHeVD3Okp9zAfYOJNTWFHO0uc4x5uVGseN4HHBjsqBqFse0MA/s4000/DSC_0531.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u58hpzdUbPlXseSSeX0oSnwB6ouJlkR5rxbKUUP18R1CodDQZsTWmp1NqYK3V3uHGM1XAQp3vibr-P2VqrQotW-TLZyiVBPunURVsArgxXsKSX2HFocLKv8b-9HhUnB61dVj0qiENRHeVD3Okp9zAfYOJNTWFHO0uc4x5uVGseN4HHBjsqBqFse0MA/s320/DSC_0531.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguGx6Vf3nBsqLim8y_1HX3QLIAJLX7kKsrs0jWhcbblXLVqk0keg5xuzPq85kG3LPQCwE2_gASC9WLzS-Zs82RRu8x7k56yT81mS5jNzbKtg5YgNEguHWu12AQCQEST8MQ-m7o6xiXj5Z1f-THf4VhZ4bKpYVEj1Rc6om9ECSS0aMXBrjnNgcn2XB0w/s4000/DSC_0532.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjguGx6Vf3nBsqLim8y_1HX3QLIAJLX7kKsrs0jWhcbblXLVqk0keg5xuzPq85kG3LPQCwE2_gASC9WLzS-Zs82RRu8x7k56yT81mS5jNzbKtg5YgNEguHWu12AQCQEST8MQ-m7o6xiXj5Z1f-THf4VhZ4bKpYVEj1Rc6om9ECSS0aMXBrjnNgcn2XB0w/s320/DSC_0532.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sJDitHVui8PapmbXfpb4QV2Kc93I9shIHNwZZDihlK02zJxuPz40Rsr7Dn503Qs3Yc40LS3poi4UsTyIsOszPVvc-mR0Dr5qHxoP7rl3tClhvtYWuf0gaJsy7WjF6QNOf0bXQuIw52OcDYaISEP6hLHyCiVslEiedwGbII2tbBKPA5FT9gbiqOGoMw/s4000/DSC_0533.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9sJDitHVui8PapmbXfpb4QV2Kc93I9shIHNwZZDihlK02zJxuPz40Rsr7Dn503Qs3Yc40LS3poi4UsTyIsOszPVvc-mR0Dr5qHxoP7rl3tClhvtYWuf0gaJsy7WjF6QNOf0bXQuIw52OcDYaISEP6hLHyCiVslEiedwGbII2tbBKPA5FT9gbiqOGoMw/s320/DSC_0533.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX_jYHDcQps4Gb7RQl7Nf_yR5-rzspumTHFvf9T4B_gaaKR2gCBNfDyGIP2e1MztpdwyqjRPkW2X4exV3-7icSZtTNroQT8vJjZ3GvGHHpsEDhUaLZ7hWQDXF_sT4t9gJ6EGP_Zh133j_-PEnZMyDa7ztg-_b2tTBqgVZGO4k4Ff2-NIjweYr4ESu2g/s4000/DSC_0536.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWX_jYHDcQps4Gb7RQl7Nf_yR5-rzspumTHFvf9T4B_gaaKR2gCBNfDyGIP2e1MztpdwyqjRPkW2X4exV3-7icSZtTNroQT8vJjZ3GvGHHpsEDhUaLZ7hWQDXF_sT4t9gJ6EGP_Zh133j_-PEnZMyDa7ztg-_b2tTBqgVZGO4k4Ff2-NIjweYr4ESu2g/s320/DSC_0536.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwg-DrssHans6i8mxtB-ihOMm-pHokHudpNFLAR-Z3tfELZ9Db0CTZhz-_Nm80Hn5yoLzxYyOzo17x-hVVwLthb1muB4aMV5ILga-HQKmqzWsmSvR9yZd7FxD-YVSoYQXvm8sr93dYwrk5L3Z_q1k_LHDhrEu6rCUJIm8FMInqfhEE853pfCnL0-Otg/s4000/DSC_0542.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzwg-DrssHans6i8mxtB-ihOMm-pHokHudpNFLAR-Z3tfELZ9Db0CTZhz-_Nm80Hn5yoLzxYyOzo17x-hVVwLthb1muB4aMV5ILga-HQKmqzWsmSvR9yZd7FxD-YVSoYQXvm8sr93dYwrk5L3Z_q1k_LHDhrEu6rCUJIm8FMInqfhEE853pfCnL0-Otg/s320/DSC_0542.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44hobnNp7pCELD1DLpNJ40bSvZRzEAQVh3FWFP0ym-eP7iOTfPpSyrNrtDnFreyc-EJAjRj4_I0owiLifd1vd8JX2CD8qNKuWZgNyphbK03c7c8P3ywwFJwt53ntRsqtH2AxhIlphrRrN0QUh5XYQg_Ti8KDGXrBem4PCl7p-KD7UzcwpynDqLdT2zw/s4000/DSC_0544.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh44hobnNp7pCELD1DLpNJ40bSvZRzEAQVh3FWFP0ym-eP7iOTfPpSyrNrtDnFreyc-EJAjRj4_I0owiLifd1vd8JX2CD8qNKuWZgNyphbK03c7c8P3ywwFJwt53ntRsqtH2AxhIlphrRrN0QUh5XYQg_Ti8KDGXrBem4PCl7p-KD7UzcwpynDqLdT2zw/s320/DSC_0544.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkiMQj9gRTt4SKpqG8BQYjiSDW39TiyJWFsCfTzBWm6ym6ggGeXNtz0jWSMMfWDFKe2UaH_cvMoCi38hEq2L1I_ndbSIaL0j9Pf5Kq6kZz2rScDTe3fYtnGvhP7Mj9uyatMR745OIdKVAIh8O54V0vp4NLA6IMb8cyZ2zww9h_afTD3dQ-BFT_bzQjQ/s4000/DSC_0548.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQkiMQj9gRTt4SKpqG8BQYjiSDW39TiyJWFsCfTzBWm6ym6ggGeXNtz0jWSMMfWDFKe2UaH_cvMoCi38hEq2L1I_ndbSIaL0j9Pf5Kq6kZz2rScDTe3fYtnGvhP7Mj9uyatMR745OIdKVAIh8O54V0vp4NLA6IMb8cyZ2zww9h_afTD3dQ-BFT_bzQjQ/s320/DSC_0548.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuDziBMzKVD4nVxJX3tuS2iB2Yd0qIhJ26TJhWPSx_po9ShbMQ8NWBxZIe2OQIjseQC3k-jqYmDiJk8XOLd9P0YIHLCbQm_j2SROuIGuYbdsKDXbj3V3WSAB_groIbw57fkSEeUmtm8lpqrtCcZ6-8bHXutWPkYa4Wr9qZqwSBwpuHAF-QZmSRvs-rw/s4000/DSC_0589.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAuDziBMzKVD4nVxJX3tuS2iB2Yd0qIhJ26TJhWPSx_po9ShbMQ8NWBxZIe2OQIjseQC3k-jqYmDiJk8XOLd9P0YIHLCbQm_j2SROuIGuYbdsKDXbj3V3WSAB_groIbw57fkSEeUmtm8lpqrtCcZ6-8bHXutWPkYa4Wr9qZqwSBwpuHAF-QZmSRvs-rw/s320/DSC_0589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOZw2xyNILwWmZ9lkossl0T2xBAtefv8i5WJhAqYm9keQB8prJfTpSV4knzP9psdjG0qc9aOt05jaBuyUNkXQ46SHGAOMA4J_NRcWqBChN3TlaXNk2AbOtVT_5DErr6_F7sYUfnPvSNsxomnOLeXiIqb8lFMcYby4PFsOStNPLKYBHeiF6sCuNbt11w/s4000/DSC_0593.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcOZw2xyNILwWmZ9lkossl0T2xBAtefv8i5WJhAqYm9keQB8prJfTpSV4knzP9psdjG0qc9aOt05jaBuyUNkXQ46SHGAOMA4J_NRcWqBChN3TlaXNk2AbOtVT_5DErr6_F7sYUfnPvSNsxomnOLeXiIqb8lFMcYby4PFsOStNPLKYBHeiF6sCuNbt11w/s320/DSC_0593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50kO3ptOfrER68_zMeJIFod20i9LDodJrPP01KtlqDBBQbvWRN39ym-pOz0X9ieZ0n0ok-6Ijt5NJipEAoFoQiQzWLJs8-PUtsh2SCaZc8z7cihEVNNJAmtknfOZ4myqlJGziYn6AjoCDlM3edbMPLFJSucHCL9UIgc9wH18QAlpHA4XZ8l52tzDoOQ/s4000/DSC_0595.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50kO3ptOfrER68_zMeJIFod20i9LDodJrPP01KtlqDBBQbvWRN39ym-pOz0X9ieZ0n0ok-6Ijt5NJipEAoFoQiQzWLJs8-PUtsh2SCaZc8z7cihEVNNJAmtknfOZ4myqlJGziYn6AjoCDlM3edbMPLFJSucHCL9UIgc9wH18QAlpHA4XZ8l52tzDoOQ/s320/DSC_0595.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOrHdmsvUSvN3DY4U6r2GXanZL9YkuJZEwaxbH922Kl-3q72lsC81I4mfiEMVgxfEu8FhewMHtc-wOmma2pbFYF05dywQmqH7hAEQxKaQcTX818i6Fnf3QGjdk4voGJFkrzgeS7sM7gmtE47B8qDl4TiZEPXP7gC6chGiqFsgH497cq_ZCECtKHZxFg/s4000/DSC_0601.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSOrHdmsvUSvN3DY4U6r2GXanZL9YkuJZEwaxbH922Kl-3q72lsC81I4mfiEMVgxfEu8FhewMHtc-wOmma2pbFYF05dywQmqH7hAEQxKaQcTX818i6Fnf3QGjdk4voGJFkrzgeS7sM7gmtE47B8qDl4TiZEPXP7gC6chGiqFsgH497cq_ZCECtKHZxFg/s320/DSC_0601.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_lt8-ipnMun-p9ZctkjFZtLY2rXWdXbx8UHdBQYFyp5PmLVWc3XdrqvzDuqG8HKHuQLywIB3nyCvWFy1ReM4s5mxI3qOT0UvdXFrMO_IRmM_evNuSegbREH-eEZuCLXsk8Qfh8HslYqUYGYBLGcmWLwLuOYeO2aTQKOx8SElW3I1cE4WwNfR31KMg/s4000/DSC_0603.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpx_lt8-ipnMun-p9ZctkjFZtLY2rXWdXbx8UHdBQYFyp5PmLVWc3XdrqvzDuqG8HKHuQLywIB3nyCvWFy1ReM4s5mxI3qOT0UvdXFrMO_IRmM_evNuSegbREH-eEZuCLXsk8Qfh8HslYqUYGYBLGcmWLwLuOYeO2aTQKOx8SElW3I1cE4WwNfR31KMg/s320/DSC_0603.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnCjCevIbVL0TGrF7_J1FTQx6easJuXJKzjILyXXebXXt8YTfu22H203Nb_XuCthDrD8xrSLWdcO0_EW1oQK0ZzmqrxPOcBNKEIliryfPBIBiuODPBo_Y0tLti3IN89Aw2PCQTOkFJaQGQhzAZ1sE5AVmpZEnPA_8AgWxtwSiLCQ9YX5UegF2uPEstg/s4000/DSC_0604.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRnCjCevIbVL0TGrF7_J1FTQx6easJuXJKzjILyXXebXXt8YTfu22H203Nb_XuCthDrD8xrSLWdcO0_EW1oQK0ZzmqrxPOcBNKEIliryfPBIBiuODPBo_Y0tLti3IN89Aw2PCQTOkFJaQGQhzAZ1sE5AVmpZEnPA_8AgWxtwSiLCQ9YX5UegF2uPEstg/s320/DSC_0604.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTRVCwRj9TekGYCV7oOc6QmzLX73g_-NdV3Qi5iMLbCA4LfjeMfwaxqdx2Pwu7vZDHZ4TrjYWEWRFxU12Sz6tq1eTMDUX0sWDI3B9lr5rO059lMlJGnw6_hOgzP08X-uNVg7Ps230e1PFkXG997syRy8Wrwx4uZKlmwoSHq_lD-MTbjyCpvOS-b4nCw/s4000/DSC_0610.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmTRVCwRj9TekGYCV7oOc6QmzLX73g_-NdV3Qi5iMLbCA4LfjeMfwaxqdx2Pwu7vZDHZ4TrjYWEWRFxU12Sz6tq1eTMDUX0sWDI3B9lr5rO059lMlJGnw6_hOgzP08X-uNVg7Ps230e1PFkXG997syRy8Wrwx4uZKlmwoSHq_lD-MTbjyCpvOS-b4nCw/s320/DSC_0610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSztuSnLcKP8T4MqUIEJ6-3zwNkmAbVsZCwesSbhZugaTGvH0uMBiibEDNgdKy0A239quG0wk8k9F0V_IjNqnNUM1Itn-w7YEt574CBIVc9N6LGPbBeEG_Sy1ob1QiGPAwMlFC-Bpp2YNE1KsNqcxiGA8P23s7Am3jqXO1Lt_3RDZEHk5Chq8TCbq9g/s4000/DSC_0621.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpSztuSnLcKP8T4MqUIEJ6-3zwNkmAbVsZCwesSbhZugaTGvH0uMBiibEDNgdKy0A239quG0wk8k9F0V_IjNqnNUM1Itn-w7YEt574CBIVc9N6LGPbBeEG_Sy1ob1QiGPAwMlFC-Bpp2YNE1KsNqcxiGA8P23s7Am3jqXO1Lt_3RDZEHk5Chq8TCbq9g/s320/DSC_0621.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk06BGFwLrtdqG16nYGxUhHMhwMmnTz6g3dXiuVGH5HsX3LZE8sebMUj9F8dKM0pfqrvZ_UaUPvoxZswz7rIPV5ZkYmjvW68IrChtSaDP1cCJRZl2mekLFQiW2MrzgnK1m-Q_rKODNRvy-tFsByiR7CuZ_e0-QGrTEsDJd8hj_AJauW-Ij_9tYve6GA/s4000/DSC_0627.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHk06BGFwLrtdqG16nYGxUhHMhwMmnTz6g3dXiuVGH5HsX3LZE8sebMUj9F8dKM0pfqrvZ_UaUPvoxZswz7rIPV5ZkYmjvW68IrChtSaDP1cCJRZl2mekLFQiW2MrzgnK1m-Q_rKODNRvy-tFsByiR7CuZ_e0-QGrTEsDJd8hj_AJauW-Ij_9tYve6GA/s320/DSC_0627.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkDUMYrRnX7vP97lI--rP8KqXGiO13tsv9wK-Lpc0BsW-yjz-SBfIey-xUJy3m8Jlm_bYdtzWGmDbc4ulJwoC5PBgjEi5iLR6e83QWLaBcL4fBzhdHGYD9XWeIZOXhXoFJVaEIIP-_HqN5JKLfZITaCOPlNhMR_8Pq8B7shQ7QbE1C90csN4Yy_wVnQ/s4000/DSC_0636.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBkDUMYrRnX7vP97lI--rP8KqXGiO13tsv9wK-Lpc0BsW-yjz-SBfIey-xUJy3m8Jlm_bYdtzWGmDbc4ulJwoC5PBgjEi5iLR6e83QWLaBcL4fBzhdHGYD9XWeIZOXhXoFJVaEIIP-_HqN5JKLfZITaCOPlNhMR_8Pq8B7shQ7QbE1C90csN4Yy_wVnQ/s320/DSC_0636.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lk2V2kgQh5BUdsHGuLKGiL2-Qu5AMLi94TV54SX6ywlJbdlvNM1pXj5tDUsO2yxH6pU-6za7aVDxY-029ZnMFwQNIaV_9t9IVSfHT6lQGCsiftC-4C1KuTMDdfZPU1UFeS0hT_HTXYd3y0n00jinzItroXbVa5LE17QvBv4TcW8dfKhnUeCwSx9ZwA/s4000/DSC_0638.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Lk2V2kgQh5BUdsHGuLKGiL2-Qu5AMLi94TV54SX6ywlJbdlvNM1pXj5tDUsO2yxH6pU-6za7aVDxY-029ZnMFwQNIaV_9t9IVSfHT6lQGCsiftC-4C1KuTMDdfZPU1UFeS0hT_HTXYd3y0n00jinzItroXbVa5LE17QvBv4TcW8dfKhnUeCwSx9ZwA/s320/DSC_0638.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJUoEHtgHayqjNtGhxJwzzRrB7nFaEnvCHK33UhXXpjaSdpYw_mk5KebFJsYIxe8Q_YIjEAe5TmifYH5aKetYQ4-wZPOUjYTW2CECP3pO1nBXEYBfjw-NVPtRouPoJjmGhvLq38c6yqVAkdRmGknKZOsuEbcrYtcViOBkd6yoHF-yOdnMahGOEF5otA/s4000/DSC_0652.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzJUoEHtgHayqjNtGhxJwzzRrB7nFaEnvCHK33UhXXpjaSdpYw_mk5KebFJsYIxe8Q_YIjEAe5TmifYH5aKetYQ4-wZPOUjYTW2CECP3pO1nBXEYBfjw-NVPtRouPoJjmGhvLq38c6yqVAkdRmGknKZOsuEbcrYtcViOBkd6yoHF-yOdnMahGOEF5otA/s320/DSC_0652.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEb0yuY-5ZcmmHPryhfDiVVcZ_4Wza-nhZZLloJ_o-BwnAFllOlSxvyFnePsDzUUrS7ZX-4OhPcvCXyKz2mAd7kRfghAals8Uzwo25UTGzIOF9hxMF1W3bcV71EvCD9-HiIyRGEZYBGwOBM5expobrZFAZAVZCbAEAARKOuGo3qO4XI993vSubfWoPg/s4000/DSC_0658.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEb0yuY-5ZcmmHPryhfDiVVcZ_4Wza-nhZZLloJ_o-BwnAFllOlSxvyFnePsDzUUrS7ZX-4OhPcvCXyKz2mAd7kRfghAals8Uzwo25UTGzIOF9hxMF1W3bcV71EvCD9-HiIyRGEZYBGwOBM5expobrZFAZAVZCbAEAARKOuGo3qO4XI993vSubfWoPg/s320/DSC_0658.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MElrXciGvD94Ur5S9HigDg7G7usMC0Jvvd5Sk9oht1cBDgyKYmnysDQ3rgo9G9FdfpAn4bnhWbCd-Ypn3v_3JPSRXiA4EsWu0oabgL9h9hxb-HX6YBTVXksDQw8TGse5kECzEzdNHtMjGFTJ1qymSYcFDmkYwnlKVYEbZOJYrZvt0x3rpb5_HSGfQA/s4000/DSC_0662.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_MElrXciGvD94Ur5S9HigDg7G7usMC0Jvvd5Sk9oht1cBDgyKYmnysDQ3rgo9G9FdfpAn4bnhWbCd-Ypn3v_3JPSRXiA4EsWu0oabgL9h9hxb-HX6YBTVXksDQw8TGse5kECzEzdNHtMjGFTJ1qymSYcFDmkYwnlKVYEbZOJYrZvt0x3rpb5_HSGfQA/s320/DSC_0662.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvYpnMyxGZGFXdl5Ex5ShX1lz2kGZrKJCPVwnAtr8mEfzjbswfamO9qoSzs20kE92vvZQwVOf6ZlN3iLD6_UaqJiu4YupHVRditf10VoPH5Or73_mSW8J1W17m8A2acOycdl-cyuUmKQ1G_1zKVOLIpScYC5NSjKnBeriyj6B6bf3yRtA6MG0_XVWwA/s4000/DSC_0667.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvYpnMyxGZGFXdl5Ex5ShX1lz2kGZrKJCPVwnAtr8mEfzjbswfamO9qoSzs20kE92vvZQwVOf6ZlN3iLD6_UaqJiu4YupHVRditf10VoPH5Or73_mSW8J1W17m8A2acOycdl-cyuUmKQ1G_1zKVOLIpScYC5NSjKnBeriyj6B6bf3yRtA6MG0_XVWwA/s320/DSC_0667.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTspIXTPwzxrNeznjxN6plMPTXqSSNH-pd_hElSzVEUZQE0kOmAltimGzQBa_COh__CeRi061rHXvsVGDc7ECIjVPlRbH05eLvKGcYf_GmoX69pjj9MGqFgRA42koWX6iwVtwYwQDnSEaUU0LUowfJBb4r8KRYuI4VSy1VQsk-aQYEMZJ1tE0xlq4B9w/s4000/DSC_0673.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTspIXTPwzxrNeznjxN6plMPTXqSSNH-pd_hElSzVEUZQE0kOmAltimGzQBa_COh__CeRi061rHXvsVGDc7ECIjVPlRbH05eLvKGcYf_GmoX69pjj9MGqFgRA42koWX6iwVtwYwQDnSEaUU0LUowfJBb4r8KRYuI4VSy1VQsk-aQYEMZJ1tE0xlq4B9w/s320/DSC_0673.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkxdmlbOytnJw9qwk3pY2ESKBQg-gnglA8Bs7QD2WSMrbagj_V_xIHmbfUWtWOsdiPIb9TgtcF5PI89lxLMnRXgHZ-YcMxYibWq2sHRMv6uENs6UDGv2VOHaKY6I9Itr8u38foUSmBsR4bVVBrZQ9FcuyZ8mx4Qo3wbMvEksXtmhvw8oOU8Eiea_ewg/s4000/DSC_0675.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkkxdmlbOytnJw9qwk3pY2ESKBQg-gnglA8Bs7QD2WSMrbagj_V_xIHmbfUWtWOsdiPIb9TgtcF5PI89lxLMnRXgHZ-YcMxYibWq2sHRMv6uENs6UDGv2VOHaKY6I9Itr8u38foUSmBsR4bVVBrZQ9FcuyZ8mx4Qo3wbMvEksXtmhvw8oOU8Eiea_ewg/s320/DSC_0675.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5a61BZ7SJobumzICQSJD0p8p8zYuMg59BWSQBcLnHUPm5CrXaQZHKHVXr9n-_hOF5O4D5ZJOR5-jUBDoPExAl26p2IlpZdBme5BOnCnyJ_crS6bEk-S4PlxuCKMt8AbFqgwDw3ylnbj7-9j-Rmra6NRZWlPT5V1WCO1s6h_DyiC6FtW0UsHN2mvvQ/s4000/DSC_0678.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDb5a61BZ7SJobumzICQSJD0p8p8zYuMg59BWSQBcLnHUPm5CrXaQZHKHVXr9n-_hOF5O4D5ZJOR5-jUBDoPExAl26p2IlpZdBme5BOnCnyJ_crS6bEk-S4PlxuCKMt8AbFqgwDw3ylnbj7-9j-Rmra6NRZWlPT5V1WCO1s6h_DyiC6FtW0UsHN2mvvQ/s320/DSC_0678.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv0y-huFm5AnxZ7Aiy71KHurTMdk_hpEGTuVRso3zocklYvGYLg_WObKVH2YYH8-VuvGNeYcKgxj16FgwfRE2eSXmvIejeOoMJmaUcknmflhSRNLQOpstdhzI6AxFDAWID0MDyRCIqKuZaNY1Sc_e4RxzfUfipIuFKl97WcwWtL18fNuphwnXEcoJSw/s4000/DSC_0679.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv0y-huFm5AnxZ7Aiy71KHurTMdk_hpEGTuVRso3zocklYvGYLg_WObKVH2YYH8-VuvGNeYcKgxj16FgwfRE2eSXmvIejeOoMJmaUcknmflhSRNLQOpstdhzI6AxFDAWID0MDyRCIqKuZaNY1Sc_e4RxzfUfipIuFKl97WcwWtL18fNuphwnXEcoJSw/s320/DSC_0679.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz08eil3EtP2l3zz6GuQuS1OWUu8-iZzkxnIb8D4Dvd0LA9e_xy_zQA-bqTJM8kPQvGdbjcEWk3bcshhBgeQyadyypSMCxnoChRmqvhc7wThJ8lrj9KeufodAnB4o5a75DDUU-1xcrlUaaYbF0q5mwHdmVaUu0adcxtXweObV2S_8Q04gGyoXaCYZOw/s4000/DSC_0682.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwz08eil3EtP2l3zz6GuQuS1OWUu8-iZzkxnIb8D4Dvd0LA9e_xy_zQA-bqTJM8kPQvGdbjcEWk3bcshhBgeQyadyypSMCxnoChRmqvhc7wThJ8lrj9KeufodAnB4o5a75DDUU-1xcrlUaaYbF0q5mwHdmVaUu0adcxtXweObV2S_8Q04gGyoXaCYZOw/s320/DSC_0682.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53RuLyoyDmZ2dJaOXTIphl7-L4ZC0KFFjdF1I6v_Vx3eW2P9yuRpLuobEu0cjp4Ln0vjNMVq2rfkOZjdByWlCjxVdARA0AFD85nSc6zgdThgl5v7Xz5WZYTv6hefIyqzLDh_c5b7P2_5QcQJZkOIpJkHn1gLR4r3KINOoIc3_5yh04eWlIuMVzGwWUw/s4000/DSC_0690.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg53RuLyoyDmZ2dJaOXTIphl7-L4ZC0KFFjdF1I6v_Vx3eW2P9yuRpLuobEu0cjp4Ln0vjNMVq2rfkOZjdByWlCjxVdARA0AFD85nSc6zgdThgl5v7Xz5WZYTv6hefIyqzLDh_c5b7P2_5QcQJZkOIpJkHn1gLR4r3KINOoIc3_5yh04eWlIuMVzGwWUw/s320/DSC_0690.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vOVq-SioVUfukKKq68nKQB7LCQY5HW3LPykr8V-yQOqNz93F-HaoBYXGVUrAaPAk883muAVgBi_Qz5m1pm9k4RwB4JwgVfTHDajlUC4LujmGKSaLpFrbSPox8zHnFsd2XJJrawRAYbkkdzDkuMu52yItrNTZjaXWPITV0bG2eVtHHyooPin99HNGA/s4000/DSC_0693.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8vOVq-SioVUfukKKq68nKQB7LCQY5HW3LPykr8V-yQOqNz93F-HaoBYXGVUrAaPAk883muAVgBi_Qz5m1pm9k4RwB4JwgVfTHDajlUC4LujmGKSaLpFrbSPox8zHnFsd2XJJrawRAYbkkdzDkuMu52yItrNTZjaXWPITV0bG2eVtHHyooPin99HNGA/s320/DSC_0693.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8K-lg-HmFMHhCkW6u0_R2nGIcCS8cwkb2t4ydK656MpmjcIgvA2xD8BCcezXGoOVGdsug_n190GY1edGzIv-nxqQJ2Mk_F1vCahYGbEA03ATCG30dk3fiRdtFD0AMnQlk82-T153pqWpfZaZ5XTgFsgQ8HvtHCCi4p9nLUagfK88BiIL1cyevsD9YzA/s4000/DSC_0694.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8K-lg-HmFMHhCkW6u0_R2nGIcCS8cwkb2t4ydK656MpmjcIgvA2xD8BCcezXGoOVGdsug_n190GY1edGzIv-nxqQJ2Mk_F1vCahYGbEA03ATCG30dk3fiRdtFD0AMnQlk82-T153pqWpfZaZ5XTgFsgQ8HvtHCCi4p9nLUagfK88BiIL1cyevsD9YzA/s320/DSC_0694.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhuPY1jY_eCp5iS0rE_T_5XNYXFxqMZEUF0n5faIZIEbYWKjGLXh1Dz8nW4MrWoIjib90lprvKVFUU-sJXYfpA-roDevyDtq75AuBzhhvlbNMlFvMazAnEszccy-FhhUSiyRLjyRnRugpQGFD_P0O8QYRSlE_jWmcOBBT00Hi9A2Fo07_X23mSMGqsQ/s4000/DSC_0695.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhuPY1jY_eCp5iS0rE_T_5XNYXFxqMZEUF0n5faIZIEbYWKjGLXh1Dz8nW4MrWoIjib90lprvKVFUU-sJXYfpA-roDevyDtq75AuBzhhvlbNMlFvMazAnEszccy-FhhUSiyRLjyRnRugpQGFD_P0O8QYRSlE_jWmcOBBT00Hi9A2Fo07_X23mSMGqsQ/s320/DSC_0695.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwLUML4xzzfQhr703QLPBsw06ImBQf71iz6MmoeUR04Kb6VqhthhrShqOuiAUCE-iOWEU6kOdtKfIkFdS-UoSOIJIFPqkrsfpIh3uSPB3qqLz5Odlv-aVeX4LzWx9u-a6dtlTZYGzhGtJUz5hUzZ1UZkL9GNRI3IOvScYxUnbtIUDuTL1a7iwY3RP1g/s4000/DSC_0696.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLwLUML4xzzfQhr703QLPBsw06ImBQf71iz6MmoeUR04Kb6VqhthhrShqOuiAUCE-iOWEU6kOdtKfIkFdS-UoSOIJIFPqkrsfpIh3uSPB3qqLz5Odlv-aVeX4LzWx9u-a6dtlTZYGzhGtJUz5hUzZ1UZkL9GNRI3IOvScYxUnbtIUDuTL1a7iwY3RP1g/s320/DSC_0696.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzKh3ZGC5KPjCUI312FAEjt99SCM96K4eqE9VyeSKQ-OVCUqAlz6MtsSqIaR4a7K4xtNYfDoHrF2pI5Wtx6xsJmeW613nKnKJHG8QE0iD2OXznYLcMOHEJwSLZWEiDMj7M34_xT4BsWRCg3eI306F5kPpFrOrOOwoeFkbnMuueGMysWZT9LySfLrRDA/s4000/DSC_0698.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHzKh3ZGC5KPjCUI312FAEjt99SCM96K4eqE9VyeSKQ-OVCUqAlz6MtsSqIaR4a7K4xtNYfDoHrF2pI5Wtx6xsJmeW613nKnKJHG8QE0iD2OXznYLcMOHEJwSLZWEiDMj7M34_xT4BsWRCg3eI306F5kPpFrOrOOwoeFkbnMuueGMysWZT9LySfLrRDA/s320/DSC_0698.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKpeI9v9xpS9SYLySmpMDSuOOUobM_uEmRG-Fo07TSvXDLP_57urdzDc2gSq2rz70S0dtAL3BPtbD1BTEqTMBDK1jH9bX1PiBcn-V7433T2EKVphfBCNHXHHDW4OuvSKRyoKLcmDFuN3rQ7IobCWVT0iEosbMMW93hBLgVlTC10LycQbA0QaUtjqNoA/s4000/DSC_0700.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWKpeI9v9xpS9SYLySmpMDSuOOUobM_uEmRG-Fo07TSvXDLP_57urdzDc2gSq2rz70S0dtAL3BPtbD1BTEqTMBDK1jH9bX1PiBcn-V7433T2EKVphfBCNHXHHDW4OuvSKRyoKLcmDFuN3rQ7IobCWVT0iEosbMMW93hBLgVlTC10LycQbA0QaUtjqNoA/s320/DSC_0700.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_-2VkboBOSdm-ycUAX0n0ESyJe9Qm-lboHGEmHmnSdHl9vJrWfnozcWWIRhTqtiFkn19eDZN9Ric6lkj-vAVi4UOJt9he53Q96NPFlYSXV6U72k7QCek3nTZeEcY33mQsUZgzL-p676pd56t-8qCXsotpcpbNnGXEPssnD1D3vsPS--SWZSW4LWWIA/s4000/DSC_0701.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii_-2VkboBOSdm-ycUAX0n0ESyJe9Qm-lboHGEmHmnSdHl9vJrWfnozcWWIRhTqtiFkn19eDZN9Ric6lkj-vAVi4UOJt9he53Q96NPFlYSXV6U72k7QCek3nTZeEcY33mQsUZgzL-p676pd56t-8qCXsotpcpbNnGXEPssnD1D3vsPS--SWZSW4LWWIA/s320/DSC_0701.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoeGaYBKBFMPIky8Ei1-092MAsXD149I1Bo4sBT2UySaszL8KiqYtX9IDBjk2JzQ7znDiVNWGYHfVi9pyI9sw6vlD6KddNG22QsrkhniqEGQAWgNOgAbkqz76kFhNk9-NQ2c5Obbc5NWUiyP01AvVtTgVbOB75oCLmpXY095u0IdCuFZtRAiNZ9Q_dg/s4000/DSC_0710.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaoeGaYBKBFMPIky8Ei1-092MAsXD149I1Bo4sBT2UySaszL8KiqYtX9IDBjk2JzQ7znDiVNWGYHfVi9pyI9sw6vlD6KddNG22QsrkhniqEGQAWgNOgAbkqz76kFhNk9-NQ2c5Obbc5NWUiyP01AvVtTgVbOB75oCLmpXY095u0IdCuFZtRAiNZ9Q_dg/s320/DSC_0710.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AFOQXufHjBANFs2Y_g8FFvMqBn6s-mWpo1DKnvGJ3OEY3g91xwYwucr0tm-_kC_jYys20lTVBEoe0t2YCnXM9kYD5senY6Z4vVjiL5bBETp6Qd-sGVmj1FD_9JK2Ig6h1H3Je-qH4nfa4Cwn6ebiKZpHI8t70MbgohNA6N9GB70ED9rWJHl30GzeHw/s4000/DSC_0715.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-AFOQXufHjBANFs2Y_g8FFvMqBn6s-mWpo1DKnvGJ3OEY3g91xwYwucr0tm-_kC_jYys20lTVBEoe0t2YCnXM9kYD5senY6Z4vVjiL5bBETp6Qd-sGVmj1FD_9JK2Ig6h1H3Je-qH4nfa4Cwn6ebiKZpHI8t70MbgohNA6N9GB70ED9rWJHl30GzeHw/s320/DSC_0715.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFVDeWxtTQArh5Jo9I587RKzwJjMJ9c8h-p-ei8ycDrmzwuiq8ufXD4rvQKO3aHWGxWcVev3Y2p3UBRurGVkKxn7UMZHWrwOeoCnPfn0Fz6txLB_j7KUBvg3FbTi5_egI1xjRmS9zSLziSUFTBbydzPSQRzefdqNWvHOr0gtWe5mNshI-H6wSEVinSg/s4000/DSC_0720.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXFVDeWxtTQArh5Jo9I587RKzwJjMJ9c8h-p-ei8ycDrmzwuiq8ufXD4rvQKO3aHWGxWcVev3Y2p3UBRurGVkKxn7UMZHWrwOeoCnPfn0Fz6txLB_j7KUBvg3FbTi5_egI1xjRmS9zSLziSUFTBbydzPSQRzefdqNWvHOr0gtWe5mNshI-H6wSEVinSg/s320/DSC_0720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4V66E2PCR9yddKyj6Snpx898PXjkcIhLCZhWlxHtvl8ezyBGr-QW3p6YYBizZU_IcgPrn-QzUpeoF0infm8YweRc4__jfMuZNmpR5XGt77PlZobGDGcn-EU-Ki73biPmZCkKY2tQzmtI_YrWjziyH_YMRjiaz7yxMFtS-79pUg40cWYWWnlWhN6ROA/s4000/DSC_0723.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx4V66E2PCR9yddKyj6Snpx898PXjkcIhLCZhWlxHtvl8ezyBGr-QW3p6YYBizZU_IcgPrn-QzUpeoF0infm8YweRc4__jfMuZNmpR5XGt77PlZobGDGcn-EU-Ki73biPmZCkKY2tQzmtI_YrWjziyH_YMRjiaz7yxMFtS-79pUg40cWYWWnlWhN6ROA/s320/DSC_0723.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE1uOUPRVcNkrPdFZM7AKEc4RcVq1PPkVGtPAwW66oh0fkLqP8NIdv1HkPpTRCDWqObxXUlj27Tvx_srm4wdoOG9wG_WBjp9Tt__bn_TCBfrFvP4AmeTMR2vvqmrX8vo8NZyslCgKPzmzihX92lJVefLh6JWC7fFeL7rEjuJn4VgyPvjto2yNi42BCw/s4000/DSC_0729.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYE1uOUPRVcNkrPdFZM7AKEc4RcVq1PPkVGtPAwW66oh0fkLqP8NIdv1HkPpTRCDWqObxXUlj27Tvx_srm4wdoOG9wG_WBjp9Tt__bn_TCBfrFvP4AmeTMR2vvqmrX8vo8NZyslCgKPzmzihX92lJVefLh6JWC7fFeL7rEjuJn4VgyPvjto2yNi42BCw/s320/DSC_0729.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vKMTc4srgPsdl8b50k7YRr0r7Cl4B4O9mpY7ZfkttDmuC4xG1yHCmIXSqRlcrqZr4IQDluMLWdsJ-rhkBkXpQq258WR-2MoMD2-y5lD23PUQM4FBXj8KFYy4aJ0i9oBu1vvVfZx7msxcIALtMJXPUntC2BAR0W2alhUNbUqMY0ws-DUWPEw66ds7TQ/s4000/DSC_0737.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8vKMTc4srgPsdl8b50k7YRr0r7Cl4B4O9mpY7ZfkttDmuC4xG1yHCmIXSqRlcrqZr4IQDluMLWdsJ-rhkBkXpQq258WR-2MoMD2-y5lD23PUQM4FBXj8KFYy4aJ0i9oBu1vvVfZx7msxcIALtMJXPUntC2BAR0W2alhUNbUqMY0ws-DUWPEw66ds7TQ/s320/DSC_0737.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJtx1ofwOcC0t8qCeaZN1fD4jW2hNDj8cA_QmZ59TSXNN3b_F7-rcTSgH6pEQttIvPqtD-Iklcx5-Lb_qdce1gxhZjwItyGl-GzMMb0toa8teVStdf4zPJatG44n6IEG4-EzPJcixHJJC0E_Z5GikzZwh7z-zdPJhFpbMYQGyUZyKdPY-V6kwLMQIDQ/s4000/DSC_0739.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcJtx1ofwOcC0t8qCeaZN1fD4jW2hNDj8cA_QmZ59TSXNN3b_F7-rcTSgH6pEQttIvPqtD-Iklcx5-Lb_qdce1gxhZjwItyGl-GzMMb0toa8teVStdf4zPJatG44n6IEG4-EzPJcixHJJC0E_Z5GikzZwh7z-zdPJhFpbMYQGyUZyKdPY-V6kwLMQIDQ/s320/DSC_0739.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVl6J_iO9TMKmc7hKy1YxDgHTtVRAKAb2RzMSrywweHpwbAc9y8EUauTXOT07AzIbTU6GI1ay91kExFLGJ6z7NHbHwO_R0D61rA4YDrZtW6s6z8PSXX9cCDHV1ZYFh87gfQnR0ZC1hC-i9B5Iyel-54_6xBHi_x78cg3vCCY8G2dYh2efUonjk7SobA/s4000/DSC_0740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdVl6J_iO9TMKmc7hKy1YxDgHTtVRAKAb2RzMSrywweHpwbAc9y8EUauTXOT07AzIbTU6GI1ay91kExFLGJ6z7NHbHwO_R0D61rA4YDrZtW6s6z8PSXX9cCDHV1ZYFh87gfQnR0ZC1hC-i9B5Iyel-54_6xBHi_x78cg3vCCY8G2dYh2efUonjk7SobA/s320/DSC_0740.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW1Zcuf1zebAEOWWKTJ3zsexFLa-D9TmDBnlRq2TA7o8sVC3q9q8ESxaHkkFAM8qa0dvKLiPtTA6zdWtqTVK2r0KM4QofbRux-eYB2gg2gdkX152lZNvO00vv9jP8VlfuNcW1pHtqtNfJQDG3tWs4o1ZdBjBJ8v1yLntmNAxhaSBjHUl2HVU9MRXCWQ/s4000/DSC_0745.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrW1Zcuf1zebAEOWWKTJ3zsexFLa-D9TmDBnlRq2TA7o8sVC3q9q8ESxaHkkFAM8qa0dvKLiPtTA6zdWtqTVK2r0KM4QofbRux-eYB2gg2gdkX152lZNvO00vv9jP8VlfuNcW1pHtqtNfJQDG3tWs4o1ZdBjBJ8v1yLntmNAxhaSBjHUl2HVU9MRXCWQ/s320/DSC_0745.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NiNYfI5rf_rrTs8Ftqi-qSgJ1rSpqYRbWnfFc-C8-c08mclzA_yezO5bZc0fnsEs44FDqQX1KAH7oaox3OJMK4u2Z1-QbEJ9LlC0Hirxh-CFTDgIN6Vu-QUJfTDBrQY0SRBRaMX00XTdjlHxodrsIgZQnS9Lp5ZTtGWh5lGBjI0sbeoVxGGI7FnqKw/s4000/DSC_0753.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2NiNYfI5rf_rrTs8Ftqi-qSgJ1rSpqYRbWnfFc-C8-c08mclzA_yezO5bZc0fnsEs44FDqQX1KAH7oaox3OJMK4u2Z1-QbEJ9LlC0Hirxh-CFTDgIN6Vu-QUJfTDBrQY0SRBRaMX00XTdjlHxodrsIgZQnS9Lp5ZTtGWh5lGBjI0sbeoVxGGI7FnqKw/s320/DSC_0753.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9jBOnziYrmnaiQLS7un4AZT9mT-GBbbubt1H_NRoI0ww8CKgScLQIbu53cqnjQOqHqJSqjmjM2KjfsV33g0GuAAwTgTHw3_NETCkT2BbJV16mt0_EUcBKzYIlaKSJmMmmDFfGxJ2iVxAyMC349A8eRARNcjcUHukGpd6Njs8_DVm8SQI60wxZWGsuQ/s4000/DSC_0754.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEio9jBOnziYrmnaiQLS7un4AZT9mT-GBbbubt1H_NRoI0ww8CKgScLQIbu53cqnjQOqHqJSqjmjM2KjfsV33g0GuAAwTgTHw3_NETCkT2BbJV16mt0_EUcBKzYIlaKSJmMmmDFfGxJ2iVxAyMC349A8eRARNcjcUHukGpd6Njs8_DVm8SQI60wxZWGsuQ/s320/DSC_0754.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3g3KE5O3_N4HC_bwmHJYDsg5DQzKeHSLw95ZAgqVLmPGHmn8QrP8lVF_KBPBjLyUxtzNVB4I5njSbq1Q0DMsurBhzmsixpGLEDZpVx4ryRGfHjo5st4BwjZg79KLEMIh4dxUY8sw0M_xnIyiXLkFSgCJIYN9VwONQzU5Utrj_owXPh_Vu7W61ucqYg/s4000/DSC_0755.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW3g3KE5O3_N4HC_bwmHJYDsg5DQzKeHSLw95ZAgqVLmPGHmn8QrP8lVF_KBPBjLyUxtzNVB4I5njSbq1Q0DMsurBhzmsixpGLEDZpVx4ryRGfHjo5st4BwjZg79KLEMIh4dxUY8sw0M_xnIyiXLkFSgCJIYN9VwONQzU5Utrj_owXPh_Vu7W61ucqYg/s320/DSC_0755.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4vK8w-8xEWXW_myedy4rDuGW2VuvrMEISxF8FgiCFRvtEy89DaG2bxaPDoMZgv_xEfG5_vKnddKc_hrkcWJXOJCCGIzv5iK4MlmLVWIQBKKR84Jyb2B5vrt0R4QxWjtExq5xlGohaHa9XRURMIQybA611zPN6OXYa0lMiyZmdseJBK2en65FDHNI0A/s4000/DSC_0759.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW4vK8w-8xEWXW_myedy4rDuGW2VuvrMEISxF8FgiCFRvtEy89DaG2bxaPDoMZgv_xEfG5_vKnddKc_hrkcWJXOJCCGIzv5iK4MlmLVWIQBKKR84Jyb2B5vrt0R4QxWjtExq5xlGohaHa9XRURMIQybA611zPN6OXYa0lMiyZmdseJBK2en65FDHNI0A/s320/DSC_0759.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTPvrRMNLFP9j0gWfMBYaWmFVGZP842_IsBeYwo_Fn4alBLMkYxl-G7VOKWbhFIkuCIdUlnG77ckaJdYbuHtfLASC-Rq6NVqKKJ-Z549V9f2ixnD5T0Bv62Fr2XxTIkXab-4CE5CD9rlz1RkGiSyoIBEcUxTotoWuG-vKJFYHsTd9wKrMjaHp5M-I5Q/s4000/DSC_0763.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOTPvrRMNLFP9j0gWfMBYaWmFVGZP842_IsBeYwo_Fn4alBLMkYxl-G7VOKWbhFIkuCIdUlnG77ckaJdYbuHtfLASC-Rq6NVqKKJ-Z549V9f2ixnD5T0Bv62Fr2XxTIkXab-4CE5CD9rlz1RkGiSyoIBEcUxTotoWuG-vKJFYHsTd9wKrMjaHp5M-I5Q/s320/DSC_0763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcDp5PMhJ0GJrOWYSM4ORoe9sVj2TctZdIsZVUGiGQQTcFEFd3IfuC97m7rdwYdRAmmHnDHjHu4YqgWOwltJPG8s2MmJs5INDWZh96RtK558mWwAOXbbqlGlIV7l6b9EophnGm5HbzRMwjWnP9ciHTQUjQuc69K4ZenEOekO0VL1guJg3on_JggDcFw/s4000/DSC_0767.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcDp5PMhJ0GJrOWYSM4ORoe9sVj2TctZdIsZVUGiGQQTcFEFd3IfuC97m7rdwYdRAmmHnDHjHu4YqgWOwltJPG8s2MmJs5INDWZh96RtK558mWwAOXbbqlGlIV7l6b9EophnGm5HbzRMwjWnP9ciHTQUjQuc69K4ZenEOekO0VL1guJg3on_JggDcFw/s320/DSC_0767.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6GPXiemrsEbBvzq__rIiQ4qcy_Kk8_9XUTU5K4aNlfrCH5IW9IgQy7G0-k28x2gBR647deutGeGGwU5t4hAV2OPgtvK_M4WHLNP9C4-cTc1TiK_xT0DtzjsQRFFk5iAjoj06w_qHhTxBeCx12SrKQf8ASrqX3uXC1A05HV_1XxgW5lJSTJTWiGD4Pg/s3264/DSC_0777.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6GPXiemrsEbBvzq__rIiQ4qcy_Kk8_9XUTU5K4aNlfrCH5IW9IgQy7G0-k28x2gBR647deutGeGGwU5t4hAV2OPgtvK_M4WHLNP9C4-cTc1TiK_xT0DtzjsQRFFk5iAjoj06w_qHhTxBeCx12SrKQf8ASrqX3uXC1A05HV_1XxgW5lJSTJTWiGD4Pg/s320/DSC_0777.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvk2DK9LNyMs7g6nPxcfXxKyvsHbVM6JDBd6stw6CPLN6gpC7GGPvIv5RCyjAZCJLhT7V0Bzd84IOVF8BFdJfZ5P1Kr4nxcF7aGJWo62rT7_Bn6lb69Oo30-1MDmlcNQaEnjrA8dvKAeRSVkvGK-66bBooH2VPsedRz_mpr5v6QiCOWNI7iOeNSFYbA/s4000/DSC_0779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbvk2DK9LNyMs7g6nPxcfXxKyvsHbVM6JDBd6stw6CPLN6gpC7GGPvIv5RCyjAZCJLhT7V0Bzd84IOVF8BFdJfZ5P1Kr4nxcF7aGJWo62rT7_Bn6lb69Oo30-1MDmlcNQaEnjrA8dvKAeRSVkvGK-66bBooH2VPsedRz_mpr5v6QiCOWNI7iOeNSFYbA/s320/DSC_0779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLPBXauf4oqjR7f59tlsNScGwa_agbswhbKIH1x_b9R2-kGEJHdUoln6qNkZJxuXMWh8bUzNuHTHVndKH5tnUr7PFFiGF4ZlrSEYOQEuavxlmCu5onVoigPSHqNfP8rAw9rM_21KRP3qnQMJCbqhWeoOudtBHocX5CDVc2ruyV6Ap8rWKuC0SduAzYA/s4000/DSC_0780.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzLPBXauf4oqjR7f59tlsNScGwa_agbswhbKIH1x_b9R2-kGEJHdUoln6qNkZJxuXMWh8bUzNuHTHVndKH5tnUr7PFFiGF4ZlrSEYOQEuavxlmCu5onVoigPSHqNfP8rAw9rM_21KRP3qnQMJCbqhWeoOudtBHocX5CDVc2ruyV6Ap8rWKuC0SduAzYA/s320/DSC_0780.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8NjDPV3yUsXmNYMFEu1b22VM3jDisEMKslLg9CEZzx5phFsNNSFSA7mY4wMXXCLD3ZlVzvDH7xsVQxyBbEe8u6IbH64s8pSgkuvelAJrXozBg_RMCb0BleHVwxUWZQAhvgFikoqCsBgTLSfmFMw9C8KzNe7iAZY29BvQ6kOg7tJV1j-FQdFn9OVtlA/s4000/DSC_0781.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_8NjDPV3yUsXmNYMFEu1b22VM3jDisEMKslLg9CEZzx5phFsNNSFSA7mY4wMXXCLD3ZlVzvDH7xsVQxyBbEe8u6IbH64s8pSgkuvelAJrXozBg_RMCb0BleHVwxUWZQAhvgFikoqCsBgTLSfmFMw9C8KzNe7iAZY29BvQ6kOg7tJV1j-FQdFn9OVtlA/s320/DSC_0781.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc6Q0lHU1fpDKrN8xqMjUOEYVa1N9hpT3D8RpzQeqRJr_rrhLSYXfR5nLXi9ZM5qz2IHZfEIzloHsm3xMktHxNvFChbI4cCrof5mBpzOpmpIys4BaFmNLpDh871gLP0yczlvuoy0kSfbLZjHwPcrXe5xVdSg84cMLaH4dFuENvXsu0jZV9fPdsEmC0w/s4000/DSC_0782.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXc6Q0lHU1fpDKrN8xqMjUOEYVa1N9hpT3D8RpzQeqRJr_rrhLSYXfR5nLXi9ZM5qz2IHZfEIzloHsm3xMktHxNvFChbI4cCrof5mBpzOpmpIys4BaFmNLpDh871gLP0yczlvuoy0kSfbLZjHwPcrXe5xVdSg84cMLaH4dFuENvXsu0jZV9fPdsEmC0w/s320/DSC_0782.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R95ej1_Jy1PqkaH4LYcvyiYBtii4qeH5ThWDoshfNjmdGjOq0Dl5BrqBIPFbYnVvHKDmhKGnkck41IAfYzfk97hGmXq2Rqjv5bFoiEzcgzYdFmrSIdh99V0Q02tvqQ16EFHKDGscq_km17N8NFW14VobKF9buOkaIwXUTEUNNep1KSUC1jJuwvQ4A/s4000/DSC_0785.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj19R95ej1_Jy1PqkaH4LYcvyiYBtii4qeH5ThWDoshfNjmdGjOq0Dl5BrqBIPFbYnVvHKDmhKGnkck41IAfYzfk97hGmXq2Rqjv5bFoiEzcgzYdFmrSIdh99V0Q02tvqQ16EFHKDGscq_km17N8NFW14VobKF9buOkaIwXUTEUNNep1KSUC1jJuwvQ4A/s320/DSC_0785.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy1wwz-aiXq4gsdjG-M2f0Rgmpu85pm6rMc0Lmf90fNxFIUMfpNUPma3Ye-3klRA4LqAUGRAChu0jSeU9ZAxlWwo74HpN03bYMxcCa3G6xWMtZkwwS_v5He8mX_cS0ptGYzU6gbMC7b2MtH5dFGYPyggZYfFe5NqTypWfl7dMqZfJCv3U7GihwMmqWQ/s4000/DSC_0786.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZy1wwz-aiXq4gsdjG-M2f0Rgmpu85pm6rMc0Lmf90fNxFIUMfpNUPma3Ye-3klRA4LqAUGRAChu0jSeU9ZAxlWwo74HpN03bYMxcCa3G6xWMtZkwwS_v5He8mX_cS0ptGYzU6gbMC7b2MtH5dFGYPyggZYfFe5NqTypWfl7dMqZfJCv3U7GihwMmqWQ/s320/DSC_0786.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica; font-size: small;"><br /></span><br /></div>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-10943576067467963132022-12-30T16:48:00.002+01:002022-12-30T21:38:33.164+01:00Store bought dehydrated meals and DIY meals: my best of both worlds system of eating on trail<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivMxIzN9ZpjMDVUgwPifPRoT2FofV7l5WbjQj8MLSKMkXuEwvpElYu_1iCDNiRGWYnErFqTmeTrk0lTs7SMZzsuaGTas4Oh09uoCrFB1YqwJG-4tXluE-u5lolf-2GByZe4V0CPPNeQXzaVFJI0DfyKSjwxJjU5_K1UvsqHRo2RLt4rdtTGkJv-GY_g/s4000/DSC_1144.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgivMxIzN9ZpjMDVUgwPifPRoT2FofV7l5WbjQj8MLSKMkXuEwvpElYu_1iCDNiRGWYnErFqTmeTrk0lTs7SMZzsuaGTas4Oh09uoCrFB1YqwJG-4tXluE-u5lolf-2GByZe4V0CPPNeQXzaVFJI0DfyKSjwxJjU5_K1UvsqHRo2RLt4rdtTGkJv-GY_g/s320/DSC_1144.JPG" width="320" /></a></i></div><i><br /></i><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>The usual disclaimer: No, I'm still not sponsored, still not a shill, no free gear or food, etc. </i><br /></span></p><div data-reddit-rtjson="{"entityMap":{},"blocks":[{"key":"ck1qu","text":"I avoided store bought backpacker meals in the past for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest one is that they can be expensive, but I also didn't think they tasted all that great much of the time. And they also didn't have as many vegan or vegetarian options (I eat vegan, my wife vegetarian), plus they were also bulky, then there is the issue of all the packaging waste, etc. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"77hfd","text":"At times over the years I would get a few of these fancy store bought meals as gifts, and of course I'd use them, and at times I was surprised by some of them for being tastier than older ones. Which got me to reconsider them as an occasional treat. Then when I would check out various options at a few different stores, in addition to noticing more vegan and vegetarian options, I also noticed that at times there would be sales. Lucky for me, at the stores I frequent, the vegan options were more often on sale, as they were not as popular as other options, I assume. So I started to buy a few here and there and add one or two to my food bag for trips. It also made planning somewhat easier.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5veg8","text":"So overall in the past several years I began to re-evaluate store bought dehydrated fancy-pants meals. Backpacking in general also got all the more popular where I live (Sweden) over the years, and especially during and now after the pandemic. This has resulted in lots more meals to choose from, and competition drove down prices, plus there were sales to take advantage of.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"e6sa6","text":"Don't get me wrong, I am still a huge advocate for making your own DIY backpacking meals. I've posted recipes on this topic here on Reddit, and made several videos about food on my Youtube channel. I can post some examples in the comments later on if anyone is interested. So I'm still on team DIY meals 4 life. But then I saw how two good friends of mine were combining their meals, and it was a game changer for me.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2rdqg","text":"There we were, my wife and I and our two good friends and hiking homies, on a great section hike the summer of 2021. And I watched as my homies ate their first meal on trail, which was a few store bought meals. But then I noticed that they boiled up a bit more water and used that to rinse out their fancy meal bags. I asked why, and they explained that tomorrow they would put their DIY meal into the recycled store meal bag to cook and eat. Why the hell didn't I think of that before? ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"79s1f","text":"Since then, my meal routines for most of the year (I usually go no-cook in the summer) are to include a few store bought meals along with my DIY meals, which still make up the majority of my meals. For me this is a great mix of convenience yet still being frugal and also minimizing on waste. Plus other benefits, like not having to clean my pot, well, ever anymore. So now I keep an eye out on sales (if you live in Scandinavia, XXL at times has them) to stock up on bougie meals (which don't go bad for a long time anyhow).","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ftsor","text":"This has been a big improvement of my food situation on trail. I will typically reuse a fancy meal bag for 3-4 DIY meals. You could Remember that using boiling or hot water to clean them out, plus using boiling water again when cooking another meal in them, is going to make it sanitary. I've not had any issues with reuse, either with my body or with the bags themselves, which are pretty robust.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dttoh","text":"Thought I'd pass this on here, and hope it helps! And for the record, I store my DIY meals in small ziplock bags, but after dumping the contents into the recycled fancy cook bag on trail, I will store the small ziplocks separately from my trash bag to be either reused or recycled. As usual, let me know if you have questions or feedback.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"qhr8","text":"Finally, here's a rough cost estimate of my go-to meals:","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"3atvi","text":"Store bought meal - 50 to 70 SEK (5 to 7 USD)","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"fb1r2","text":"DIY mac n cheese (nooch) n olive oil - 12 SEK (around 1.20 USD) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"bv64c","text":"DIY ramen fake pad Thai (add peanut butter and hot sauce) - 15-20 SEK (1.50-2 USD) per serving if you get nicer ramen and hot sauce, but can be done for under 10 SEK (a buck) with cheapo options","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2dd12","text":"DIY oatmeal with sesame seeds and sugar - less than 5 SEK (50 cents) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6sjtb","text":"DIY parboiled rice, split lentil, and dried veggie stew with olive oil - 10 SEK (a buck) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}]}"><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="5f7ebf_initial-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5f7ebf_initial-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="5f7ebf_initial-0-0"><span data-text="true">I avoided store bought backpacker meals in the past for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest one is that they can be expensive, but I also didn't think they tasted all that great much of the time. And they also didn't have as many vegan or vegetarian options (I eat vegan, my wife vegetarian), plus they were also bulky, then there is the issue of all the packaging waste, etc. </span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5f7ebf_initial-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="5f7ebf_initial-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="4sdgg-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4sdgg-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="4sdgg-0-0"><span data-text="true">At times over the years I would get a few of these fancy store bought meals as gifts, and of course I'd use them, and at times I was surprised by some of them for being tastier than older ones. Which got me to reconsider them as an occasional treat. Then when I would check out various options at a few different stores, in addition to noticing more vegan and vegetarian options, I also noticed that at times there would be sales. Lucky for me, at the stores I frequent, the vegan options were more often on sale, as they were not as popular as other options, I would guess. So I started to buy a few here and there and add one or two to my food bag for trips. It also made planning somewhat easier.</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="4sdgg-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="4sdgg-0-0"><span data-text="true"><span><a name='more'></a></span> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="dl4rq-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dl4rq-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="dl4rq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Overall during the past several years, these factors got me to re-evaluate the store bought, dehydrated, fancy-pants meals. Backpacking in general also got all the more popular here in Sweden over the years, and especially during and now after the pandemic. This has resulted in lots more meals to choose from (plus vegan and vegetarian food is also more popular), and competition drove down prices.</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="dl4rq-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="dl4rq-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="7b18q-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7b18q-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="7b18q-0-0"><span data-text="true">Now, don't get me wrong, I am still a huge advocate for making your own DIY backpacking meals. I've posted recipes on this topic on Reddit (<a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/trailmeals/comments/lp61gd/trail_vegan_mac_n_cheese/" target="_blank"><b>here's my mac n cheese recipe</b></a>, for example), and there are several videos about food on my Youtube channel (link is above in my blog menu)--food videos are among my post popular videos, actually. So I'm still on team DIY meals 4 life. But then I saw how two good friends of mine were combining their meals, and it was a game changer for me.</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="7b18q-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="7b18q-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="9fmug-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9fmug-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="9fmug-0-0"><span data-text="true">There we were, my wife and I and our two good friends and hiking homies, on <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2021/07/cesars-guide-to-nordvarmlandsleden.html"><b>a great section hike</b></a> in the summer of 2021. And I watched as my homies ate their first meal on trail, which was a few store bought meals. But then I noticed that they boiled up a bit more water and used that to rinse out their fancy meal bags. I asked why, and they explained that tomorrow they would put their DIY meal into the recycled store meal bag to cook and eat. Why the hell didn't I think of that before? </span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="9fmug-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="9fmug-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span data-text="true">Since then, my meal routines for most of the year (I usually go no-cook in the summer) are to include a few store bought meals along with my DIY meals, which still make up the majority of my meals. For me this is a great mix of convenience yet still being frugal and also minimizing on waste. Plus other benefits, like not having to clean my pot anymore, as now I only boil water with it or make tea/coffee. So now I keep an eye out on sales (if you live in Scandinavia, XXL at times has them) to stock up on bougie meals (which don't go bad for a long time anyhow).</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="cm8bl-0-0"><span data-text="true"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyIitK6vXACVAofckmE_7cY2NdQxDqfnXmy9vUnksQGqX-OgBgP6Mbk_wB3G1nJvN0eyVVN8Io13DisOXK8JWcjQMH3wVq_LsRXnPOT08fgRtaRUJbYDWp7C_D1Ms7Ga-YhiI_nM5NG6o95fAdIGFLjrZ_g8LXKQaB-RnuagCF_qQs53wtbwH5nEhuQ/s4000/DSC_1145.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUyIitK6vXACVAofckmE_7cY2NdQxDqfnXmy9vUnksQGqX-OgBgP6Mbk_wB3G1nJvN0eyVVN8Io13DisOXK8JWcjQMH3wVq_LsRXnPOT08fgRtaRUJbYDWp7C_D1Ms7Ga-YhiI_nM5NG6o95fAdIGFLjrZ_g8LXKQaB-RnuagCF_qQs53wtbwH5nEhuQ/s320/DSC_1145.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="8j329-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="8j329-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="8j329-0-0"><span data-text="true">This has been a big improvement of my food situation on trail. I will typically reuse a fancy meal bag for 3-4 DIY meals. And keep in mind that using boiling or hot water to clean them out, plus using boiling water again when cooking another meal in them, is going to make it sanitary. I've not had any issues with reuse, either with my body or with the bags themselves, which are pretty robust.</span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span data-text="true">Thought I'd pass this on here, and hope it helps out how you eat out trail. And for the record, I store my DIY meals in small ziplock bags, but after dumping the contents into the recycled fancy cook bag on trail, I will store the small ziplocks separately from my trash bag to be either reused or recycled.</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="5mojh-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><div data-block="true" data-editor="5f7ebf" data-offset-key="a270p-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a270p-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="a270p-0-0"><span data-text="true">Finally, here's a rough cost estimate of some of my go-to meals:</span></span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a270p-0-0"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="a270p-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="fjnf1-0-0"><span data-text="true">Store bought meal - 50 to 70 SEK (5 to 7 USD)</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="2e82p-0-0"><span data-text="true">DIY mac n cheese (nooch) n olive oil - 12 SEK (around 1.20 USD) per serving</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="b8ahr-0-0"><span data-text="true">DIY ramen fake pad Thai (add peanut butter and hot sauce) - 15-20 SEK (1.50-2 USD) per serving if you get nicer ramen and hot sauce, but can be done for under 10 SEK (a buck) with cheapo options</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="8a3m1-0-0"><span data-text="true">DIY oatmeal with sesame seeds and sugar - less than 5 SEK (50 cents) per serving</span></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="onvq-0-0"><span data-text="true">DIY parboiled rice, split lentil, and dried veggie stew with olive oil - 10 SEK (a buck) per serving</span></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="onvq-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></span></div><div data-reddit-rtjson="{"entityMap":{},"blocks":[{"key":"ck1qu","text":"I avoided store bought backpacker meals in the past for several reasons. Perhaps the biggest one is that they can be expensive, but I also didn't think they tasted all that great much of the time. And they also didn't have as many vegan or vegetarian options (I eat vegan, my wife vegetarian), plus they were also bulky, then there is the issue of all the packaging waste, etc. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"77hfd","text":"At times over the years I would get a few of these fancy store bought meals as gifts, and of course I'd use them, and at times I was surprised by some of them for being tastier than older ones. Which got me to reconsider them as an occasional treat. Then when I would check out various options at a few different stores, in addition to noticing more vegan and vegetarian options, I also noticed that at times there would be sales. Lucky for me, at the stores I frequent, the vegan options were more often on sale, as they were not as popular as other options, I assume. So I started to buy a few here and there and add one or two to my food bag for trips. It also made planning somewhat easier.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5veg8","text":"So overall in the past several years I began to re-evaluate store bought dehydrated fancy-pants meals. Backpacking in general also got all the more popular where I live (Sweden) over the years, and especially during and now after the pandemic. This has resulted in lots more meals to choose from, and competition drove down prices, plus there were sales to take advantage of.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"e6sa6","text":"Don't get me wrong, I am still a huge advocate for making your own DIY backpacking meals. I've posted recipes on this topic here on Reddit, and made several videos about food on my Youtube channel. I can post some examples in the comments later on if anyone is interested. So I'm still on team DIY meals 4 life. But then I saw how two good friends of mine were combining their meals, and it was a game changer for me.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2rdqg","text":"There we were, my wife and I and our two good friends and hiking homies, on a great section hike the summer of 2021. And I watched as my homies ate their first meal on trail, which was a few store bought meals. But then I noticed that they boiled up a bit more water and used that to rinse out their fancy meal bags. I asked why, and they explained that tomorrow they would put their DIY meal into the recycled store meal bag to cook and eat. Why the hell didn't I think of that before? ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"79s1f","text":"Since then, my meal routines for most of the year (I usually go no-cook in the summer) are to include a few store bought meals along with my DIY meals, which still make up the majority of my meals. For me this is a great mix of convenience yet still being frugal and also minimizing on waste. Plus other benefits, like not having to clean my pot, well, ever anymore. So now I keep an eye out on sales (if you live in Scandinavia, XXL at times has them) to stock up on bougie meals (which don't go bad for a long time anyhow).","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ftsor","text":"This has been a big improvement of my food situation on trail. I will typically reuse a fancy meal bag for 3-4 DIY meals. You could Remember that using boiling or hot water to clean them out, plus using boiling water again when cooking another meal in them, is going to make it sanitary. I've not had any issues with reuse, either with my body or with the bags themselves, which are pretty robust.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dttoh","text":"Thought I'd pass this on here, and hope it helps! And for the record, I store my DIY meals in small ziplock bags, but after dumping the contents into the recycled fancy cook bag on trail, I will store the small ziplocks separately from my trash bag to be either reused or recycled. As usual, let me know if you have questions or feedback.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"qhr8","text":"Finally, here's a rough cost estimate of my go-to meals:","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"3atvi","text":"Store bought meal - 50 to 70 SEK (5 to 7 USD)","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"fb1r2","text":"DIY mac n cheese (nooch) n olive oil - 12 SEK (around 1.20 USD) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"bv64c","text":"DIY ramen fake pad Thai (add peanut butter and hot sauce) - 15-20 SEK (1.50-2 USD) per serving if you get nicer ramen and hot sauce, but can be done for under 10 SEK (a buck) with cheapo options","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2dd12","text":"DIY oatmeal with sesame seeds and sugar - less than 5 SEK (50 cents) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6sjtb","text":"DIY parboiled rice, split lentil, and dried veggie stew with olive oil - 10 SEK (a buck) per serving","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}]}"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span data-offset-key="onvq-0-0"><span data-text="true">Happy new year to all my readers, and happy trails for 2023!</span></span></span></div>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-29002171350807396952022-06-30T16:05:00.001+02:002022-08-28T20:21:37.125+02:00My 2022-2023 3 Season Gear<p>Hey everyone! Hope you are having a nice summer and getting out there as much as you'd like. This is just a quick post to give updates on the current state of my 3 season gear. I haven't changed much, but there is always fine tuning of small things and replacing of old/worn out things and such. And I don't expect to make any big changes in the near future either. I am generally very happy with my gear and have things dialed in just the way I like them, and it's been like that for several years now. </p><p>For nearly a decade now, my BPW (base pack weight, all gear minus food, water, fuel, and other consumables) has hovered between 3-4kg/6.6-8.8lbs. Some trips slightly less, some trips slightly more, but these are the exception rather than the rule. Right now my BPW for roughly half of the year is about 3.6kg/7.9lbs. Before I link my gear list, the usual disclaimer: I'm still not sponsored, still no free gear, still no adverts on my blog, etc.<br /><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>And here's a complete breakdown of my entire BPW on Lighter Pack: <b><a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/1ewzt3">https://lighterpack.com/r/1ewzt3</a></b></p><p>My LP linked above also goes into detail about how I change things up for most of my trips, for example if it is slightly colder or much warmer. So this gear list, with some minor changes, covers the majority of my trips throughout the year from about early April to late October.<br /></p><p>I do have a few small updates that I will make over the summer, but I don't think it will add any more than about 100g/3.5oz. I recently ordered a slightly larger first aid/repair kit bag. I just got sick of fiddling around with a smaller bag, plus my new one is in a vibrant red color so it's easier to find when I dig around my front pocket. </p><p>I also upgraded my power bank to what is now the UL standard: the Nitecore NB10000 Quick-Charge. It should weight roughly the same as the one I use now, yet has more power and can quick charge. My old Anker won't go to waste however, as there's nothing wrong with it. So that will go to my oldest son, who's an avid Scout and outdoors enthusiast as well.</p><p>Yeah, that's about it. I haven't posted much about gear because I haven't really changed much, it's as simple as that. I am looking forward to trips for the rest of the year, and happy trails to all of you. Peace!</p><p>*UPDATE 28/08/2022: I recently filmed a video where I show off and discuss my summer kit, and much of what you see remains in my 3 season kit as well. Check it out:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W2qBd78B1hM" width="320" youtube-src-id="W2qBd78B1hM"></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-43247232609105023232022-06-02T23:53:00.003+02:002022-06-04T12:32:49.297+02:00Cesar's Guide to Northern Dalsland: Tresticklan National Park and Torrskogsleden<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXtWBU5o2jTLa4m7KBPlNuKbptOUPcsafXOyeDLC6gAgO4dakyY1abwkn6SqGTZwPVZCu3UgynY4qC9JQK1X8INwGN1BX1cnFRqy5RxoU0sRu4hJvSgWPg_G4ebgz2WWy4H1lOds6oPyuaHYRAaiD5Aiq8DzOZVTnGNq6gvYfVQe1Y9T4M8udly9-ow/s4000/DSC_0067.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXtWBU5o2jTLa4m7KBPlNuKbptOUPcsafXOyeDLC6gAgO4dakyY1abwkn6SqGTZwPVZCu3UgynY4qC9JQK1X8INwGN1BX1cnFRqy5RxoU0sRu4hJvSgWPg_G4ebgz2WWy4H1lOds6oPyuaHYRAaiD5Aiq8DzOZVTnGNq6gvYfVQe1Y9T4M8udly9-ow/s320/DSC_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuLkSCOUccCFEfysUnCVe0l7J8VSEYACsiKQV5ozF-vgvFQv9HW9mT3tA1OMB-ijCc8lWHkQdWyvFxXtJXYoYQix1OvO6aqUY43l_hlpoDUdNyblflzRM6KueNKEGgmGpyvwq-dYEcI2U-hyaidStmZvdCqzD9uFUILhgaZdp67COegITn2A1z-SAqw/s4000/DSC_0132.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcuLkSCOUccCFEfysUnCVe0l7J8VSEYACsiKQV5ozF-vgvFQv9HW9mT3tA1OMB-ijCc8lWHkQdWyvFxXtJXYoYQix1OvO6aqUY43l_hlpoDUdNyblflzRM6KueNKEGgmGpyvwq-dYEcI2U-hyaidStmZvdCqzD9uFUILhgaZdp67COegITn2A1z-SAqw/s320/DSC_0132.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYZ6Mfi0wVFgQfMGzzTRbUpHq2S9xbVDd6vKrPZ6wTPfw3ijd9m1gHz4ivp6QpmiCu9H5dbz1Wug9c-tyz17x5hBWXv5bP107X1exMGIx-1dKY1yjwGrcMJXECEFXgGPr0131TqhYztCGc0wz2ziDrmbqQMYl7QiIJfJCXa4CLH0Au7IBLV1iPwuJzw/s4000/DSC_0259.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJYZ6Mfi0wVFgQfMGzzTRbUpHq2S9xbVDd6vKrPZ6wTPfw3ijd9m1gHz4ivp6QpmiCu9H5dbz1Wug9c-tyz17x5hBWXv5bP107X1exMGIx-1dKY1yjwGrcMJXECEFXgGPr0131TqhYztCGc0wz2ziDrmbqQMYl7QiIJfJCXa4CLH0Au7IBLV1iPwuJzw/s320/DSC_0259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p><b> </b></p><p><b>Introduction</b></p><p>Dalsland is one of my favorite places to hike in Sweden. It has several marked hiking trails (and a number of unmarked ones as well), many lakes (some massive in size), various nature reserves, and the <i><b>Tresticklans </b></i>National Park. It also has a low population density along with a vast amount of thick, beautiful forests, which makes for great, if not more challenging, hiking adventures in relative isolation. There are many hills and cliffs in the area, which also make this place unique, in that some routes call for scrambling and/or climbing to one extent or another.</p><p>Dalsland also features prominently in <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html"><b>The Troll Trail</b></a>, so be sure to check out that long distance route if you haven't already. If you are thru-hiking the Troll Trail, you could explore northern Dalsland as a side trail trip to extend your hike.<br /></p><p>So for several years now I have hiked a fair amount of kilometers in Dalsland, yet there was one area that I've wanted to explore for a while now, and finally got the chance to go deep into this more wild northern part of the province. The plan was simple in theory: to connect the Tresticklans National Park in the northwest with the <i><b>Torrskogsleden </b></i>marked trail in the north. But in practice, there are various complications to account for, though I am happy to say that I feel they are definitely worth it after hiking this long-ish section hike. You'll want to spend at least 3 days or up to a week here, depending on how you choose to hike, how many kilometers you can hike in a day, and what you choose to do. There are plenty of really nice spots to swim, for example.<br /></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p>Here is a PDF info document (Swedish and English) with a map of <a href="https://www.nationalparksofsweden.se/globalassets/tresticklan/filer/tresticklan-nationalpark-folder.pdf" target="_blank">Tresticklans National Park</a>.</p><p>And here is a PDF info document (Swedish only) with a map of the <a href="https://www.vastsverige.com/globalassets/bengtsfors/pb-vandring-torrskogsleden.pdf" target="_blank">Torrskogsleden hiking trail</a>.</p><p>To hike the route detailed in the trail guide below, you will need to download a hiking terrain map for Sweden. Or you could buy or download and print physical maps. But you will definitely need good maps of this area in general, and I recommend having experience using maps on any hiking trip--but especially this route, which is a bit more challenging due to its relative isolation and its terrain. You can find my recommendations for smartphone map apps and other helpful info about hiking in Sweden if you haven't been here before in the link above to The Troll Trail.</p><p>Water is abundant all over this area, and you can even be picky about your water sources and fill up at one of the many clear, cold springs that feed the lakes. Many of these springs have no homes or farms around them and are some of the better water sources I've drank from in recent memory. </p><p>Weather can be a complication, as not only is it Sweden and chaotic in general, it's also close to the Norwegian border, which tends to send crazy weather towards Sweden due to Norway's mountains. So there can be harsh cold snaps, rain one hour and blue skies and sun the next. While I sat and ate lunch on Torrskogsleden, a dark cloud passed over me and there was a hailstorm that pounded the hill I was on for about 15 minutes. Then it turned into heavy rain for another 20 minutes, only for the cloud to pass and blue skies and bright sunlight to shine on me again. I was dry shortly after hitting the trail again after my lunch break.</p><p>Setting up shelters can be a challenge in this area due to its terrain. It's often rocky and bumpy and uneven, and there are plenty of hills and cliffs and widow-makers around. So I suggest a shelter with a smaller footprint, and that you also make sure to scout for a campsite earlier in the evening than in flatter wilderness areas. There are a few cabins and trail shelters along the way, however, so if you plan carefully, you can spend one or more nights under a roof on this route.<br /></p><p>Overall after many hours of planning and carefully reading maps of this area, I'm pretty happy with how this route turned out. There is some asphalt grinding to connect a few sections, but it's manageable, and there aren't many cars in this area, which makes these parts safer and more pleasant. For years I've wanted to hike Torrskogleden, but it was always out of reach due to how isolated it is. So I was excited when I finally figured out a way to connect to it, and in short it's a good little trail with a lot of character and variety. I hope that this guide can help others experience several off the beaten path locations that are beautiful and have potential for an all around excellent hiking adventure.<br /></p><p><b>Trail Guide </b><br /></p><p>This route can vary in distance quite a lot depending on how you go about planning it, so below are some options to consider. The small town of Ed on the southern end of lake <i><b>Stora Le</b></i> will be involved in one way or another, as it has a train and bus station, so it's pretty much hikers' main connection point for much of Dalsland. You can resupply in Ed and there are also a few restaurants and cafes, and there is also a convenience store and cafe in the village of Nössemark (close to where you catch the ferry on the west side of the lake). <br /></p><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Hike west directly from Ed to <i>Bastedalen </i>in the <i>Herådmadens </i>nature reserve (18km) following local trails as well as doing some bushwhacking. There is an overnight cabin for hikers at Bastedalen that is quite nice. Then hike north into Tresticklans to <i>Budalsvika </i>(13km), where there are two trail cabins open for all hikers and one big, fancy trail cabin that is under lock and key for members of the Norwegian hiking club. Then from there follow the directions below for option #2. If I were to do this option, I would try and get to Ed as early as possible so that I could have lunch at Bastedalen and then spend the night at Budalsvika.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCYGPSzkttvP1baKxS-mMgaKJEd7hBPg2TLOUe0RbmwKHuPmRYCaJH-BuGzANiOCZ8VlMFNS-pu4pUl4nYGPBKlMQLyqLzNe1F8pQgz4m47RmBuncYYDAVddmQM3GXbAyFfdv49Rr2nkd9kQqnWlPCA6O3LJJrrjDiv5S4pYFG8FkvVMCVEHan_BNuw/s4000/DSC_0039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQCYGPSzkttvP1baKxS-mMgaKJEd7hBPg2TLOUe0RbmwKHuPmRYCaJH-BuGzANiOCZ8VlMFNS-pu4pUl4nYGPBKlMQLyqLzNe1F8pQgz4m47RmBuncYYDAVddmQM3GXbAyFfdv49Rr2nkd9kQqnWlPCA6O3LJJrrjDiv5S4pYFG8FkvVMCVEHan_BNuw/s320/DSC_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Take a taxi or hitchhike from Ed to the main entrance of Tresticklans National Park. This is the option I chose for the trip report that follows below, but I have hiked the route outlined in option #1 above in the past a few times, and it's quite nice, so long as you are smart about how you bushwhack to get to Bastedalen from Ed. From the main entrance it's only a 5km hike to Budalsvika, and then another 18km to the Jaren port on the Stora Le lake. At Jaren you catch a ferry across Stora Le to the port of Sund on the eastern shores. The ferry is free of charge, and you can read more info about it on <a href="https://www.vastsverige.com/en/dals-ed/produkter/nossemarksfarjan-sund-jaren-eng/" target="_blank">its official website (in English)</a>.<br /><br />Here at Sund you must then make a choice if you want to take the easy way (10km to the trail) or the hard way (9km) to connect to Torrskogsleden. If you take the easy way, hike east to the hamlet of Sund, then hike northeast on a dirt road that will eventually connect to the trail. If you take the hard way, hike north just past the eastern port on a dirt backwoods road that dead-ends in thick woods and steep cliffs. I took the hard way on my trip, and will detail both of these paths later on. Either way, you then hike Torrskogsleden, so follow directions for option #3 below.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkzYTp2OEXOCjul8iaMMx2dsP35WPJQrtBIXWXWAr30r0g17KySaB8NMA7uCa94Kvgbabw3V0A18qeAc5rQjpHLeA0h2HyC8pdU0Qys-R3RAyhij_xpV2SuQRrVG5K5T8_wqXjqT0LtFUKlsDwqMfdVoasIvm_u_Qom2U1H7PhmNVC91qrMfoZS8Org/s4000/DSC_0123.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTkzYTp2OEXOCjul8iaMMx2dsP35WPJQrtBIXWXWAr30r0g17KySaB8NMA7uCa94Kvgbabw3V0A18qeAc5rQjpHLeA0h2HyC8pdU0Qys-R3RAyhij_xpV2SuQRrVG5K5T8_wqXjqT0LtFUKlsDwqMfdVoasIvm_u_Qom2U1H7PhmNVC91qrMfoZS8Org/s320/DSC_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Hike Torrskogsleden, which is a short (25km in total), looping, marked trail that is between lake Stora Le and another massive lake <i>Lelång</i>, which separates Dalsland from Värmland to the north. After hiking this trail, generally the exit strategy is to either end the trip at the bus stop near <i>Torrskogs kyrka</i> (a church), or hike back to the Sund port and take the ferry back to the western side of Stora Le. One could in theory hike the easy or hard way (outlined in option #2 above) to the trail, then hike the other way back so there is no backtracking to return to the ferry. More on the bus stops and other exit options later on. I was able to hike about 90% of the trail on my trip before getting a ride back to Ed close to the trail.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsx5zo2Nq3wM1eNjkzW0791ufZUO2GbpqvJ_kzsVZA7a98O3Tr9Oib2vKigkpM1crvlFcX02LqJ5Z5fzMMm5K3_EtD_wspXP034BsmFsPnsbZL4nlMXrmz3Uwb6aSqupVzC2zK8AvZfLaIAPhH3B0f8bVX3WIk0Q0e3mgM21kQ3zjjt0nnVqq3WBgOw/s4000/DSC_0247.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpsx5zo2Nq3wM1eNjkzW0791ufZUO2GbpqvJ_kzsVZA7a98O3Tr9Oib2vKigkpM1crvlFcX02LqJ5Z5fzMMm5K3_EtD_wspXP034BsmFsPnsbZL4nlMXrmz3Uwb6aSqupVzC2zK8AvZfLaIAPhH3B0f8bVX3WIk0Q0e3mgM21kQ3zjjt0nnVqq3WBgOw/s320/DSC_0247.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /></li><li>Hike south back down to Ed, following a combination of dirt/gravel roads, backwoods roads, unmarked trails, and probably some more bushwhacking as well, generally following the eastern cliffs and forest of Stora Le. This would be around 30-35km from the hamlet of Sund back to Ed.<br /></li></ol><p>If you choose to hike all of the above options #1-4, this would result in a complete loop from Ed, around and across Stora Le, and back to Ed again, for a total of roughly 118-123km. I hiked options #2 and #3 and ended up hiking about 60km according to the step counter on my phone, but had to cut the trip short due to a minor injury on trail (I'm fine). I would recommend, and plan on hiking again in the future, options #1-3, or broken down into the following sections:</p><p>Ed to Bastedalen to Budalsvika, 31km<br />Budalsvika to the Stora Le Ferry to the hard way north to Torrskogsleden, 27km<br />Hike Torreskogsleden, looping east, then loop west to the easy way back to Sund, 30km<br />Take the ferry west, hike to a bus stop in the village of Nössemark, 2km<br /><br />Total: 90km</p><p><b>The Hard Way to or from Torrskogsleden</b></p><p>After getting off the ferry at Sund, the first part of the hard way is actually quite pleasant and easy. You follow a backwoods dirt road north that is very scenic. There are hidden little beaches on the banks of the lake, and there is a good spring to fill up on water where the road dead ends. Past the road and the spring there are faint animal trails you can follow to continue north, but eventually you will have to find a way to climb up the cliffs in front of you. This is Sunds Branters nature reserve, though I saw no signs or any indication of any marked trails anywhere. It's just 1km from one road to another road on the other side of the cliffs, which is the goal to continue on to connect to Torrskogsleden. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaxKzK1tgEDv_lZAl40b8WYJUo4Vnq2AS_8aOoQ-v0bowmA60_cX0CJiIcz881YRhcoMhO0ruQ-RsQm6yrac7xncodWqxqVNK9OxJGyfaPydhY61MWnHutUkX7qxDzzTim3RbCimKUVNgl5zqOPxMnPoa-d-F0grzsuudAq8wXvkou09D-e44WQ86iA/s4000/DSC_0176.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaxKzK1tgEDv_lZAl40b8WYJUo4Vnq2AS_8aOoQ-v0bowmA60_cX0CJiIcz881YRhcoMhO0ruQ-RsQm6yrac7xncodWqxqVNK9OxJGyfaPydhY61MWnHutUkX7qxDzzTim3RbCimKUVNgl5zqOPxMnPoa-d-F0grzsuudAq8wXvkou09D-e44WQ86iA/s320/DSC_0176.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> <p></p><p>But this 1km is a tough one. It took me about 45 minutes of cautious scrambling and climbing and zigzagging up and over the cliffs. But for the record I have a fair bit of experience with scrambling and climbing, and at times things were a bit sketchy. So I can't help but include a warning here to anyone thinking about taking the hard way. I do not recommend this path unless you an experienced hiker that is familiar with scrambling/climbing. And if there is bad weather, like wind, rain, or snow--even for seasoned hikers, I'd suggest being extra cautious, or perhaps avoiding the hard way altogether. </p><p>Later on in my trip report, I will of course include pictures of this section, but they don't capture all the difficulties I had. Nor would it have been wise for me to snap pictures in the middle of tricky, technical climbs. But once you eventually climb up these cliffs, there is a plateau that makes for much easier hiking for a short stretch before finding the next dirt road that heads north. This dirt road then turns east, so just follow it until you make it to the marked trail. <br /></p><p><b>The Easy Way to or from Torrskogsleden</b></p><p>This path is pretty straightforward. Just past the hamlet of Sund head northeast on a backwoods road that turns into a trail. The trail eventually passes a cottage, then turns back into a road and intersects with a gravel road, where you turn east. Then this road intersects with a bigger gravel/dirt road where you head northeast again, passing the big farm Kölen (which should be marked on whatever map you are using). Just past the farm you should see trail markers for Torrskogsleden, and you can choose to loop east or west. But just know that if you loop west you will soon (in about 5km) pass the connection to the hard way, so it would make the most sense to hike east if you plan on hiking the hard way back to Sund later on.</p><p><b>Bus and Exit Strategy Complications</b></p><p>As I mentioned earlier, this area is pretty isolated. Which means that bus connections back to Ed from way out there are going to be tricky. There are more bus stops on the west side of Stora Le, and the buses run somewhat more regularly--twice a day rather than just once a day. There is a bus stop at Torrskog kyrka, which is close to the trailhead of Torrskogsleden, but it only runs once a day. Buses on either side of Stora Le don't run on weekends or holidays. So plan your exit strategy carefully if you are going to rely on a bus to get back to civilization. There's always hitchhiking, of course, and now that the pandemic is ending this is an option that's back on the table. But your best chance of hitching a ride is going to be at either end of the ferry ports, where cars regularly wait to ride the ferry, and this makes for a convenient spot to ask around for a ride.<br /></p><p>There is another solution, however, but it will cost you significantly more than a bus, which is to take a taxi. I was able to book a taxi from Ed to Tresticklan, and needed to do so due to time constraints. It cost me 540 SEK, but honestly for me it was worth it because I've been dying hike in Dalsland again. And my trip did not disappoint me, until my 3rd day when I fell and hyper extended my hip. Lucky for me I was near a road (the one near the easy way path close to Kölen), and talked to a local who gave me a ride back to Ed. But I will most definitely try and do a more complete section hike and spend some more time up in northern Dalsland in the future.</p><p><b>Trip Report</b></p><p>I did this trip in late May of 2022, leaving right after work and arriving just before dusk at Tresticklans. I had heard good things about the cabins at Budalsvika, and it lived up to the hype. I have hiked Tresticklans several times before, but never made it to this border campsite, so it was great to finally spend the night there. And it was a very comfy night as well! </p><p>A stream with good water flows through the campsite, there is a nice view of a meadow on the Norwegian side, and the two trail cabins were pretty nice. One smaller cabin is close to the meadow a bit further into Norway that has a floor to crash on, but a bigger cabin with a few bunk beds is right on the border. I slept like a baby in the bigger cabin as the rain poured overnight. I'd have to hike in the rain the next morning, but I'm used to that and I was well rested and in good spirits the next day.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YvrF2rauCmhTO9NbepCvDeTNGxRkA7CY-zdg0Ql0iTZ2kt2bNM7pi0Vktc0XTPTXFECkbQGawSsIPTO4wlyOad4o9UrrtvLmFfUlar1L3gYOOgmcEPc6J0agl8ZeHWFzIQnlOptiyrcVLaaVdkBH-f6kyhIupfZxAPMZLB6bsaqW08KAvKyu42q46g/s4000/DSC_0027.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7YvrF2rauCmhTO9NbepCvDeTNGxRkA7CY-zdg0Ql0iTZ2kt2bNM7pi0Vktc0XTPTXFECkbQGawSsIPTO4wlyOad4o9UrrtvLmFfUlar1L3gYOOgmcEPc6J0agl8ZeHWFzIQnlOptiyrcVLaaVdkBH-f6kyhIupfZxAPMZLB6bsaqW08KAvKyu42q46g/s320/DSC_0027.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRMYfxKaya1-hwO7VP6kKG4i-kbnl5qjVJB_DGeV5CL-ODCZE9VmYjn7z75o50KQJ16GH5Vhs1VJbX_se7cSjRVp8nku6NGO4aGIr8mIapojGw7QSyasKbPiZ1P-qtfWBuWgdkV4qQWfCQ9Rc28ztdf6kB7YMgCKLgjxQUPvVgUTVWcHHoB0a_Y7fPA/s4000/DSC_0029.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrRMYfxKaya1-hwO7VP6kKG4i-kbnl5qjVJB_DGeV5CL-ODCZE9VmYjn7z75o50KQJ16GH5Vhs1VJbX_se7cSjRVp8nku6NGO4aGIr8mIapojGw7QSyasKbPiZ1P-qtfWBuWgdkV4qQWfCQ9Rc28ztdf6kB7YMgCKLgjxQUPvVgUTVWcHHoB0a_Y7fPA/s320/DSC_0029.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqjmi4FOHQ-gS-FgO5fFWAw1zhx1UxkV1_7k0eAMkp8Hj69XHqBZCLpI7-eCS5a3TXnlTd7wE31ihObfGetYVrbSepxNRrNXRYhg-bNpvNKie32BJJ2SCorNVgDJ6WgpUw2_0QLoDSOMAxmUr9zeJJhhgPxQLghVZSoMYkPGxK86GCRUayCUrij5bLQ/s4000/DSC_0042.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJqjmi4FOHQ-gS-FgO5fFWAw1zhx1UxkV1_7k0eAMkp8Hj69XHqBZCLpI7-eCS5a3TXnlTd7wE31ihObfGetYVrbSepxNRrNXRYhg-bNpvNKie32BJJ2SCorNVgDJ6WgpUw2_0QLoDSOMAxmUr9zeJJhhgPxQLghVZSoMYkPGxK86GCRUayCUrij5bLQ/s320/DSC_0042.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBStSOpHqjeu-F9nnm-YhIqd5bGmc-G_L_tF2Oq3cfShYkxofPN2svvuo5KxCY7xbvmCjAfGWQj6xUe1gYdKndk1rHLEL2znxl64ttonr_4L_X0QJHJ_EpB3K62olduv0t32i1mp1IIunSuy8qj8ROAoeNevoCyxxDXNHQ1dyVNZVJaUAkdx8ZdSD9w/s4000/DSC_0045.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSBStSOpHqjeu-F9nnm-YhIqd5bGmc-G_L_tF2Oq3cfShYkxofPN2svvuo5KxCY7xbvmCjAfGWQj6xUe1gYdKndk1rHLEL2znxl64ttonr_4L_X0QJHJ_EpB3K62olduv0t32i1mp1IIunSuy8qj8ROAoeNevoCyxxDXNHQ1dyVNZVJaUAkdx8ZdSD9w/s320/DSC_0045.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDZoXshx_B0kPshn4tU_TarsfsJ1WQnCLWnzUH2tK1BkXWqcB5lveJh9N6bi09ljc7vHKsp18sfQCYtpSMEL57ZS_T4DRQhjYg6W8u6petXHTMmB2IZkXsXxmTKTPK-zN4d7hV5Y1x_ZFOsEYrCw4_muzJbZU5fgdEHuDS69WFNsid7SY97uSHFgfuQ/s4000/DSC_0048.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDZoXshx_B0kPshn4tU_TarsfsJ1WQnCLWnzUH2tK1BkXWqcB5lveJh9N6bi09ljc7vHKsp18sfQCYtpSMEL57ZS_T4DRQhjYg6W8u6petXHTMmB2IZkXsXxmTKTPK-zN4d7hV5Y1x_ZFOsEYrCw4_muzJbZU5fgdEHuDS69WFNsid7SY97uSHFgfuQ/s320/DSC_0048.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXcozNaP1leGvl_zgSYAyi2TRZhvXykhBXMrvw9mLLFkTRNCxMBXvSGC-n-S8OUCsf9shvIHLI0Yl7VjstwEAPm_j3YUIDxnIfYRxfjnK-BAFPk4oJch5Y5Oi_foLVTa65_6nF5FRknAsXA7uBlb5mYQXQ5kO8Bk4kS5tjZAaytcxYJ9ZxUp7m6ojkQ/s4000/DSC_0040.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibXcozNaP1leGvl_zgSYAyi2TRZhvXykhBXMrvw9mLLFkTRNCxMBXvSGC-n-S8OUCsf9shvIHLI0Yl7VjstwEAPm_j3YUIDxnIfYRxfjnK-BAFPk4oJch5Y5Oi_foLVTa65_6nF5FRknAsXA7uBlb5mYQXQ5kO8Bk4kS5tjZAaytcxYJ9ZxUp7m6ojkQ/s320/DSC_0040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p>To exit the park hiking north I had to pay close attention to not miss the trail, as there were no signs or markers pointing out this path, but there was a clear trail to the northern end of the national park. And I did spot a few stone markers and faint, old trail markers on trees at times. This National Park is fairly popular, so I would imagine that there will eventually be a sign and/or better trail markers there in the future. At the southern end of the park, I noticed over the years that they added better trail markers and signs (for example from the park to Bastedalen) After that I followed some pleasant dirt roads before hitting the asphalt that leads to the ferry.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYvSQQ7FuW-deZzpvjQM2KDn2FYdELVece6YYV6KHlABNNrW2ql2UuAbZjXUfPQJxHjCofzvzWsUNMnYwF2v-8UBWERfp3G1ykl_cqfWv6QeV9i6LTRVTwQhn3eJCxxh88nPdFbIx-tg3TqywSKMxTyQboYGslpLHFhlPqrpVK7H5idNL0n6mBWfGeQ/s4000/DSC_0061.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJYvSQQ7FuW-deZzpvjQM2KDn2FYdELVece6YYV6KHlABNNrW2ql2UuAbZjXUfPQJxHjCofzvzWsUNMnYwF2v-8UBWERfp3G1ykl_cqfWv6QeV9i6LTRVTwQhn3eJCxxh88nPdFbIx-tg3TqywSKMxTyQboYGslpLHFhlPqrpVK7H5idNL0n6mBWfGeQ/s320/DSC_0061.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYrEdzQJPQLWgssBCYAmRzhh1a7A6M_2ReyoOkxQquLT5zAQ4MVX6kjIHmjdI9zyWESHM7MwAeEoedn1Scl9qpmOaWu_xFqANnW8hMLuxARzfCPBjKxoE6djfZF04yEGZoWSTRJu6jMG7IqsajEDUESYaFX5W3n5Z290IojtoJoSIc7KnrElyYUTtFg/s4000/DSC_0065.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXYrEdzQJPQLWgssBCYAmRzhh1a7A6M_2ReyoOkxQquLT5zAQ4MVX6kjIHmjdI9zyWESHM7MwAeEoedn1Scl9qpmOaWu_xFqANnW8hMLuxARzfCPBjKxoE6djfZF04yEGZoWSTRJu6jMG7IqsajEDUESYaFX5W3n5Z290IojtoJoSIc7KnrElyYUTtFg/s320/DSC_0065.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQLmbXDbkOklTZZJkFRuG_r77UKMhzo0OKWsaMWz2d7tdqWJ6mBChEYT-ryi2kvftz9QoBuy4rXBg_UtG-j-rIhoioVJEE7NC7zqXF9N2dmvjjiLVnvIMUBQ0yvps1iMxqol9T0XaWznYEUDa77Ka4EGw24ADJXHOtSo44QQL6iYZ7w7o9ev-p0o0kQ/s4000/DSC_0066.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAQLmbXDbkOklTZZJkFRuG_r77UKMhzo0OKWsaMWz2d7tdqWJ6mBChEYT-ryi2kvftz9QoBuy4rXBg_UtG-j-rIhoioVJEE7NC7zqXF9N2dmvjjiLVnvIMUBQ0yvps1iMxqol9T0XaWznYEUDa77Ka4EGw24ADJXHOtSo44QQL6iYZ7w7o9ev-p0o0kQ/s320/DSC_0066.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt6VI_cSV45j0sVGxTubjfVYs1fYQM0NdkgjN0j3V7d8rLtP7UCJgqeECZFi8QodF8BHrVXIh3AhTKZX9cgN8SC8D-nYe-d5o3PrrtdK-7cpzOgC7UrQytZu_URY3DGCxXx-mg0990inQuKl8WMNrrqDeWnzvrikIsCcyKtDv0LKJRVCkP5pJ5zD7Kg/s4000/DSC_0070.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt6VI_cSV45j0sVGxTubjfVYs1fYQM0NdkgjN0j3V7d8rLtP7UCJgqeECZFi8QodF8BHrVXIh3AhTKZX9cgN8SC8D-nYe-d5o3PrrtdK-7cpzOgC7UrQytZu_URY3DGCxXx-mg0990inQuKl8WMNrrqDeWnzvrikIsCcyKtDv0LKJRVCkP5pJ5zD7Kg/s320/DSC_0070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnTWi7dGnZe3GwQjXLTnstb9oCceGsw1X192LA3bi0gQb99Eh3XEO5zPLviRzr5j9h4w10m7gaQcSf5M0wtJQzKPD1IcRmQ7Z7pVpfWOK2gldxn13SbumsDwUK2Oxwv3A_aULUP88i5u1y2inn29-9iDBaUFexgFz6Hb7yC-ZteTjNiwKa0Bo74sUGQ/s4000/DSC_0092.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipnTWi7dGnZe3GwQjXLTnstb9oCceGsw1X192LA3bi0gQb99Eh3XEO5zPLviRzr5j9h4w10m7gaQcSf5M0wtJQzKPD1IcRmQ7Z7pVpfWOK2gldxn13SbumsDwUK2Oxwv3A_aULUP88i5u1y2inn29-9iDBaUFexgFz6Hb7yC-ZteTjNiwKa0Bo74sUGQ/s320/DSC_0092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbthGQaIXlDvXgD8gBn3GDB2gar0p7sVcMSFbG-fShNEyDS7lq7njNahwORneu3uAp63k0c1G_xoJvdJn93sOVGGRNue7y7lLQ7gozxHgdJjRRoLhkwZPbE4MSeJLCeLBg6KgKVZd2bVKBualxEkdJxs0JT27HxjSM1iGlwv7mzVxn9wZ5WkEvJUMQbA/s4000/DSC_0098.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbthGQaIXlDvXgD8gBn3GDB2gar0p7sVcMSFbG-fShNEyDS7lq7njNahwORneu3uAp63k0c1G_xoJvdJn93sOVGGRNue7y7lLQ7gozxHgdJjRRoLhkwZPbE4MSeJLCeLBg6KgKVZd2bVKBualxEkdJxs0JT27HxjSM1iGlwv7mzVxn9wZ5WkEvJUMQbA/s320/DSC_0098.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVN7pkcor3QU_nbjBO_UMQvr36mRPkcw0ruJXaInyhmS32pb71fGUfpq_GKQ403kx3AxQKaCHRD8d-X0LjSiBR81BER-WNrZX5GmaDrYiOW00dqylJzK_RT85MytHrRGT4rc7Oa3V88ppZzzok_xbtkmMQI49LLUCJj12eBnzEd8vUAiMkEOR0IHksg/s4000/DSC_0101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqVN7pkcor3QU_nbjBO_UMQvr36mRPkcw0ruJXaInyhmS32pb71fGUfpq_GKQ403kx3AxQKaCHRD8d-X0LjSiBR81BER-WNrZX5GmaDrYiOW00dqylJzK_RT85MytHrRGT4rc7Oa3V88ppZzzok_xbtkmMQI49LLUCJj12eBnzEd8vUAiMkEOR0IHksg/s320/DSC_0101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EOEj1w3dp1QoovnzCMZdP5znMF0PFEF_OWm6gsLSE2-T8BglfO06at04lHtIPuIp-twkPI1i_VXZd6H32lLgcsRz_jmB3JBfGSwcKsnD03kmT3Kzz-tkzBPQhm35WZ6SrZ4K550qwcJUCTkBFn6zx9XoEHDrESyyPRBpktelDhSnNz78kIe907hKuw/s4000/DSC_0107.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8EOEj1w3dp1QoovnzCMZdP5znMF0PFEF_OWm6gsLSE2-T8BglfO06at04lHtIPuIp-twkPI1i_VXZd6H32lLgcsRz_jmB3JBfGSwcKsnD03kmT3Kzz-tkzBPQhm35WZ6SrZ4K550qwcJUCTkBFn6zx9XoEHDrESyyPRBpktelDhSnNz78kIe907hKuw/s320/DSC_0107.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqCkRuLjQRrCtCzULPGQlyATu8pT3659yzGjWOnexcSDiGTsyXFgV1d2-q_B_ZqrnkhnC3XArd6J5l26_V0urPG88ZzhEud1s8h93Fng_4pmHpWoeA4DLipda1ELz3Smk3Z-ixAQRi6kvDUm7CZs6nOdGVMCQu-azXQo55qGhUbfqtxS0gFA3v_Obw/s4000/DSC_0108.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5UqCkRuLjQRrCtCzULPGQlyATu8pT3659yzGjWOnexcSDiGTsyXFgV1d2-q_B_ZqrnkhnC3XArd6J5l26_V0urPG88ZzhEud1s8h93Fng_4pmHpWoeA4DLipda1ELz3Smk3Z-ixAQRi6kvDUm7CZs6nOdGVMCQu-azXQo55qGhUbfqtxS0gFA3v_Obw/s320/DSC_0108.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ce3U0gDQ84_wSdvIypBlLJJQZkrSwjXZNR2abZh32C-QdUSZyZUzQQF8icPJXYcQq2tJVhmpB4n6A9t3rkew17d52FHxLRY1lPurW1tJJm1MVlpaY4RBIqxh5nQslPt54YUa1mVzI9sbiowr7f7VOF1LMKA1FkqcKHEwfgdzZ1Gmg0WMKRTKtop8bQ/s4000/DSC_0110.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Ce3U0gDQ84_wSdvIypBlLJJQZkrSwjXZNR2abZh32C-QdUSZyZUzQQF8icPJXYcQq2tJVhmpB4n6A9t3rkew17d52FHxLRY1lPurW1tJJm1MVlpaY4RBIqxh5nQslPt54YUa1mVzI9sbiowr7f7VOF1LMKA1FkqcKHEwfgdzZ1Gmg0WMKRTKtop8bQ/s320/DSC_0110.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvw0i1KQwtqFRqEoj6dTSGo7kuqp71_8RJFb5NU3KSk6SanEBiv4WgO4apCYZVNKAVnblt3WKACod_0zrsGpH-ryN18PM81_c0wlYWnO0qX7GGdXACDb0bnOAAt3Y2s6DO1_Yd9fZWj1Rc9sLbAhbS6UvElSwAD7ud27GX8eSC7rlvP1wh_E1WLie1Q/s4000/DSC_0112.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfvw0i1KQwtqFRqEoj6dTSGo7kuqp71_8RJFb5NU3KSk6SanEBiv4WgO4apCYZVNKAVnblt3WKACod_0zrsGpH-ryN18PM81_c0wlYWnO0qX7GGdXACDb0bnOAAt3Y2s6DO1_Yd9fZWj1Rc9sLbAhbS6UvElSwAD7ud27GX8eSC7rlvP1wh_E1WLie1Q/s320/DSC_0112.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>The ferry runs regularly during the day, but make sure to check the timetable in the link I provided above. It's a lovely little ride across the lake, and then I headed north to the hard way to Torrskogleden. Again, pictures don't do this bushwhacking justice, and I'm glad I'm not afraid of heights. But after finding the dirt road past the cliffs, it was easy to eventually get to the trail.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u9d0F36x2hV3Av_v1-eUqTr9__oEMcj5P0zxZCCO40d207W6kPBhsxUhfVQuldKW_Cj2eQ5jpnPF-wDpp0WK2I4Ks0MwuOsf31UhZB9JsQc2xUbBUDmIr9asHq-_FDQLT-3fbdIC6BOHYnz6LcRdhRKMKwlW2xVvEF0TlARfegDab4kxUf4p-wAJ9g/s4000/DSC_0142.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_u9d0F36x2hV3Av_v1-eUqTr9__oEMcj5P0zxZCCO40d207W6kPBhsxUhfVQuldKW_Cj2eQ5jpnPF-wDpp0WK2I4Ks0MwuOsf31UhZB9JsQc2xUbBUDmIr9asHq-_FDQLT-3fbdIC6BOHYnz6LcRdhRKMKwlW2xVvEF0TlARfegDab4kxUf4p-wAJ9g/s320/DSC_0142.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNvVhQG60uNqeerscWS-2tXhInA9yElrcQBvjtg02FRAQsm9p_m-5gup23qqOPiNmYZUa3VYskpeGm-HWg_whCULofpn-6GRDqtgpdy_kOGLITty71lIzzuGIj-Jk19YxKNmLQcH0maZmow_B5m6iz0yF0erKDSnBglr8vQv6Tg2-0rkZOfLoResqeA/s4000/DSC_0147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNvVhQG60uNqeerscWS-2tXhInA9yElrcQBvjtg02FRAQsm9p_m-5gup23qqOPiNmYZUa3VYskpeGm-HWg_whCULofpn-6GRDqtgpdy_kOGLITty71lIzzuGIj-Jk19YxKNmLQcH0maZmow_B5m6iz0yF0erKDSnBglr8vQv6Tg2-0rkZOfLoResqeA/s320/DSC_0147.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPftqjY-AjyoNGn8w30eGtPhmKNRnGUldUQx0BS-ETY1I3tYelNwOjmtB55IV8gZzesxYy4Kz9Qmhmqx_RvcaKlPz-JqHuNhD5lr7ubGMv5p_bePp2SsZAn6CggpOKR2Tw0s4sK-zbNGkaFKFDebGv4Hz7-YABIQEv1km-TqiYhNovgFEoVm8XTHj7Q/s4000/DSC_0153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPftqjY-AjyoNGn8w30eGtPhmKNRnGUldUQx0BS-ETY1I3tYelNwOjmtB55IV8gZzesxYy4Kz9Qmhmqx_RvcaKlPz-JqHuNhD5lr7ubGMv5p_bePp2SsZAn6CggpOKR2Tw0s4sK-zbNGkaFKFDebGv4Hz7-YABIQEv1km-TqiYhNovgFEoVm8XTHj7Q/s320/DSC_0153.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MX31kGhX3CgHCcqlMIH8DNW9jqOwxpey7FekO2ZPmn-JHNXgaY9OeExTK92H0T1uvQURR7RMYtjuqjS9GyOq9yRlVbksZLPS1Wpu03mhSz_y6XePkfw03b7r36i6QDZez_SkmL6zVvXD-wJ89Spa2OIodpkDgmTm5CeGeMcDbS7O_vJU-iH8WJKFNw/s4000/DSC_0155.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6MX31kGhX3CgHCcqlMIH8DNW9jqOwxpey7FekO2ZPmn-JHNXgaY9OeExTK92H0T1uvQURR7RMYtjuqjS9GyOq9yRlVbksZLPS1Wpu03mhSz_y6XePkfw03b7r36i6QDZez_SkmL6zVvXD-wJ89Spa2OIodpkDgmTm5CeGeMcDbS7O_vJU-iH8WJKFNw/s320/DSC_0155.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGySLNXDXYSti5VC1GtPrrftYgS6YvMUlGFGrIByJ-cL1cDv0cGr-6nppYR4OTR_wvkaCHia9wgyro2rFS_U5sTRSocWQwVUAs1sbnTxWsXNOruIgB0p2O7XwEUUjrLcMlghU1un9b9fwztn6MamT0ztlaW_ry4vadi93V_5rU_cU7CuA57slf0Wl1Q/s4000/DSC_0157.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivGySLNXDXYSti5VC1GtPrrftYgS6YvMUlGFGrIByJ-cL1cDv0cGr-6nppYR4OTR_wvkaCHia9wgyro2rFS_U5sTRSocWQwVUAs1sbnTxWsXNOruIgB0p2O7XwEUUjrLcMlghU1un9b9fwztn6MamT0ztlaW_ry4vadi93V_5rU_cU7CuA57slf0Wl1Q/s320/DSC_0157.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdy41XHlYTwUlIhuClaDC5f45RTkW6ovMLEN5WXebMyJEVwIvGxOV8RTdqJJDbL1Bp4OkRWYVPDyl801sylAK6zQKyOJYcYiOBD_X6e6emAQvWGtxrX4tk1l_8Bpbk701MK7Zu07KaFcWw4d30-2XNXE0ZYD79QeIHcdNEqw_N3aT73MEuEH94MlSUw/s4000/DSC_0165.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdy41XHlYTwUlIhuClaDC5f45RTkW6ovMLEN5WXebMyJEVwIvGxOV8RTdqJJDbL1Bp4OkRWYVPDyl801sylAK6zQKyOJYcYiOBD_X6e6emAQvWGtxrX4tk1l_8Bpbk701MK7Zu07KaFcWw4d30-2XNXE0ZYD79QeIHcdNEqw_N3aT73MEuEH94MlSUw/s320/DSC_0165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI388grNurq1dRfOmDF2oXzcuv51a05R13HiMgTyPC5btjF9z4rl_uinB8Pft5hSl4IPIhYqVo42zN1z4nOvhsGm8sxvnVRVgcaJFEc4sxDrGIEOKxlqwFlPbok3q2soRaI8VC7LSrQhxPm7EIOBKtn0E0tdcIzMOIJb9C_0ezi6UjXeRNdMgdjN7Dw/s4000/DSC_0170.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNI388grNurq1dRfOmDF2oXzcuv51a05R13HiMgTyPC5btjF9z4rl_uinB8Pft5hSl4IPIhYqVo42zN1z4nOvhsGm8sxvnVRVgcaJFEc4sxDrGIEOKxlqwFlPbok3q2soRaI8VC7LSrQhxPm7EIOBKtn0E0tdcIzMOIJb9C_0ezi6UjXeRNdMgdjN7Dw/s320/DSC_0170.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XBdv6VNwRNgXNpCxf4gv4Hp59Ria95jNXtjJfq6BvdOCZOsoQJHgGr_oywwp3V7fN_KSV1q6uPmLdLL9iAw3ed9eNw9p57J7uONOCQuz9dydScMLCuzp2ExWMKVjhw-DsWRlUAO-zYjd_Jj1gyWzhu8JrgbyS0aS86Ht5dAAw1qz5TBivNAdTffRiQ/s4000/DSC_0180.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2XBdv6VNwRNgXNpCxf4gv4Hp59Ria95jNXtjJfq6BvdOCZOsoQJHgGr_oywwp3V7fN_KSV1q6uPmLdLL9iAw3ed9eNw9p57J7uONOCQuz9dydScMLCuzp2ExWMKVjhw-DsWRlUAO-zYjd_Jj1gyWzhu8JrgbyS0aS86Ht5dAAw1qz5TBivNAdTffRiQ/s320/DSC_0180.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIWGi7qbpkDP5_YKnDtOxwmIPEazry3eWQU2-1zEx5v7hjJuWEyiputH10cxBWgMxiFWFeJkKI87ed0dQlxj6QqWfd9wuEUWNEmEfbUBsuGVr1a8eWw1xY5_UCBWbozpINmNbARvlx3K4QGlk1bhP3YFnvqJI-Auu9KEfM6af7Q-uF45QnPiE133kDA/s4000/DSC_0189.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHIWGi7qbpkDP5_YKnDtOxwmIPEazry3eWQU2-1zEx5v7hjJuWEyiputH10cxBWgMxiFWFeJkKI87ed0dQlxj6QqWfd9wuEUWNEmEfbUBsuGVr1a8eWw1xY5_UCBWbozpINmNbARvlx3K4QGlk1bhP3YFnvqJI-Auu9KEfM6af7Q-uF45QnPiE133kDA/s320/DSC_0189.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFY1jBhtc1xhOO_QrPrt1u3FKnNyRnFf06FXYBWAicS5SwVDekhDl08PLqdqP1lscNguLpONAaJDzjj8lTp_r7ShU_78Mq2NlqInex5Y4-t7V6-0g5Sxw9m1BM3Z68xePIHl14el1jAo4Ld8u0PzraVDXHr3ZcvSQ4Rmp7fP3GkkGUfJLRE9n3n1I5A/s4000/DSC_0192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFY1jBhtc1xhOO_QrPrt1u3FKnNyRnFf06FXYBWAicS5SwVDekhDl08PLqdqP1lscNguLpONAaJDzjj8lTp_r7ShU_78Mq2NlqInex5Y4-t7V6-0g5Sxw9m1BM3Z68xePIHl14el1jAo4Ld8u0PzraVDXHr3ZcvSQ4Rmp7fP3GkkGUfJLRE9n3n1I5A/s320/DSC_0192.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEsVOfP5j9tE55QDgFmnm2wzC8WArmhHhuIsqVN2KtuPuqSeEeVeSMjqza6abD1lrege6kKFr3YrorQ5AVbav7-Rybx0LSp1bi3FlLCjlRAnbjl-5SfgSegaObg2WAPQMPs0udqoyt3YgcyI9dg31l_lNCuxm5tGfaSDZlCrFLrI8jfuKGTb0D_0dEg/s4000/DSC_0194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsEsVOfP5j9tE55QDgFmnm2wzC8WArmhHhuIsqVN2KtuPuqSeEeVeSMjqza6abD1lrege6kKFr3YrorQ5AVbav7-Rybx0LSp1bi3FlLCjlRAnbjl-5SfgSegaObg2WAPQMPs0udqoyt3YgcyI9dg31l_lNCuxm5tGfaSDZlCrFLrI8jfuKGTb0D_0dEg/s320/DSC_0194.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa9yvolphskDIUo5O-12G3T0hv4eoUzJ_5LvGMiBKeS5UabgB-MMx46aLnnPHtS1F0MGIhC6HBX81HFTn6_tlecXa0gQz-JpSqqn41AFprMTmG9dkqTBgMIJ_FpQ7faLCBxCFqB-cMIh3RGmwUAH2QxcWEyfke_b1lpqvrJy9y2YatE0eftRbKFi5hg/s4000/DSC_0203.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZa9yvolphskDIUo5O-12G3T0hv4eoUzJ_5LvGMiBKeS5UabgB-MMx46aLnnPHtS1F0MGIhC6HBX81HFTn6_tlecXa0gQz-JpSqqn41AFprMTmG9dkqTBgMIJ_FpQ7faLCBxCFqB-cMIh3RGmwUAH2QxcWEyfke_b1lpqvrJy9y2YatE0eftRbKFi5hg/s320/DSC_0203.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-fs-2-Wb48Q9fetwdUiHiyF8wFRGfA1l9LqNf6lpibL3C_WX6OS5yFcYNX24L8dW4kUhVInwaqVleG01vXuCVCytEEJrz3LisANhIwiUc7ptVHCH2b659wnS4-8CKhmktt7gI1d2tDa7TCIWO2yyDB9Uo9ufKBm_EDJkRycG8FYO4bGYGVAkeuDGYQ/s4000/DSC_0205.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB-fs-2-Wb48Q9fetwdUiHiyF8wFRGfA1l9LqNf6lpibL3C_WX6OS5yFcYNX24L8dW4kUhVInwaqVleG01vXuCVCytEEJrz3LisANhIwiUc7ptVHCH2b659wnS4-8CKhmktt7gI1d2tDa7TCIWO2yyDB9Uo9ufKBm_EDJkRycG8FYO4bGYGVAkeuDGYQ/s320/DSC_0205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>I had to really search for a flat spot to make camp in the northwestern part of the trail, but eventually found one a bit off trail, and it was nice to be back on a marked trail after doing that tough bushwhacking. And that's where this photo essay ends, doing a mostly complete loop of the trail before having to head home again. But I'm already making plans to head back up there again sometime soon. </p><p>Peace!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X67HzNyz4wXyn7TMc-nqvhl3WBrd-cg9BKHqvlNV4eGtaNbp-AIn5XuS2VzNHsLwQVnUYvrbhuA_cSNZ5ezBktQk01Ee-cF9Jbd2E7qOE5jTz70s40yby5vCxsfuqfxCWM_Sq0C6GWk4dGN1EABftvUl4L-t6mr88RhPNYCa97218vt2TvoFHDLgYg/s4000/DSC_0213.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1X67HzNyz4wXyn7TMc-nqvhl3WBrd-cg9BKHqvlNV4eGtaNbp-AIn5XuS2VzNHsLwQVnUYvrbhuA_cSNZ5ezBktQk01Ee-cF9Jbd2E7qOE5jTz70s40yby5vCxsfuqfxCWM_Sq0C6GWk4dGN1EABftvUl4L-t6mr88RhPNYCa97218vt2TvoFHDLgYg/s320/DSC_0213.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJiFvMuT2lKwkmSkrxcuuKV5h_qObuXsL75m-kZmZEeRqzBo6DFEruU9AXHCqlPzPhQ-HI5jdWXaMgHolox2tYpuAqEXc3UZei6y66TrG57LnW8jxY9hb4HqvjSuRfQKvLzjVDC10cYw-XXswroTG-TYWdKpniMztzDAvOVB-aymNCOCKxcOo65DQ_g/s4000/DSC_0218.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJiFvMuT2lKwkmSkrxcuuKV5h_qObuXsL75m-kZmZEeRqzBo6DFEruU9AXHCqlPzPhQ-HI5jdWXaMgHolox2tYpuAqEXc3UZei6y66TrG57LnW8jxY9hb4HqvjSuRfQKvLzjVDC10cYw-XXswroTG-TYWdKpniMztzDAvOVB-aymNCOCKxcOo65DQ_g/s320/DSC_0218.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66Vv6U2g2HW_A2H3UXrwkaI4Fp_eo2YWr6M_VhcTC95jWsm7cNAbqo3-WfXkY1JZcmkJ2WpPEXV2QbHF5dsmYyYaycV9W5nL7QuTiCUvDlVzNYmBe9wkBRymy-l58t6zatt-lkvYQQOaHHMgYCycXIzHZKM7Xw7KSGLG2MJN9gbyaEvxSvpQvsZrQbg/s4000/DSC_0219.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi66Vv6U2g2HW_A2H3UXrwkaI4Fp_eo2YWr6M_VhcTC95jWsm7cNAbqo3-WfXkY1JZcmkJ2WpPEXV2QbHF5dsmYyYaycV9W5nL7QuTiCUvDlVzNYmBe9wkBRymy-l58t6zatt-lkvYQQOaHHMgYCycXIzHZKM7Xw7KSGLG2MJN9gbyaEvxSvpQvsZrQbg/s320/DSC_0219.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtCvpdg1z1QGAYO6TszheSJEYVJnXA6SU6oTNPkm_oswarQ5dO_1meY9bXLwrsC6A9uhuY8NsghwxPF2SGdVT3qPpCNndwSsu0nqFVwVqC2dTGD9-haJbOC3ntBWwz50gL713gjh7HIl2vJeph4ck1qcwf7Y8c-_O9bwLfsIQchkjF_wajlXshEPGJQ/s4000/DSC_0222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivtCvpdg1z1QGAYO6TszheSJEYVJnXA6SU6oTNPkm_oswarQ5dO_1meY9bXLwrsC6A9uhuY8NsghwxPF2SGdVT3qPpCNndwSsu0nqFVwVqC2dTGD9-haJbOC3ntBWwz50gL713gjh7HIl2vJeph4ck1qcwf7Y8c-_O9bwLfsIQchkjF_wajlXshEPGJQ/s320/DSC_0222.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua6rRYNRGusP5AzT9qeUGo1EthzQ7azp5Hq87TVRhFTaMXK50fVyB2GPdv58sj7mU5AH36niLXBdtyzPmCC4wrA4qA8_7i7G8uF92ThpgLXfDNi6gZnlWGfR_CZ9X81KIRn8cuC40KE3m0u19CXkY-sibRujOeC4YOx7orEekDBrERrfe9fd232k2Rw/s4000/DSC_0230.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjua6rRYNRGusP5AzT9qeUGo1EthzQ7azp5Hq87TVRhFTaMXK50fVyB2GPdv58sj7mU5AH36niLXBdtyzPmCC4wrA4qA8_7i7G8uF92ThpgLXfDNi6gZnlWGfR_CZ9X81KIRn8cuC40KE3m0u19CXkY-sibRujOeC4YOx7orEekDBrERrfe9fd232k2Rw/s320/DSC_0230.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrmhOqOdyKbiZQGos_dsy4qqgdf2vK8nqC2vXFvF3s_pOFAK4tJLCO-7HKMicryUlxfpcktMQMADF-vKoSUXoaoeMleM9pioyLQFC_MVvmm0fqwQPncvXnhCEG7vIoNXunTbd0bh_Bmx1xBOtAcMmRoVLpHAAiLxBy39jPMcq_SBNCphL2S8bxUVH1g/s4000/DSC_0242.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJrmhOqOdyKbiZQGos_dsy4qqgdf2vK8nqC2vXFvF3s_pOFAK4tJLCO-7HKMicryUlxfpcktMQMADF-vKoSUXoaoeMleM9pioyLQFC_MVvmm0fqwQPncvXnhCEG7vIoNXunTbd0bh_Bmx1xBOtAcMmRoVLpHAAiLxBy39jPMcq_SBNCphL2S8bxUVH1g/s320/DSC_0242.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PcpylhP1u8rjLKsXVYIVuhCiJsqkk_X5yoIfdlAamDof7IPtyPtDdo7yGztpxkqYI_6MGEaPJzcKHrWUmbgzspRzC5SI33MNmIBpeHDMD3HwxfsX5gZIvDWJtDvMsG6FKlsBxZ_XjacKFT5W4c-9UtiuPVaYblDTHZbiwXxFvqSs6ElgWj5IlzoD4Q/s4000/DSC_0245.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PcpylhP1u8rjLKsXVYIVuhCiJsqkk_X5yoIfdlAamDof7IPtyPtDdo7yGztpxkqYI_6MGEaPJzcKHrWUmbgzspRzC5SI33MNmIBpeHDMD3HwxfsX5gZIvDWJtDvMsG6FKlsBxZ_XjacKFT5W4c-9UtiuPVaYblDTHZbiwXxFvqSs6ElgWj5IlzoD4Q/s320/DSC_0245.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CxFVlMsn7_KZtv7n6PpPoofFkc_P5kQKmjGOa5ARY66eG1Q0kklibgGRUKj84DODQ2Xf2s79UPCVMtPTkcnbVdhfAP-Yh_FI3nrHxW5LsG_UZKvPQD6hoRQgzr_rqCnzqNmEY6avRHBeGbcgqyJLbE_Wk43os3L8Q_H5TNhSf37FqIljb084Hdl6YQ/s4000/DSC_0251.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1CxFVlMsn7_KZtv7n6PpPoofFkc_P5kQKmjGOa5ARY66eG1Q0kklibgGRUKj84DODQ2Xf2s79UPCVMtPTkcnbVdhfAP-Yh_FI3nrHxW5LsG_UZKvPQD6hoRQgzr_rqCnzqNmEY6avRHBeGbcgqyJLbE_Wk43os3L8Q_H5TNhSf37FqIljb084Hdl6YQ/s320/DSC_0251.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmurFJUIuu178ZUJSjIrW_MgSoG0fq1fN93vtpUDBksO5gAEbaxoyPdXtHUydR4vdhJfkyh-APYFliI4lcDjNgPtugpHjH8l1mUKUOFNLwCTw5ers9zjlCKwQez_IrPbyOnSE1XMYNdDB5vQieuD5nS-ZtkqV48402hiCetz8vvzPn2w9oIMTKmJcBTA/s4000/DSC_0252.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmurFJUIuu178ZUJSjIrW_MgSoG0fq1fN93vtpUDBksO5gAEbaxoyPdXtHUydR4vdhJfkyh-APYFliI4lcDjNgPtugpHjH8l1mUKUOFNLwCTw5ers9zjlCKwQez_IrPbyOnSE1XMYNdDB5vQieuD5nS-ZtkqV48402hiCetz8vvzPn2w9oIMTKmJcBTA/s320/DSC_0252.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w7ZtfXOO2BxoGTvvZqVPLZR-0I4Iohbjd1n6cdNpbse7lSSYNO0Xf98kqFJxBvtN5m9AYO2Atl-RW5Z5bJnPJpOAwXoscKndCL51kysnYfz3AxzQbkGBMOtc55TEPTxrVwBmtDWnk4XcvDxkX8VFD01Vpf4pQidC5MK97_nrc4lZrXTRN4MIMLoMTA/s4000/DSC_0253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3w7ZtfXOO2BxoGTvvZqVPLZR-0I4Iohbjd1n6cdNpbse7lSSYNO0Xf98kqFJxBvtN5m9AYO2Atl-RW5Z5bJnPJpOAwXoscKndCL51kysnYfz3AxzQbkGBMOtc55TEPTxrVwBmtDWnk4XcvDxkX8VFD01Vpf4pQidC5MK97_nrc4lZrXTRN4MIMLoMTA/s320/DSC_0253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l6c1ckpQ0vSWY3liqgxqJbgqIcDSJhl1plJlVTutWelFLpgO6ZlLyCprX1cDESa3UbH0dCLKzz1Yf9uu08N4GNHRoW_s40w9W13wfTy9kUWOK-y6blTuZ8nX66XbWFJsCGjWtpkberyd6cpKVY13euFjahMHVqYV_PncofNjfV5t3InPvDzGFzH25g/s3264/DSC_0257.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="3264" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0l6c1ckpQ0vSWY3liqgxqJbgqIcDSJhl1plJlVTutWelFLpgO6ZlLyCprX1cDESa3UbH0dCLKzz1Yf9uu08N4GNHRoW_s40w9W13wfTy9kUWOK-y6blTuZ8nX66XbWFJsCGjWtpkberyd6cpKVY13euFjahMHVqYV_PncofNjfV5t3InPvDzGFzH25g/s320/DSC_0257.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eldj0_08IXPMr5vlvLIdWgXV13FHz_X6VHP2dx9XRXz3Io31aVMdNrQDQdhbn6H7nA1TZcQJC5XG9hDRN3xCPOX3zSaNPyMcmoEngacsOOWb1fPotkgysfr8_7ZzfATopX6C_tG98J3mcm1kmPo93f7Xtnyg8xt3EPkmGAb1XXf8BYrQo-iBsfn5Cg/s4000/DSC_0262.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3eldj0_08IXPMr5vlvLIdWgXV13FHz_X6VHP2dx9XRXz3Io31aVMdNrQDQdhbn6H7nA1TZcQJC5XG9hDRN3xCPOX3zSaNPyMcmoEngacsOOWb1fPotkgysfr8_7ZzfATopX6C_tG98J3mcm1kmPo93f7Xtnyg8xt3EPkmGAb1XXf8BYrQo-iBsfn5Cg/s320/DSC_0262.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhVWqnVwZoQiie_J173iSMTX4XTcpwqxrRLFMxfnypyQr7Ec12RsmJXUVKWUC8zzsgT4y_u9tR72AMOdGulv7NFodcSpbx-6ll5neDF7ksHkXx0Lmo9cnPfkutEMn29ClWAaZzBOrPnD-9-Nn6RGlm7gsYTA2bFyKgOM1iqU3Jzi2dUtbM7dtTmpe-A/s4000/DSC_0274.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3000" data-original-width="4000" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGhVWqnVwZoQiie_J173iSMTX4XTcpwqxrRLFMxfnypyQr7Ec12RsmJXUVKWUC8zzsgT4y_u9tR72AMOdGulv7NFodcSpbx-6ll5neDF7ksHkXx0Lmo9cnPfkutEMn29ClWAaZzBOrPnD-9-Nn6RGlm7gsYTA2bFyKgOM1iqU3Jzi2dUtbM7dtTmpe-A/s320/DSC_0274.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANZTsEC7dyb-A7SHvOEKVz-oI5WH6wsQdakD-Sg5595kUUNpyV3B0QJ_Q0u6_hrePtFbZMgAHa_5py8R1n-8ZYC9D1twuCiJwyVzHZIBO7z6J2OkGm7j5urv7LLYN8QxSeMDLsg30pyRnLBdJJqtV72dbuGes77bFFE29BhBhOOyyknYj5ejH1E0p0w/s4000/DSC_0015.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="3000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiANZTsEC7dyb-A7SHvOEKVz-oI5WH6wsQdakD-Sg5595kUUNpyV3B0QJ_Q0u6_hrePtFbZMgAHa_5py8R1n-8ZYC9D1twuCiJwyVzHZIBO7z6J2OkGm7j5urv7LLYN8QxSeMDLsg30pyRnLBdJJqtV72dbuGes77bFFE29BhBhOOyyknYj5ejH1E0p0w/s320/DSC_0015.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-43229538323107496422021-11-07T02:57:00.000+01:002021-11-07T02:57:14.668+01:00The Boulder and The Fox<p><span data-offset-key="de38a5_initial-0-0"><span data-text="true">About 10 years ago I was on a self imposed mission to fully explore this one big patch of woods about an hour away from my home here in Sweden. It began with looking for a good spot to pick wild mushrooms. The deeper I hiked looking for delicious shrooms, the more I fell in love with the area. So I bought a map of the area and just really got into trying to walk across and up and down and all over this chunk of woods. There were a few local hiking trails that went through it, but other than that and an occasional hunter during hunting season, these woods seemed like they were all mine. Like I had it all to myself, and for the most part, I did. I'd be all alone out there.<span></span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div data-reddit-rtjson="{"entityMap":{},"blocks":[{"key":"65cjn","text":"About 10 years ago I was on a self imposed mission to fully explore this one big patch of woods about an hour away from my home here in Sweden. It began with looking for a good spot to pick wild mushrooms. The deeper I hiked looking for delicious shrooms, the more I fell in love with the area. So I bought a map of the area and just really got into trying to walk across and up and down and all over this chunk of woods. There were a few local hiking trails that went through it, but other than that and an occasional hunter during hunting season, these woods seemed like they were all mine. Like I had it all to myself, and for the most part, I did. I'd be all alone out there.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cjfb6","text":"One of the tasks I gave myself while exploring was to hike around all of the lakes there, and this was one of the more challenging things on my checklist. I don't even know why I wanted to do it, I just did it. I wanted to see the water from every side. I wanted to soak up all the beauty this lovely little neck of woods had to offer. But it was work.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"ai449","text":"Often animal trails would help get me to and around these lakes. But a lot of them were dead ends. It makes sense I suppose, that animals just want to get to the lake for a drink and that's about it, then just turn around and go back into the woods. Yet other times I'd get lucky and find a faint trail that looped around the whole lake I was exploring.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"bv9cn","text":"I was not as lucky getting to the boulder. I spotted it across a large, oddly shaped lake that I was in the process of really getting familiar with. This lake was more like two big lakes that are joined by a narrow natural canal, and each of these two lake halves had an irregular shore lines. The edges of the lakes dip in and out and have various tiny peninsulas, but on one side of each of these lake halves there were cliffs. These cliffs made one part of the lake shore impassable. I had tried from both sides to get around one point, and unless I wanted to swim rather than hike, I'd have to find another way around this strange lake.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"8qjkm","text":"To make this lake even stranger was that I spotted a boulder sitting on the opposite, then unexplored part of the lake. It just rested there handsomely on a rocky shore of a small peninsula. No other rocks or stones could come close to its size, but because of where it was and its color, at first glace it blended in to the rest of the lake. But I spent enough time on the other end the lake gathering water or swimming or fishing to have noticed it and become intrigued by it.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dfb20","text":"I had even found a small cave on that side of the lake and made camp in there a few times, and I got used to seeing the boulder there waiting for me across the water come rain or shine. I had enough one day and finally decided to pay the boulder a visit. One side (to the right of the cave) was impassable, so my only option was to hike the other way (to the left of the cave). It was a very pretty hike at first, passing under some cliffs on mossy ground with a nice view of the lake. But then the lake turned into a bog at one end, and past that was bushwhacking and the inevitable pokey, scratchy branches and brush that comes with it.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"c97tq","text":"But plowing my way through the thick woods with a glint of sun reflecting off of the lake on one side, I finally found myself on the rocky shore of the boulder. And a few hops on smaller stones in the shallow water of this shore and I was able to grab a hold of the boulder and climb on top of it. I didn't even bother to stop and take a good look at it from the other side. I'd seen it enough before, and now there I was sat on top of the boulder. It was about the size of moving van or so, and was flat enough on top to sit comfortably.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"6van1","text":"I looked out across the lake to the cliffs on the other side that I was familiar with. While luck was not with me with any good animal trails that went to the boulder's shore, luck was with me with the weather that day. I sat there for a good long while just watching the wind blow through the trees on the other side of the lake, and the water ripple, and the occasional fish leap out of the water. It was early fall, but the leaves had not changed just yet, but it had started to feel just a bit cooler in the air.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"5c9ng","text":"It was one of those moments when time stood still, and this was easily one of the most peaceful moments of my entire life. This peace suddenly ended when something caught my eye moving on the trail from the other end of the lake. That's when I saw the fox, and peace became awe. ","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"dq0i0","text":"It was a gray-brown (but mostly grey) fox and trotted carefully, silently, yet majestically down the trail towards the cave. But then it slowed down and walked towards the water to drink. After drinking it stood for just a few moments there on the shore. This part of the lake was only about 100 meters wide, and later on I even went back and measured the width of the lake just to be sure. So I could really get a good look at this fox, especially from on top of the boulder. I held my breath, and sat as still as I could.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"2f2gn","text":"Was it reflecting on something? Thinking? Daydreaming? Can foxes daydream? I watched it with the intent that I have watched few other things in my life. And then after maybe a dozen heartbeats, with the same grace as it had before, the fox trotted back on the trail for a short stretch before disappearing with the wind back into the woods.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}},{"key":"cs7l3","text":"I've seen the Grand Canyon several times. I've even been to Machu Picchu once. And both of those places deeply moved me. But for some reason, I think about the boulder and the fox more often than either of them. And I think I was equally as moved for those brief moments there, sitting on an ordinary big rock, watching a random wild animal.","type":"unstyled","depth":0,"inlineStyleRanges":[],"entityRanges":[],"data":{}}]}"><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="2ju07-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2ju07-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2ju07-0-0"><span data-text="true">One of the tasks I gave myself while exploring was to hike around all of the lakes there, and this was one of the more challenging things on my checklist. I don't even know why I wanted to do it, I just did it. I wanted to see the water from every side. I wanted to soak up all the beauty this lovely little neck of woods had to offer. But it was work.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="2ju07-0-0"><span data-offset-key="2ju07-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="39g76-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="39g76-0-0"><span data-offset-key="39g76-0-0"><span data-text="true">Often animal trails would help get me to and around these lakes. But a lot of them were dead ends. It makes sense I suppose, that animals just want to get to the lake for a drink and that's about it, then just turn around and go back into the woods. Yet other times I'd get lucky and find a faint trail that looped around the whole lake I was exploring.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="39g76-0-0"><span data-offset-key="39g76-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="ej3c1-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ej3c1-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ej3c1-0-0"><span data-text="true">I was not as lucky getting to the boulder. I spotted it across a large, oddly shaped lake that I was in the process of really getting familiar with. This lake was more like two big lakes that are joined by a narrow natural canal, and each of these two lake halves had an irregular shore lines. The edges of the lakes dip in and out and have various tiny peninsulas, but on one side of each of these lake halves there were cliffs. These cliffs made one part of the lake shore impassable. I had tried from both sides to get around one point, and unless I wanted to swim rather than hike, I'd have to find another way around this strange lake.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ej3c1-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ej3c1-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="6qerp-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6qerp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6qerp-0-0"><span data-text="true">To make this lake even stranger was that I spotted a boulder sitting on the opposite, then unexplored part of the lake. It just rested there handsomely on a rocky shore of a small peninsula. No other rocks or stones could come close to its size, but because of where it was and its color, at first glace it blended in to the rest of the lake. But I spent enough time on the other end the lake gathering water or swimming or fishing to have noticed it and become intrigued by it.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="6qerp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="6qerp-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="822is-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="822is-0-0"><span data-offset-key="822is-0-0"><span data-text="true">I had even found a small cave on that side of the lake and made camp in there a few times, and I got used to seeing the boulder there waiting for me across the water come rain or shine. I had enough one day and finally decided to pay the boulder a visit. One side (to the right of the cave) was impassable, so my only option was to hike the other way (to the left of the cave). It was a very pretty hike at first, passing under some cliffs on mossy ground with a nice view of the lake. But then the lake turned into a bog at one end, and past that was bushwhacking and the inevitable pokey, scratchy branches and brush that comes with it.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="822is-0-0"><span data-offset-key="822is-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="52hmp-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="52hmp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="52hmp-0-0"><span data-text="true">But plowing my way through the thick woods with a glint of sun reflecting off of the lake on one side, I finally found myself on the rocky shore of the boulder. And a few hops on smaller stones in the shallow water of this shore and I was able to grab a hold of the boulder and climb on top of it. I didn't even bother to stop and take a good look at it from the other side. I'd seen it enough before, and now there I was sat on top of the boulder. It was about the size of moving van or so, and was flat enough on top to sit comfortably.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="52hmp-0-0"><span data-offset-key="52hmp-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="ej61i-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ej61i-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ej61i-0-0"><span data-text="true">I looked out across the lake to the cliffs on the other side that I was familiar with. While luck was not with me with any good animal trails that went to the boulder's shore, luck was with me with the weather that day. I sat there for a good long while just watching the wind blow through the trees on the other side of the lake, and the water ripple, and the occasional fish leap out of the water. It was early fall, but the leaves had not changed just yet, but it had started to feel just a bit cooler in the air.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="ej61i-0-0"><span data-offset-key="ej61i-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="3oi8k-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3oi8k-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3oi8k-0-0"><span data-text="true">It was one of those moments when time stood still, and this was easily one of the most peaceful moments of my entire life. This peace suddenly ended when something caught my eye moving on the trail from the other end of the lake. That's when I saw the fox, and peace became awe. </span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="3oi8k-0-0"><span data-offset-key="3oi8k-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="36ls8-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="36ls8-0-0"><span data-offset-key="36ls8-0-0"><span data-text="true">It was a gray-brown (but mostly grey) fox and trotted carefully, silently, yet majestically down the trail towards the cave. But then it slowed down and walked towards the water to drink. After drinking it stood for just a few moments there on the shore. This part of the lake was only about 100 meters wide, and later on I even went back and measured the width of the lake just to be sure. So I could really get a good look at this fox, especially from on top of the boulder. I held my breath, and sat as still as I could.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="36ls8-0-0"><span data-offset-key="36ls8-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="f0har-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f0har-0-0"><span data-offset-key="f0har-0-0"><span data-text="true">Was it reflecting on something? Thinking? Daydreaming? Can foxes daydream? I watched it with the intent that I have watched few other things in my life. And then after maybe a dozen heartbeats, with the same grace as it had before, the fox trotted back on the trail for a short stretch before disappearing with the wind back into the woods.</span></span></div><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="f0har-0-0"><span data-offset-key="f0har-0-0"><span data-text="true"> </span></span></div></div><div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="de38a5" data-offset-key="a0dih-0-0"><div class="public-DraftStyleDefault-block public-DraftStyleDefault-ltr" data-offset-key="a0dih-0-0"><span data-offset-key="a0dih-0-0"><span data-text="true">I've seen the Grand Canyon several times. I've even been to Machu Picchu once. And both of those places deeply moved me. But for some reason, I think about the boulder and the fox more often than either of them. And I think I was equally as moved for those brief moments there, sitting on an ordinary big rock, watching a random wild animal.</span></span></div></div></div>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-78446020360306724542021-07-22T17:27:00.000+02:002021-07-22T17:27:06.247+02:00Cesar's Guide to Nordvärmlandsleden: Ransby to Höljes<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaT5Wv5lEtuwkweSnQxSAYX2jOTyuXjtwsCTbNTKotDUFSb3QtLSvFl4zLNas8GVJ_aitJSpB8M7y8hdyw1Scsw4FPr0TwwMMKI_x4MpF_UoFHJVckUn4sPv2SnopfvCLjIruUr615BNp/s4032/20210717_150534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtaT5Wv5lEtuwkweSnQxSAYX2jOTyuXjtwsCTbNTKotDUFSb3QtLSvFl4zLNas8GVJ_aitJSpB8M7y8hdyw1Scsw4FPr0TwwMMKI_x4MpF_UoFHJVckUn4sPv2SnopfvCLjIruUr615BNp/s320/20210717_150534.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6tTjhfamxQvN2AeqP8k3uNsvgViyoYmhfhTLfp1E1hBGVA9duT9iF56VjGKPqAtgFgET828-a597zxBnPSqqkGbuGsUmGUiWwrgdjo9Ex9beKI6lYnsRYOaMXU8W11TFIARK8AYMLgJ7/s4032/20210717_115926.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr6tTjhfamxQvN2AeqP8k3uNsvgViyoYmhfhTLfp1E1hBGVA9duT9iF56VjGKPqAtgFgET828-a597zxBnPSqqkGbuGsUmGUiWwrgdjo9Ex9beKI6lYnsRYOaMXU8W11TFIARK8AYMLgJ7/s320/20210717_115926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><b>Introduction</b></p><p><i>Nordvärmlandsleden </i>is a roughly 55km hiking trail that follows the Klarälven river valley in northern Värmland county. The trail technically has a southern terminus in the village of Branäs, but this guide and trip report will cover the trail from the village of Ransby (just across the river from Branäs) to the northern terminus in the village of Höljes. <span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This section is a continuation of my alternate Swedish E1 trail called The Troll Trail/Trolleden. <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here</b></a> for more information on this trail system.</span></p><p><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://www.visittorsby.se/en/do/hiking-nordvarmlandsleden-54-km-33110"><b>Here is the official website</b></a> for this trail in English, but there is not much to it. Nordvärmlandsleden is generally well marked and maintained, and has some nice views as
it traverses up and down the peaks and ridges of the long and beautiful valley.
It even goes up to Värmland’s highest point, the small mountain (or big
hill) called Granberget, 700m above sea level. There is also a really
cool lookout tower built on its peak. <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><br />However there are also
several bogs and tough elevation gains that you’ll have to slog through
to earn these nice views. And while there are some trail shelters along
the way, they are not remarkable (more on that later) and you may be better off sleeping in
your shelter. This presents another complication, as due to the steep
and rocky terrain, it can be a challenge to find flat, soft spots to
make camp. <p></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">At both villages at each end of this trail there are options
to take a zero day if needed. Ransby has a B&B and Höljes has a
campground with cabins. There are also resupply options at each end of
the trail. About 8km north of Ransby on the highway there is a supermarket, and in Höljes there is a supermarket right next to the only bus stop in town. This is an isolated area, so make sure to look into bus times well in advance, and be warned that buses not only run rarely, but you may also need to call and book public buses. See <a href="https://www.varmlandstrafik.se/in-english/"><b>Värmlandstrafik </b></a>for more information, and you can also download their app on your phone.</span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Trip Report</span></b> <br /></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I hiked this trail in July of 2021 with my wife and two friends. We really enjoyed the trail, but agreed it did have a fair share of challenges and type-2 fun. It's also nice to experience an off-the-beaten-path type of trail. You are not likely to see very many people on this trail, with a few areas that are an exception: the villages at either end, but also about halfway into the trail there is a big hotel. The hotel is at <i>Långberget</i>, and to our surprise had a small shop, a restaurant, and even a swimming pool. I had just worn out a pair of socks that day and was complaining about it shortly before we reached this hotel. And the little shop sold hiking socks! And cold drinks! And ice cream! It was a really pleasant surprise.<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvchYAGeJmKvEJdc_8Rc8HByzjSNL4gDSJZ0VHTY4GVpJkpz-quYqTK2erj5z6V7TUA-_2L0-Ibwmg7PK2E2LOzNzsiGVjq0IUnbIPrIiB9vQ3evIXXH92vuvQA_olL4Oe202488AuE6c6/s4032/20210717_152444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvchYAGeJmKvEJdc_8Rc8HByzjSNL4gDSJZ0VHTY4GVpJkpz-quYqTK2erj5z6V7TUA-_2L0-Ibwmg7PK2E2LOzNzsiGVjq0IUnbIPrIiB9vQ3evIXXH92vuvQA_olL4Oe202488AuE6c6/s320/20210717_152444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkIWS0RCOtRUzB4qbGSHpsP8ZPGap_-bcq1e_fYJ3crGJyf4lD6YNryN4uJinR6Z9f4ifNAookqBDpkEsTavkKxlJ7qopvxrbUXVYPqC8Vc9ea9dXgftYXYLhBRYPtpXjvxqsFg3gg2LO/s4032/20210717_152517.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkkIWS0RCOtRUzB4qbGSHpsP8ZPGap_-bcq1e_fYJ3crGJyf4lD6YNryN4uJinR6Z9f4ifNAookqBDpkEsTavkKxlJ7qopvxrbUXVYPqC8Vc9ea9dXgftYXYLhBRYPtpXjvxqsFg3gg2LO/s320/20210717_152517.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So if you want to spoil yourself in the middle of this hike, this is your chance. But don't expect for the trail shelters to make you feel very spoiled. There are also some old farms and cabins on or near the trail that were locked up and not for public use, but no need to discuss them here. The only thing worth mentioning is that some of them have some flat ground near them that you could set up your shelter at. There's not much flat ground on this trail, as stated earlier. Here's a quick breakdown of each shelter we encountered (going NOBO), and note that not all of them were marked on our maps:</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLhTe59tESMLnetM74IuZvVgJYaVt7lMeRJ0_ZuNNraz_8NPP9k2OVUEa5yXgfjyWaC9NZCjdKywuOOLgld-RAvoaULemhK4Ldges5Qa_W6K002m8EcelhV5VtCW2-vCEqFaibUaEd-q/s4032/20210716_180110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJSLhTe59tESMLnetM74IuZvVgJYaVt7lMeRJ0_ZuNNraz_8NPP9k2OVUEa5yXgfjyWaC9NZCjdKywuOOLgld-RAvoaULemhK4Ldges5Qa_W6K002m8EcelhV5VtCW2-vCEqFaibUaEd-q/s320/20210716_180110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Lean-to/vindskydd on Brånberget. It's your standard type of trail shelter, but not much of a view. There was a stream for water not too far away. 5/10.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln-7i6tU7uBPwAYzdtYRHfmiVw6jQVNgieTGIZDd6Ho1Muo22GtsU8lQLuqYIFWNNFVA4Ywmp0xPW4FU3xRJ8ZBrUwLCruPcrR7gf7LV1eer7qlJXDF5LZ5WcVxhdTKgxF-55rw9Meabs/s4032/20210717_095430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiln-7i6tU7uBPwAYzdtYRHfmiVw6jQVNgieTGIZDd6Ho1Muo22GtsU8lQLuqYIFWNNFVA4Ywmp0xPW4FU3xRJ8ZBrUwLCruPcrR7gf7LV1eer7qlJXDF5LZ5WcVxhdTKgxF-55rw9Meabs/s320/20210717_095430.jpg" width="320" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Näcksjön shelter. Again, your standard type of trail shelter, but with a nice view over the lake. 7/10.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7dFIdl7G_6j0t5j2qQ0tGs0UcQN5kJmi9XXj0TWkeNzbZhQpJnGsEZVvNQTvJzuuSipY8pozkVSb-vXX2Hg0pdY05YtCI254DiK4TLE-c1oKCSXs-hQU23opinjxg_Zvcz4d4AbSZXng/s4032/20210717_114232.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7dFIdl7G_6j0t5j2qQ0tGs0UcQN5kJmi9XXj0TWkeNzbZhQpJnGsEZVvNQTvJzuuSipY8pozkVSb-vXX2Hg0pdY05YtCI254DiK4TLE-c1oKCSXs-hQU23opinjxg_Zvcz4d4AbSZXng/s320/20210717_114232.jpg" /></a></div>Gammalsätern is like an old farm that is off a dirt road. Above is a picture of the outhouse, below is the cabin about 100m off trail to the west. There's also a newer cabin right on the dirt road close to the outhouse. Both cabins are more for hanging out and building a fire, probably for skiers and snowmobile riders in the winter rather than backpackers. Both cabins don't have good floors to sleep on, but would work fine in a pinch with some cleanup. Look out for wasps in the outhouse. 6/10.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_PfRiNP_ekc-ex0hB5bz2GxCx84SeGKi6pbftlU1Z00qYU-6vUvwTQ78PUTpG6I-Oe4uwwSNURAWd2K53ltbYAU0g1T8GyzbFEv1HdIZ0khdLjE1XVOsRDOUDL2NDApardRssMJ3S43H/s4032/20210717_115337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN_PfRiNP_ekc-ex0hB5bz2GxCx84SeGKi6pbftlU1Z00qYU-6vUvwTQ78PUTpG6I-Oe4uwwSNURAWd2K53ltbYAU0g1T8GyzbFEv1HdIZ0khdLjE1XVOsRDOUDL2NDApardRssMJ3S43H/s320/20210717_115337.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3llz0Qi5wjB7g_QI9VME6__8B9qAaXi-kY7tCf5ta18XzpFFrbQvn8IWOcoscx_dgsPSUdaNreJZw5mTl6W9rnpdoPXOSfqhNkj5pihmrFQN12KjwMksk_XOYiYibHaBMNhfpLsEGQvp/s4032/20210717_115420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz3llz0Qi5wjB7g_QI9VME6__8B9qAaXi-kY7tCf5ta18XzpFFrbQvn8IWOcoscx_dgsPSUdaNreJZw5mTl6W9rnpdoPXOSfqhNkj5pihmrFQN12KjwMksk_XOYiYibHaBMNhfpLsEGQvp/s320/20210717_115420.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjBvoTS74DM5rAi6Ip_FRjfvFk_7Ibx0foul6TWgBFZTU89t7bq67wu8VZchXNNRFTS9gViLIjoTX8w67CSQWZWtzcXmRFKYGC8lVhbeeRvZmd_o_oR598lKhc9Juei1fGZPsLHeEq0OU/s4032/20210717_115915.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjBvoTS74DM5rAi6Ip_FRjfvFk_7Ibx0foul6TWgBFZTU89t7bq67wu8VZchXNNRFTS9gViLIjoTX8w67CSQWZWtzcXmRFKYGC8lVhbeeRvZmd_o_oR598lKhc9Juei1fGZPsLHeEq0OU/s320/20210717_115915.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEXS6yOY10CPrAib83ZjuAsi7IPl6zKhj6xDCInHtRJA-Mc7bHxxVE1gXHRTe5kWsYPn9-hiIuC-mO_CLQ8bhQTeai97B8tS7_jwVzAoMesBxTgBb3Mm3uPG80mV_N-kdOYmdGIj22xF9/s4032/20210717_115945.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilEXS6yOY10CPrAib83ZjuAsi7IPl6zKhj6xDCInHtRJA-Mc7bHxxVE1gXHRTe5kWsYPn9-hiIuC-mO_CLQ8bhQTeai97B8tS7_jwVzAoMesBxTgBb3Mm3uPG80mV_N-kdOYmdGIj22xF9/s320/20210717_115945.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGzxeqBWEvqSkznKDusm9YlLzn1nD4WQPJZSNYj9AQOcJsVVuYlOLJ9crmzDNCpolMjjEt7M8NLjf_TVZi7ahxNfrzkHPmwNwJ_Ovt5Agk2GsVETmv6ZfHTxZ7TavVJygrPtHD5M8tHHl/s4032/20210717_165735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbGzxeqBWEvqSkznKDusm9YlLzn1nD4WQPJZSNYj9AQOcJsVVuYlOLJ9crmzDNCpolMjjEt7M8NLjf_TVZi7ahxNfrzkHPmwNwJ_Ovt5Agk2GsVETmv6ZfHTxZ7TavVJygrPtHD5M8tHHl/s320/20210717_165735.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Unmarked shelter close to another dirt road crossing. No floor. I'd skip it unless you're desperate or want to break for lunch out of the rain. 3/10.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjK7Qd3mIMhE-OKNZb3P1wkkCcGTuZ94s5hXvxeVns1S0VZYPVZK2DRI1nSxy46Lnx-DQqo_CdKA8zX-BzACzqsBTWfGgha8peRbhV7fO7JTQTXenYQQQzy__dLeB7yNQioLafqhfqS1x/s4032/20210717_172123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjK7Qd3mIMhE-OKNZb3P1wkkCcGTuZ94s5hXvxeVns1S0VZYPVZK2DRI1nSxy46Lnx-DQqo_CdKA8zX-BzACzqsBTWfGgha8peRbhV7fO7JTQTXenYQQQzy__dLeB7yNQioLafqhfqS1x/s320/20210717_172123.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The trail shelter on the east side of the river Tossan. No floor, no view, but flat spots for tents and such, and it's close to the river. 5/10.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEn9oWuE0OarWaIlM0Pj3ewNkNKJXRkBgUdiCPPo1SBzr9QguZoi3zLYWo391Fl23dD49FGdhZRsbS1OlHRJmAyu4ZF2w6QPE8PJ3xU5DOAQjrqUIp1pke3Oga_0nX_Kfqjlr1PbQ82ex/s4032/20210717_180930.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHEn9oWuE0OarWaIlM0Pj3ewNkNKJXRkBgUdiCPPo1SBzr9QguZoi3zLYWo391Fl23dD49FGdhZRsbS1OlHRJmAyu4ZF2w6QPE8PJ3xU5DOAQjrqUIp1pke3Oga_0nX_Kfqjlr1PbQ82ex/s320/20210717_180930.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Trail shelter on the west side of Tossan. Run down and small, but nice location near the river. Maybe if I was solo and wanted to chill out and swim in the river. Otherwise skip it. 3/10.<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6FZXs28o3WN3_s0k1bGyiWlcktyPQ-AH7ApeRUTciWRk0s2TsNFOP9C41FnRM05C-LNdWQspFjPl910lisPBzsDiEDaThyc9xt5pFX2-9NVd6YARepaiHpmUkbzSGf5GY29k5XD5dUkg/s4032/20210717_211235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge6FZXs28o3WN3_s0k1bGyiWlcktyPQ-AH7ApeRUTciWRk0s2TsNFOP9C41FnRM05C-LNdWQspFjPl910lisPBzsDiEDaThyc9xt5pFX2-9NVd6YARepaiHpmUkbzSGf5GY29k5XD5dUkg/s320/20210717_211235.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The cabin near Granberget. It's large, which is nice. We set up two inner tents inside of it and there was still room to sit and eat at a little table inside. There's a fireplace too. But it's run down and the floor is uneven, and there were lots of spiders and bugs inside. There is also a spring close to the cabin, but it's lid and cover are in ruins and it was difficult to get water out of it. But the water was clear and cold. Overall it works, but it's far from the nicest cabin I've ever slept at. Pretty location overlooking a meadow, tho. 6.5/10.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-bwOr1NLpkptEdBSldWAn2AvcAwrnZjC5TRelEhBfLLulTtBmG_sAJjgMoLY4WLYc-OkfmzFkpl1wZs6GzzeFqyBBwEiU8pz9VIOOss8J-xVtrhH66Xap-Ft2lm2Uc3Dmqxw0Yr4Uqj/s4032/20210718_120740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM-bwOr1NLpkptEdBSldWAn2AvcAwrnZjC5TRelEhBfLLulTtBmG_sAJjgMoLY4WLYc-OkfmzFkpl1wZs6GzzeFqyBBwEiU8pz9VIOOss8J-xVtrhH66Xap-Ft2lm2Uc3Dmqxw0Yr4Uqj/s320/20210718_120740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Shelter at Kvarnsjön, overlooking the lake and also right next to a good sized, babbling stream. Fire pit, benches, and the floor was even. Could fit up to three just fine, but four would be tight and the limit. 7/10.</p><p></p><p>Now on to my usual photo essay of some highlights of the trail:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0iBlrPAP1cEvqmJ2PAqspLSx7x_cKNEDOIRq94kp6MITTj8rIMh3ww81V1iaNuriNphW0RtNRrmeUoST7yFGZ8__6Or5-sF1KFAHGoxfPdOdz7pYnq5_8CJt0_py0uWq3gq34xS8hHx4/s4032/20210716_160441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0iBlrPAP1cEvqmJ2PAqspLSx7x_cKNEDOIRq94kp6MITTj8rIMh3ww81V1iaNuriNphW0RtNRrmeUoST7yFGZ8__6Or5-sF1KFAHGoxfPdOdz7pYnq5_8CJt0_py0uWq3gq34xS8hHx4/s320/20210716_160441.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ngLSb7gqIjWN1XmQKEs38jyY5_5wQJhxm6SB73FmMKrTMaxsd5L7qvkmUooCnwQaYQY9Ddg9X3blzbzxsPBjTsOIwEowQpfbmHho4vw7n-2fC_5n52Mh_HyMIi6VZhkfTeA7PfyS9lNl/s4032/20210716_163841.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ngLSb7gqIjWN1XmQKEs38jyY5_5wQJhxm6SB73FmMKrTMaxsd5L7qvkmUooCnwQaYQY9Ddg9X3blzbzxsPBjTsOIwEowQpfbmHho4vw7n-2fC_5n52Mh_HyMIi6VZhkfTeA7PfyS9lNl/s320/20210716_163841.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxIi0KGn7crI5Bti1IuhM4NxEsl4wnWT-RJxco22xOKCJRZoZW9-L5I3_jOyW58_dyMkAyRzEi3pNra7HK3ZEZ05ZPl6_cJ-OYFIGY-cy0QZIN8KCx7kiYV0OzDKzlO1i6zMc1FMiZDe9/s4032/20210716_165147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioxIi0KGn7crI5Bti1IuhM4NxEsl4wnWT-RJxco22xOKCJRZoZW9-L5I3_jOyW58_dyMkAyRzEi3pNra7HK3ZEZ05ZPl6_cJ-OYFIGY-cy0QZIN8KCx7kiYV0OzDKzlO1i6zMc1FMiZDe9/s320/20210716_165147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The ridge/hill plateau going north from Ransby was one of our favorite parts of the hike. Great views and good hiking, but getting on top of the ridge will work your cardio.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B6p1jfrILpr7jbjJWtTXFUHW45SbeCHCVbBUXqvZ3dOhKA1prI0bcPqnG5nA7YC08aX_rR0REeEBFgKYaDq54OOh4dF3sPV80jMefqPz1VQq_N9w3YGKUhSIbdQL6REAylxeO2c0j7M9/s4032/20210716_165721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5B6p1jfrILpr7jbjJWtTXFUHW45SbeCHCVbBUXqvZ3dOhKA1prI0bcPqnG5nA7YC08aX_rR0REeEBFgKYaDq54OOh4dF3sPV80jMefqPz1VQq_N9w3YGKUhSIbdQL6REAylxeO2c0j7M9/s320/20210716_165721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYeqU_0DtfAwKphACDk7zB8GCMhtY13k4K-1PK9rFCEjd4_PN4SPiyQppGWVUOu8uo0aeGdjG0U7DmIf51ukA2EPr0j75CUWVfDH3CNRR136M5UFPs6OYXwl3TsEyOGPvIIkunkkpHXRY/s4032/20210716_170925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGYeqU_0DtfAwKphACDk7zB8GCMhtY13k4K-1PK9rFCEjd4_PN4SPiyQppGWVUOu8uo0aeGdjG0U7DmIf51ukA2EPr0j75CUWVfDH3CNRR136M5UFPs6OYXwl3TsEyOGPvIIkunkkpHXRY/s320/20210716_170925.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLAHtT8YS_ZiYLpqdn-dK0EJOdb9UVP2B1AbdWimyejMZAJPpB8nKBQ0cf5W2Rfi4gWg2gTKfDzAolNrfFjCIa8cfAlTSoebuEF4Ymr1iBQdMvuwP4FQhcXFP8plIEq78ArVu2xEvAhi/s4032/20210716_201545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9xLAHtT8YS_ZiYLpqdn-dK0EJOdb9UVP2B1AbdWimyejMZAJPpB8nKBQ0cf5W2Rfi4gWg2gTKfDzAolNrfFjCIa8cfAlTSoebuEF4Ymr1iBQdMvuwP4FQhcXFP8plIEq78ArVu2xEvAhi/s320/20210716_201545.jpg" /></a></div><p>One of many bog crossings. Some of the bogs had planks to walk across, but others did not. So expect to have wet feet at some point on this trail. This bog close to Näcksjön seemed to go on for the longest stretch and wrap around the lake, and we agreed it was one of the lowest points of this trip. Not only is hiking through a bog difficult, but there were even bogs that seemed to go uphill and make hiking even more challenging. But the northern end of Näcksjön returns to better hiking.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5L36y6Pvf1uIzjN5gcwIOVH6-O-kZFyRS7809INwtCJtg_Ir44-o2VVPRh4KeUv79JxJxD_63akcp9sfqjuju4SvtfX3yIYDtoP7nSb_7LBpKqHeZJxhM37c67iByW60oValXMBcxaL7/s4032/20210716_201821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn5L36y6Pvf1uIzjN5gcwIOVH6-O-kZFyRS7809INwtCJtg_Ir44-o2VVPRh4KeUv79JxJxD_63akcp9sfqjuju4SvtfX3yIYDtoP7nSb_7LBpKqHeZJxhM37c67iByW60oValXMBcxaL7/s320/20210716_201821.jpg" /></a></div><p>One plus side of bog crossings in Sweden are all the cloudberries, if you like them. I personally am not a fan--they are "meh" to my taste buds. The best way I could describe their flavor is an initial taste of peach and a creamy texture followed by big, crunchy seeds and a bitter aftertaste that for me reminds me of olives.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ivV31InmRdJxdNdGunba9vAxWKifBpAQXlrmyf_zpmWiJaMxfASgVjoCra1uIn7uFQ0yuTIwJ2slyO0lOUOo1L1rAtsR7XI-zP7Cahm7N33wL90flp07Z-GCDIB5k1o8LguAplG72OMJ/s4032/20210717_112649.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ivV31InmRdJxdNdGunba9vAxWKifBpAQXlrmyf_zpmWiJaMxfASgVjoCra1uIn7uFQ0yuTIwJ2slyO0lOUOo1L1rAtsR7XI-zP7Cahm7N33wL90flp07Z-GCDIB5k1o8LguAplG72OMJ/s320/20210717_112649.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0bKF6GIuBLe2SI9bhVN_y24LQ63vhG0cXYlvFjbVlPETdu15Ijs_10rE3pMlbl5caACb_tUl8fCoWNeYXLBd3EySy5xweoC3cbWdJ3QC8599pLo2sI8rfpEcjuor9YkWf086WemdwLDa/s4032/20210717_121842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0bKF6GIuBLe2SI9bhVN_y24LQ63vhG0cXYlvFjbVlPETdu15Ijs_10rE3pMlbl5caACb_tUl8fCoWNeYXLBd3EySy5xweoC3cbWdJ3QC8599pLo2sI8rfpEcjuor9YkWf086WemdwLDa/s320/20210717_121842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtXjr1JXt5_kopl5MiitLYGJNJtjjUNxKUEyCiTuMlD1Xm0c-OJ96sGkzxDTyLt7vGDX4rzNcdx3Uz8Uz5twm1j96lHoOBTX1rKJ_VQwNpRpKOmO9q2ReYXGlvAQFGsdC8SPJceqzvDeP/s4032/20210717_143226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtXjr1JXt5_kopl5MiitLYGJNJtjjUNxKUEyCiTuMlD1Xm0c-OJ96sGkzxDTyLt7vGDX4rzNcdx3Uz8Uz5twm1j96lHoOBTX1rKJ_VQwNpRpKOmO9q2ReYXGlvAQFGsdC8SPJceqzvDeP/s320/20210717_143226.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>There were various places with picnic benches throughout the trail. Here we stopped for lunch before we made it to Långberget.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_GjxhF4UshAXykUs8sfzRxBV09iItm32aHpibY34KxkgtIRzWSeHtVTys605u45j6NntC5lEFKZ5l6CZRT-IJ2disvg4YFXhyphenhyphenZB90KsRn8OR4STpbki8UgtVDbR9Py-NWdzQ1o2IHSnN/s4032/20210717_160942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf_GjxhF4UshAXykUs8sfzRxBV09iItm32aHpibY34KxkgtIRzWSeHtVTys605u45j6NntC5lEFKZ5l6CZRT-IJ2disvg4YFXhyphenhyphenZB90KsRn8OR4STpbki8UgtVDbR9Py-NWdzQ1o2IHSnN/s320/20210717_160942.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The view at Långberget.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD_2xWS8IwdNux18PO4pHuHb8h53ZjJqu3GH8dkDP8bsclEXecgLU5cRgSTtslZqkRt7SyOx72LLWdHWj5JPLAKs_C7KJEhvf-KxmokYN7dgdVj_nCtkNkPpnw2zmcm1DL146UIIj0B0O/s4032/20210717_161106.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD_2xWS8IwdNux18PO4pHuHb8h53ZjJqu3GH8dkDP8bsclEXecgLU5cRgSTtslZqkRt7SyOx72LLWdHWj5JPLAKs_C7KJEhvf-KxmokYN7dgdVj_nCtkNkPpnw2zmcm1DL146UIIj0B0O/s320/20210717_161106.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jdf8RLjBQRJksd-ykqiK80L8f-kcDk4tmmn5fYt8QpRLYgAT04FZ3pjI6fjNsivs4Q3ZP3n8T0nuqtDfOiLxfEVnZ65s2phRxWoVU3WeMLsfxVDkbMEWX6rAAS9I0iQ-6kYpAg-SBqi/s4032/20210717_172526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE8Jdf8RLjBQRJksd-ykqiK80L8f-kcDk4tmmn5fYt8QpRLYgAT04FZ3pjI6fjNsivs4Q3ZP3n8T0nuqtDfOiLxfEVnZ65s2phRxWoVU3WeMLsfxVDkbMEWX6rAAS9I0iQ-6kYpAg-SBqi/s320/20210717_172526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>The bridge over Tossan river.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8sEmzOc0mqoYMCf4XZz_fyjl4xqH5QUL2bwAeHcVrYgU0r3H5WT924O0B2-sugIoSLUKVztXgxUkbvBtzhkJjmj80O0Y4u5ckcvS4ccMoF29rw7vr9H6jdJLLAEuPcIFzX5d5cMqEDnP/s4032/20210717_172613.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL8sEmzOc0mqoYMCf4XZz_fyjl4xqH5QUL2bwAeHcVrYgU0r3H5WT924O0B2-sugIoSLUKVztXgxUkbvBtzhkJjmj80O0Y4u5ckcvS4ccMoF29rw7vr9H6jdJLLAEuPcIFzX5d5cMqEDnP/s320/20210717_172613.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURJPg4_nlCuPLK55y6MRdBPD6ZyjpyoD90ue5as7R37GMzFDvohRdUZOGD-yyTnk8MEz_9Zp1bS5i-z348SQVQbiqSBbWPXnjFZUxHymf6EdaopdaEa1025Uwff8bf_34rJiuz0P7AzCe/s4032/20210717_172627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhURJPg4_nlCuPLK55y6MRdBPD6ZyjpyoD90ue5as7R37GMzFDvohRdUZOGD-yyTnk8MEz_9Zp1bS5i-z348SQVQbiqSBbWPXnjFZUxHymf6EdaopdaEa1025Uwff8bf_34rJiuz0P7AzCe/s320/20210717_172627.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv8yDOTNQwFrQhN9o0emhgWapjG06StPNhkT0onJ-aqjOpi2aJ2NoJ7U0cYWHZp-hWJD8zzi0G571vqRC5DEXxGBKA-2SKd7jvKBSCUU__iU7DNkMmPLQ0tZbagMSTwiBuYcwWAbl5D4V/s4032/20210717_172635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQv8yDOTNQwFrQhN9o0emhgWapjG06StPNhkT0onJ-aqjOpi2aJ2NoJ7U0cYWHZp-hWJD8zzi0G571vqRC5DEXxGBKA-2SKd7jvKBSCUU__iU7DNkMmPLQ0tZbagMSTwiBuYcwWAbl5D4V/s320/20210717_172635.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OHenlX1SJ_tOlsFxdKQHjitmkSmRuMFmi4l4akWevYu1m-eJj8WRxcYmgM5IHNsNs1pV4ozjsojpzhY4uWvrXy4cDvOspECeVP1aWoFGnPxIeW8PJJez8XI207oUcHzag5Im8v8peC_/s4032/20210717_181923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-_OHenlX1SJ_tOlsFxdKQHjitmkSmRuMFmi4l4akWevYu1m-eJj8WRxcYmgM5IHNsNs1pV4ozjsojpzhY4uWvrXy4cDvOspECeVP1aWoFGnPxIeW8PJJez8XI207oUcHzag5Im8v8peC_/s320/20210717_181923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubuWUEqcL729fsEE9skS5xPFRpLZ5iv2Hdqy0Fa3QE-gM4VcdSlS-GiDTlRVct8TfS-0-CBD9lmIPWR1BDrOlChAZtPL4trfF41vkR5Yu249oOOBtDGGh7PPsUEN17f3FNrlkJ5xdPlUl/s4032/20210717_185054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiubuWUEqcL729fsEE9skS5xPFRpLZ5iv2Hdqy0Fa3QE-gM4VcdSlS-GiDTlRVct8TfS-0-CBD9lmIPWR1BDrOlChAZtPL4trfF41vkR5Yu249oOOBtDGGh7PPsUEN17f3FNrlkJ5xdPlUl/s320/20210717_185054.jpg" /></a></div><p>Hiking gradually up Granberget, which also includes crossing yet another bog before the peak. Then below are several pictures from on top of the lookout tower.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpykyb3eGiREZwPppKcNEubZGYTm0TPxm1dlM2lzaiZg8AxcF_Tk3-ce2pcPkvQHdEqlqdGj4nt1kJiaE7s5hu0ilhgzZg51u0ozGviXuTuus-DcsaQTAE42itnN5pXpM6yTTGFE272C92/s4032/20210718_103015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpykyb3eGiREZwPppKcNEubZGYTm0TPxm1dlM2lzaiZg8AxcF_Tk3-ce2pcPkvQHdEqlqdGj4nt1kJiaE7s5hu0ilhgzZg51u0ozGviXuTuus-DcsaQTAE42itnN5pXpM6yTTGFE272C92/s320/20210718_103015.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6vfTJiiknuFyDt9M9MTXfC9Uzeb9o3oUGcAuxegJOYYbU5oW1QQhhwXWpQ0tt6E6XDR1_TB9LpLHiwLg4OIWRNsqALBr9BEbmu4a9ZeMFXLVJ82sjulU6B3E-hjsjQjihiaH7XYOCR8b/s4032/20210718_105218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL6vfTJiiknuFyDt9M9MTXfC9Uzeb9o3oUGcAuxegJOYYbU5oW1QQhhwXWpQ0tt6E6XDR1_TB9LpLHiwLg4OIWRNsqALBr9BEbmu4a9ZeMFXLVJ82sjulU6B3E-hjsjQjihiaH7XYOCR8b/s320/20210718_105218.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff3G_JoBigSPag4G97PFqgGQC792gDrhkLbJG7Qou4LcfZ1GxJOF6Q4oMAGIQwlk4eNbN3F5Qw-0Af4lsRkAoJL7xDkZU8NcyasiRTPaW6BkRYfTwLyhLqhtSTYAnmPOLQiI7UULpu6mp/s4032/20210718_105227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhff3G_JoBigSPag4G97PFqgGQC792gDrhkLbJG7Qou4LcfZ1GxJOF6Q4oMAGIQwlk4eNbN3F5Qw-0Af4lsRkAoJL7xDkZU8NcyasiRTPaW6BkRYfTwLyhLqhtSTYAnmPOLQiI7UULpu6mp/s320/20210718_105227.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78j50xc77DJ_gkZWDmqVMuXnZF56hpJG4dobLIieOepfEkBK_RLL-4arpfqjTQQwzDfeOz_PH557nIxxzBnj9PEmiel8X6b_pAYrnhXknQnjZc5engxuo4JenvQc6eec-YN9pnc7B3Dp9/s4032/20210718_105232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj78j50xc77DJ_gkZWDmqVMuXnZF56hpJG4dobLIieOepfEkBK_RLL-4arpfqjTQQwzDfeOz_PH557nIxxzBnj9PEmiel8X6b_pAYrnhXknQnjZc5engxuo4JenvQc6eec-YN9pnc7B3Dp9/s320/20210718_105232.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTrMkx_750XXctuSmMurRnV9OpJXohj6pRpubrvArUt33xT7-xMhNNf0JDB9uqUvjDDNR_fNxgvEVKcxZyPVomIDIn2iQk_yMuhhRwKU6fruJbjAqvI0wlq3Yj8R_OSQTI6g4dQ084cXc/s4032/20210718_105244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLTrMkx_750XXctuSmMurRnV9OpJXohj6pRpubrvArUt33xT7-xMhNNf0JDB9uqUvjDDNR_fNxgvEVKcxZyPVomIDIn2iQk_yMuhhRwKU6fruJbjAqvI0wlq3Yj8R_OSQTI6g4dQ084cXc/s320/20210718_105244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpSp0pCJGDN6mgjMAmB713bFj3DpH5CbeSRaGuN0IIVhE5jgWuqZeCATokKuucUgxGh8I4szzvZo3WusHjirSgu5oZ2vnHg5lWMm_cfTaNwoTikSW6eFu40WQMLhsNckTe5G95iJzz3ur/s4032/20210718_105639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLpSp0pCJGDN6mgjMAmB713bFj3DpH5CbeSRaGuN0IIVhE5jgWuqZeCATokKuucUgxGh8I4szzvZo3WusHjirSgu5oZ2vnHg5lWMm_cfTaNwoTikSW6eFu40WQMLhsNckTe5G95iJzz3ur/s320/20210718_105639.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKBjZ8dhcd6X1mP1dCx4RGx1y_VP5Se_xE8c9QD-dxnNt_1DoxHM-rVYgbdI3q1q16koan6Av3tBNifiPAnTfSH8Ht8egxMd_ygWOXXxww58M8W5VJAIqkUC7VbrGF2A2PUObHbo4sn9P/s4032/20210718_110456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtKBjZ8dhcd6X1mP1dCx4RGx1y_VP5Se_xE8c9QD-dxnNt_1DoxHM-rVYgbdI3q1q16koan6Av3tBNifiPAnTfSH8Ht8egxMd_ygWOXXxww58M8W5VJAIqkUC7VbrGF2A2PUObHbo4sn9P/s320/20210718_110456.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OLRJs5oOefVwJ96V14D-3o7TTh18CXe5dpIbjnDHah8tCQezWfU2WR4P4q_qJ1Xn5jNrDRjCmDJH5kbk3yLq03Fmg1hTIkLpapoV2PGBS0hcwccJQDGtiatGFISPbO5Zuc2KBVQugq0W/s4032/20210718_120422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4OLRJs5oOefVwJ96V14D-3o7TTh18CXe5dpIbjnDHah8tCQezWfU2WR4P4q_qJ1Xn5jNrDRjCmDJH5kbk3yLq03Fmg1hTIkLpapoV2PGBS0hcwccJQDGtiatGFISPbO5Zuc2KBVQugq0W/s320/20210718_120422.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTELcKwNcXWsA36A7Js0raazvgXu2qsURzBSPrBZMX1wQTKd7-XTVzahtRukLE66SMNYlRiluxwKkusdAPKgl-AzGAXEozCLQFVVXyLwt8leK5TEHvgssdf2pQtMRJtXM2_ZjIdyHXlntz/s4032/20210718_134238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTELcKwNcXWsA36A7Js0raazvgXu2qsURzBSPrBZMX1wQTKd7-XTVzahtRukLE66SMNYlRiluxwKkusdAPKgl-AzGAXEozCLQFVVXyLwt8leK5TEHvgssdf2pQtMRJtXM2_ZjIdyHXlntz/s320/20210718_134238.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4FOwKw8fs_nu75Vi5OJFfstybC9q1dQDdoo7E2PykoClBBR8YUJLGPW7O065Xp0zAGQ9FfYOW5V485bQ77m_N_txcDP1ATkP1s3vrS1aM5U3vmR_2tbhjTS-F3Iw1eHt50HkbJ2cL7px/s4032/20210718_140553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL4FOwKw8fs_nu75Vi5OJFfstybC9q1dQDdoo7E2PykoClBBR8YUJLGPW7O065Xp0zAGQ9FfYOW5V485bQ77m_N_txcDP1ATkP1s3vrS1aM5U3vmR_2tbhjTS-F3Iw1eHt50HkbJ2cL7px/s320/20210718_140553.jpg" /></a></div><p>The road to Höljes after coming out of the woods. Soon you cross the Klarälven river again, and on the other side are the supermarket, bus stop, and also a campground where you can rent cabins or tent spots. The campground also has a restaurant, but both the reception and the restaurant seem to be only run by one person and opens and closes on their whims. So you should call ahead to book a cabin, and you may need to call more than once for them to actually pick up the phone. Decent campground overall tho, but a bit run down. 7/10.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s8ayK7W2wkfRxmz0c3dbaYJfSmeqd_ejRNtlljOpZXrJ6DARXOh_q5hE9ZrcSJW6UUoVF-yEzfV_JAwCyh7M6GMHnyNxwsY-2cWNXcO3oWxj4aXOm_f1P3AQWHC7t6hx0ucvmQJdJW9-/s4032/20210718_150722.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5s8ayK7W2wkfRxmz0c3dbaYJfSmeqd_ejRNtlljOpZXrJ6DARXOh_q5hE9ZrcSJW6UUoVF-yEzfV_JAwCyh7M6GMHnyNxwsY-2cWNXcO3oWxj4aXOm_f1P3AQWHC7t6hx0ucvmQJdJW9-/s320/20210718_150722.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GINteetASJqAe_vcmViKB-FJplVNdjzETpQKVjy0kcVR7jZkrbfZa8gWRb-g2IDaCB0rD6u1J4F4-5-M3nikmK__91f5JGnZoVhkC4CP0goHOCWbWErIaZhYfSIVC_DAb6ZADPo4EMln/s4032/20210718_150858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9GINteetASJqAe_vcmViKB-FJplVNdjzETpQKVjy0kcVR7jZkrbfZa8gWRb-g2IDaCB0rD6u1J4F4-5-M3nikmK__91f5JGnZoVhkC4CP0goHOCWbWErIaZhYfSIVC_DAb6ZADPo4EMln/s320/20210718_150858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgU5jg0GQPb_JBSubzoO4_rEUosfAy0LMiIoru-h3QGvZ8MoQcDs6fBZBKFOTEItbtO5opk1d3Tiikq3W79FxH3yv5BA7-ByveodvJ6Ef1Tis-aBWQVj_fff6xW9yWVK5IH-K2ITqjmr1/s4032/20210718_150913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqgU5jg0GQPb_JBSubzoO4_rEUosfAy0LMiIoru-h3QGvZ8MoQcDs6fBZBKFOTEItbtO5opk1d3Tiikq3W79FxH3yv5BA7-ByveodvJ6Ef1Tis-aBWQVj_fff6xW9yWVK5IH-K2ITqjmr1/s320/20210718_150913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUyWptMOkSnC0a7kSKMSCGiyQqw9QM5xZMqVDAFunAdLJK9hDFresr5orW2o_poVLEgqWUNF1k0J7xcOx0LuOK9UQGhnZVjuJTvSKwkbc5NeoTlyaRLQCE67DFGPAC4mTdhj-8dypnpHv/s4032/20210718_151225.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUyWptMOkSnC0a7kSKMSCGiyQqw9QM5xZMqVDAFunAdLJK9hDFresr5orW2o_poVLEgqWUNF1k0J7xcOx0LuOK9UQGhnZVjuJTvSKwkbc5NeoTlyaRLQCE67DFGPAC4mTdhj-8dypnpHv/s320/20210718_151225.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JuKWxaDeWcL7eQILT1XG4q405oQvFypUc-b4CU86sfrPQ4PRe8CW5jsX0cOVReOHH_CGNPpP2raDILD83ZIcon2525mDum4nKU1B3noJcrp3g6Jp0cyDG0DlU8J5OjMaSYTR0e99OGF2/s4032/20210718_180834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7JuKWxaDeWcL7eQILT1XG4q405oQvFypUc-b4CU86sfrPQ4PRe8CW5jsX0cOVReOHH_CGNPpP2raDILD83ZIcon2525mDum4nKU1B3noJcrp3g6Jp0cyDG0DlU8J5OjMaSYTR0e99OGF2/s320/20210718_180834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Past Höljes is one last connection to the next and last long trail of the Troll Trail. Please see my notes on this route on the main Troll Trail page or in the condensed guide to the trail. Next up is <i>Södra Kungsleden</i>, perhaps my favorite part of the entire trail.<br /></p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-28967267468206379412021-07-21T21:05:00.008+02:002022-01-05T12:06:44.680+01:00The Troll Trail in a Nutshell Full Guide<div><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqcS1UwbnZ8_-6t9dq4u-P6lZ2IWJOW2EORsGhI1CxWIsX8zVqVQWz_jrBUbnFITn0aoPrYnu9jTXUdKTCLA5mNKMB0CWoEUg4mMoWLJc0RiUIyZXPn8NoX4JettlaDsRbdDQ2BxjDOK_/s5312/20160720_171138.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2988" data-original-width="5312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKqcS1UwbnZ8_-6t9dq4u-P6lZ2IWJOW2EORsGhI1CxWIsX8zVqVQWz_jrBUbnFITn0aoPrYnu9jTXUdKTCLA5mNKMB0CWoEUg4mMoWLJc0RiUIyZXPn8NoX4JettlaDsRbdDQ2BxjDOK_/s320/20160720_171138.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div> <br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>An Abridged Guide to The Troll Trail: </b><br /><br /><b>An Alternate Trail to the Swedish E1 Long Distance Hiking Trail</b><br /><br /><br /></div> <br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Version 3.0</i><br /><br />By Cesar Valdez</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Note: If you prefer to download a PDF file of this guide, <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jz-IijC7-o0VzCQTYHg4SWw4NChNY5ep/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>you can do so here</b></a>.</i><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><u><b>Foreword</b></u><br /><br /> This is a condensed but full guide to The Troll Trail, a long distance hiking trail that I created. The longer, unabridged guide--which includes additional details on the various areas/sections, hundreds of photographs, and trip reports of my personal experiences hiking the trail--can be found <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html">on my blog (click here)</a></b>. The goal of this shortened guide is to provide just the most essential information to help hikers plan and hike this trail. What I recommend if you are seriously considering hiking this trail is to read the longer guides and trip reports on my blog while you’re at home preparing, and then on the way to the trail and/or while you’re actually out hiking the trail you can switch over to this shortened guide.<br /><br /> Or if you’re restless and just want to get out there and hike, say you’re an experienced backpacker, etc.--I get it. This guide should be enough on its own and you can read the whole thing in less than an hour, then revisit it on trail as needed. Make sure to download all the custom maps that I created for the connection routes, and have fun being on autopilot most of the time hiking the longer marked trails.</div><span><a name='more'></a></span><div style="text-align: left;"><br />But please be aware that there are many other resources available online that hikers should also take advantage of in addition to this guide. In addition to the custom maps that I created for certain parts of the trail, there are also various other maps to established trails that you can download. Many of these maps I link to on my blog, or you can simply Google the name of the trail or wilderness area (e.g. nature reserves/national parks) to find further information and/or maps if you’re on the go. I will provide some links to the official websites of the larger trails and wilderness areas in this guide.<br /><br />If you have any questions or feedback related to this trail and/or this guide, especially anyone that is doing or has done a thru-hike of the entire trail, please feel free to contact me via email: cesarvaldeziii at gmail dot com. You can also contact me via my Youtube channel, which is linked on my blog. After completing this guide I plan on uploading a video on my Youtube channel to break the news and provide a link to download this guide. So odds are that you may have found this guide that way, so you can just go back and leave a comment on that specific video, and I’ll try and get back to you when I can.<br /><br />Please note that this project is and always has been my little labor of love. I have never been sponsored by any private company or organization, and I received no help from the Swedish state or municipalities that this trail goes through. My blog is free of advertisements (and always has been), and I am not a Youtube partner (nor have I ever been). So that means I’ve made no profit at all on either my blog or Youtube channel. I just love to hike, and don’t want to bother anyone reading my blog or watching my videos with any commercials--it’s as simple as that. <br /><br />I’d like to thank the friends and family members who have supported my efforts, some of which have even hiked the trail along with me and gave me much appreciated encouragement and company. I’d also like to thank the members of the Ultralight backpacking community over on Reddit, who have also given me collective encouragement at the various section hike trip reports and trail guides I have shared on that forum over the years. And special thanks to Emily for her valuable feedback. She’s a thru-hiker that along with her partner are the first known thru-hikers to complete the entire Troll Trail in one trip.<br /><br />Finally, if you’re reading this that means you have at least some interest in hiking The Troll Trail, a project that I have put literal blood, sweat, and tears into hiking and documenting, along with a fair amount of my freetime and energy. While I naturally did it for my own benefit because I love wilderness backpacking, I also honestly believe in this trail. It’s a good trail and it’s worth hiking, and I think that you should hike it too.<br /><br />So please get out there and hike it! Not only for your own benefit, but the more people that hike it and the more word of mouth spreads, the more established the trail will become. This may open up new possibilities and improvements to the trail in the future. If enough people get behind this trail and it becomes more well known, eventually the powers that be will have to accept it, mark it, put it on maps, build new trail shelters, repair existing trail shelters, do trail maintenance, etc. And I’d love to see the day that my children and maybe even their children can go out and hike this trail and enjoy it as much or hopefully even more than I did. <br /><br />Thanks for your support, for reading this, please spread the word, and I wish you happy trails on The Troll Trail!<br /><br /><br />--Cesar Valdez<br /><br />Göteborg, Sweden, July 2021<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Introduction</b></u><br /><br />The Troll Trail (TT in short, and Trolleden in Swedish) is a long distance hiking route that goes from the city of Göteborg in the south to lake Grövelsjön in the north on the Swedish-Norwegian border. It passes through southwest Sweden, but at times there is the option to go into southeast Norway, and at times it follows close to (or even right on) the border. But the entire trail can be done within Sweden, a detail that was important towards the end of the process of me completing the hiking and documentation of the trail during the Covid-19 pandemic. <br /><br />It is approximately <b>1,135km/705mi</b> long, and there are several side trails, loops, and optional parts away from the main route that are not included in that total.<br /><br />The TT can be hiked as an alternative section of the E1 European long distance hiking route to walk through Sweden, rather than the official Swedish E1 route. You can read more about the official E1 route in<a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/01/cesars-guide-to-e1-trails-in-sweden.html"> <b>my guide to it here</b></a>. I created the TT as a direct result of hiking the entire Swedish E1. While I enjoyed this route overall, there were some problems with several sections, which you can read more about on my guide and trip reports of it.<br /><br />But the shortcomings of the official Swedish E1 trail were not my only motivation in putting together this trail. After many years hiking in the areas that the TT goes through, I really fell in love with the nature and terrain of places like Bohuslän, Dalsland, and Värmland. I discovered more obscure nature reserves and woodland trails that not as many hikers travel to, or even know exist. Yet other established and well known hiking trails were not that far away. The more I hiked and explored these areas, the more a new route made sense.<br /><br />A few new trails would have to be made to connect certain areas, so I decided to do just that with some initial exploration trips, and these first connection routes worked. So after that I decided to begin the long term project of creating this trail. But while there are some new paths to hike on this trail, the majority of the TT is made up of marked and generally well maintained long distance hiking paths from south-west to central Sweden through the counties of Västra Götaland, Värmland, and Dalarna.<br /><br />The TT is divided into seven sections. I recommend that thru-hikes or long section hikes of the TT go NOBO for practical reasons based on elevation, climate, and seasonal timing. In short, the northern part of the trail has higher elevation and is also further north, both of which make it generally colder. Most people take time off work or school for thru-hikes and long section hikers in the spring or summer, which works great for NOBO hikes of the TT. A SOBO hike is of course possible but more challenging during these seasons. But if you’re a rare one that has time off to hike in the late summer and early fall, then a SOBO thru-hike could work quite well.<br /><br /><b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Mg-L8Td4kQgdqGhFkhhELA_9HotmW-x/view?usp=sharing">Click here for a general overview map of the trail</a></b>, from south to north, and feel free to download this and the rest of the custom PDF maps I created. The trail is highlighted in pink, but please keep in mind that it is a very rough sketch of where the trail is. It’s not perfect, and there are some alternate routes, side trails, and loops that are not included. So these maps are not intended for navigation, but instead general planning and a bird’s eye view of the entire trail. Highlighted with red circles are resupply points (i.e. supermarkets) that I am aware of, but keep in mind that these can change. Supermarkets are private businesses, and can close down. But that being said, many of these supermarkets are important for locals, especially in isolated areas, and in general the chances of them closing down anytime soon I’d say are fairly low. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">And if you want a large
overview map in one picture that shows roughly where the trail is
located in relation to Scandinavia, you can check out the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyAUw5RRhcKM30TvIByr5HBggh6wwSbq/view?usp=sharing"><b>Sweden overview map here</b></a>.</span><br /><br />If you plan on hiking in Sweden and have never done so before, I recommend that you check out my crash course on <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/02/general-tips-and-information-on.html">backpacking in Sweden here</a></b> with lots of good general info and tips. But I will give some quick general advice below on some important issues that I think shouldn’t be overlooked.<br /><br />Water is plentiful on the whole trail, but of course I recommend taking some kind of water treatment, as water sources in much of Sweden are not as pristine as in the far north or up in the fjälls. I also recommend not hauling more than two liters of water while hiking due to the amount of water sources. Most of the time I carry 1.5 liters of water while hiking the TT, but of course exercise caution and common sense given any changes in conditions. Dry spells and droughts, while rare in Scandinavia, can and have happened.<br /><br />If you hike the TT from roughly mid-spring to early autumn, and especially in July and early August, make sure to prepare yourself for swarms of various types of biting/stinging insects. These include ticks, wasps, ants, bees, mosquitoes, horseflies, deer flies, and perhaps worst of all at the height of summer: midges/noseeums. I’ve even been bitten/stung by bugs that I don’t even know what they are called in English or Swedish. I suggest hiking in pants (even in the summer), have a head-net and bug spray, and pack a fully enclosed shelter. <br /><br />Make sure that your head-net and shelter have proper fine netting that will keep out those damn tiny midges/noseeums. Not all netting is the same, and even here in Sweden shops still sell the “wrong” kind of netting that has holes that are too large and will let in midges/noseeums and other tiny bugs. I go into more detail on other potential hazards and dangers in my text on hiking in Sweden, which is linked above. But in a nutshell, you don’t really have to worry about bears, wolves, boars, moose, etc. You probably won’t see any bears or wolves, and in the rare event that you do, they can probably be scared away. You will probably see boars and moose, but you can probably scare them away too. Google some basic info on what to do when you encounter these animals. But don’t listen to your paranoid aunt, uncle, and/or friend: it’s safe to hike in Sweden and the animals are not a realistic threat.<br /><br />There are some great navigation/map apps you can download to use on your phone for the entire TT, and I highly recommend that you do. I use two free apps: <b><a href="https://www.lantmateriet.se/sv/Sjalvservice/lantmateriets-appar/">Landmäteriets My Maps</a></b>, and the “Lokalsinne” app (search for it in your app store of choice).<br /><br />Now to jump into the guides for each section of the TT, starting from the southern terminus in Göteborg and heading north towards the northern terminus in Grövelsjön.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section One: Göteborg, 0km</b></u><br /><br />I am including this city as its own section for a few reasons. One is that it is worth exploring. You can hike through the city to get to the beginning of the trail however you’d like, and there are plenty of things to take advantage of while you are here. It's Sweden's second biggest city, and it’s a really cool place. There are lots of nice aspects of this city, but I will stick to the ones that are the most relevant for backpackers.<br /><br />The official E1 trail starts in the small city of Varberg to the south. And honestly, having hiked the trail from Varberg to Göteborg, I wasn't very impressed with that stretch of trail. Which is why I skipped it entirely in planning the TT. Not to mention that if you are doing a thru-hike of the entire European E1 trails (going northbound from Denmark or southbound from Norway), it's probably more convenient and fun to have Göteborg as your first or last stop in Sweden. <br /><br />Göteborg has an airport, a big train station with connections all over Scandinavia, and you can also<a href="https://www.stenaline.nl/en-GB-nl/scandinavia"> <b>catch a ferry</b></a> over to or from Denmark (as well as other places). So if you are thru-hiking the European E1, rather than taking the ferry from Varberg to or from Grenå, Denmark, you sail to or from Frederikshavn, Denmark--and you also get to see a bit more of Denmark in the process as an added traveler's bonus. I highly recommend taking a zero day or two in Göteborg before you leave, though!<br /><br />Right in center city there are camping and sporting goods stores, just ask around or Google it. Naturkomaniet is going to have more expensive, high end gear that is mostly traditional (i.e. heavier) backpacking kit. However, ultralight backpacking has recently started to catch on a bit more here in Sweden, but most backpackers are of the more traditional heavy hauler type. But there is one niche UL gear shop that sells a fair amount of USA UL brand gear (e.g. Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Thermarest, MSR, etc.), which is Fjällsport, and it's<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tKM5r9GVFJiXDpWN7"> <b>located in the city center</b></a>. <br /><br />There are cheaper places to buy basic/common types of gear, especially clothing, like at Intersport or Stadium sporting goods stores. But if you are just looking for food and fuel, well there are plenty of supermarkets and restaurants for eats, but you can find Esbit, gas canisters, and alcohol at Naturkomaniet and Fjällsport, or at hardware stores called Clas Ohlson (and usually cheaper there, but not all of these shops carry Esbit). <br /><br />And finally, there are lots of nice pubs around, and some of my favorites you'll find around Järntorget down the side street of Andra Långgatan. Some of these pubs have all you can eat but rather simple buffets that are free or cheap so long as you buy a drink.<br /><br />Finding the TT in Göteborg is easy. An entry point to start northbound on Bohusleden can be found at various parts of the city and its suburbs, but the Skatås trailhead is perhaps the most accessible (close to Kjellberg park,<a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XM66UZtx7e23Z5pK9"> <b>which you can find here</b></a>), which is why I chose it as the southern terminus for the TT. It's about 5km from the Centralstation train station and makes for a nice city walk, with parks and canals along the way. Or you can catch the number 5 tram just outside of the central train station and get off at the Welandergatan stop, then it's just down the road to the east, less than a kilometer away.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section Two: Bohusleden, ~270km</b></u><br /><br />This section of TT goes from stage 3 (Skatås trailhead) to stage 22 (Nornäs trailhead) of the long trail Bohusleden. This trail is generally well marked and is an old and well known trail, used by locals for day hikes and section/thru hikers alike fairly regularly (by Swedish standards). There are a variety of shelters on the trail and plenty of resupply points too. Once you get hiking on this trail, you should be more or less on autopilot following the markers with ease for the majority of the trail. You should definitely check out <b><a href="https://www.westswedentrails.com/en/delled/bohusleden">the official website for this trail</a></b>, which has a lot of good resources like maps and such. <br /><br />But here is a quick and dirty summary and breakdown of how I suggest you hike this section (going northbound). I divide the trail into three big parts: the north, middle, and south. In a nutshell, the northern third of the trail is very woodsy, more isolated, less people, and has more of an "adventure" type feel. The middle third of the trail is still quite woodsy but with a mix of rural and small town/city society, more people, and a mix of adventure and comfort. The southern third is not as woodsy, but when it is woodsy it can surprise you, has lots of people and the trail atmosphere is more social, and it hardly feels like an adventure but more like a very long walk in a huge park.<br /><br />Hike from Skatås until the town of Bohus, where you can stop and resupply at the supermarket in the center of town (right near the train station). From Bohus take a bus (skipping a bunch of asphalt walking) to the Eriksdal bus stop across the river. Continue hiking north and consider taking a half or a full day to explore stages 8 and 9, which go through the Svartedalen nature reserve that has several side trails/loops.<br /><br />Continue on to the end of stage 12 where you can catch a bus to the city of Uddevalla to resupply, grab some fast food, and then take a bus back to the trail. If you plan carefully enough and don’t waste much time, you can resupply, eat a quick meal, and hop on the bus back to the trail using the same ticket to save a bit of time and money. <br /><br />Keep hiking and then towards the end of stage 16 leave the trail to stop in the small town of Dingle to resupply and maybe grab a pizza. While you are in Dingle either catch a bus or hitchhike to the bus stop Suttene, skipping stages 17 and 18 (which are mostly hiking on asphalt). Hike about 5km east to find the trail again and continue north.<br /><br />Hike on until stage 22, where you will leave Bohusleden at the Nornäs trailhead by hiking east, which brings us to the next section of the TT.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section Three: Dalsland, ~160km</b></u><br /><br /> First of all, make sure to check out <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B22NtkjSVJ_YcEctZVROUzN4TUU/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-7b7xfYKAh-eTupIWFSltCQ"><b>these six PDF maps</b></a> I put together with the route connecting Bohusleden to Pilgrimsleden Dalsland. Note that this route is not marked and at times you are bushwhacking/going off trail, so a compass and map are of course highly recommended. I call this route the Dalsland Connection Route or DCR, and while hiking it you can stop in the town of Ed to resupply and there are also a few restaurants and hotels/B&Bs if you want. <br /><br />But there are other fun things to do in Ed. You can also rent canoes in town by the shores of the huge lake Stora Le, and there is also an optional loop you can do to Tresticklan National Park, which I recommend and <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/04/cesars-guide-to-ed-loop.html">wrote more about here</a></b>.<br /><br /> Once you make it to Pilgrimsleden Dalsland, you can again go on autopilot for a bit as you follow this trail north towards the next Swedish county, which is Värmland. At first Pilgrimsleden Värmland is not as clearly marked as it could be, so after you cross the border into Värmland (past Edleskog) make sure to check your maps and look out for trail markers carefully. But before you cross the border I recommend that you explore the nature reserve in the Edleskog area (on the east side of the big lake), which is very scenic, has some nice spots for swimming. and also has a few trail shelters (including one cabin with a wood stove). The next two sections go through Värmland, and things will become more isolated, rural, and woodsy the further into this county that you hike.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section Four: Southern Värmland, ~210km</b></u><br /><br /> This section follows Pilgrimsleden Värmland, goes through the Glaskogen nature reserve, goes back onto the Pilgrimsleden, takes a turn onto a more challenging trail called Kyrkleden, and then ends in the small city of Charlottenberg. Not too long after entering into Värmland in the south, the trail passes the E18 highway. There are small supermarkets both to the east and west on this highway, so you can hike, hitchhike, or take a bus either way to resupply.<br /><br /> The best way to describe Glaskogen nature reserve I think is a “choose your own adventure” hike. The reserve has various trails that weave all around it. But whichever way you choose, make sure to end up in the village of Älgå, which is on Pilgrimsleden Värmland. You can catch a bus in Älgå to either jump ahead to the next village of Sulvik, or just hike or hitchhike there, and the bus also goes to the small city of Arvika. <br /><br />Sulvik has a supermarket you can resupply at and continue to hike TT right away, or you can take a zero or nero day in Arvika, which is a charming little lakeside city. Arvika has pubs, restaurants, hotels/B&Bs, sporting goods stores, etc. to take advantage of if you need, and you can catch a bus right back to the trail in Sulvik and hike on afterwards.<br /><br /> Hiking from Sulvik the trail passes through another village called Koppom to the west, then loops north and intersects with the short Kyrkleden trail, which goes east to the town of Charlottenberg. Hiking on Kyrkleden you will have to be alert for areas that are poorly marked at times, but it’s a pretty and fairly isolated area that has a few good trail shelters along the way. It’s just an 8km hike on backwoods roads and local trails to Charlottenberg from the end of Kyrkleden on top of a ski slope. <br /><br />Charlottenberg marks the beginning of the next section of the TT as you enter northern Värmland. This is also another resupply point, and also has some restaurants and cafes, plus train and bus connections. The local public library is also a good (and free) place to hang out, charge your phone, and/or fill up on tap water before hitting the trail. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><u><b>Section Five: Northern Värmland, ~150km</b></u><br /><br /> Shortly after hiking out of Charlottenberg the next goal is to get onto another long trail, Finnskogleden, which also has <b><a href="https://finnskogleden.com/">its own website</a></b> (but only in Norwegian). You can choose to hike only in Sweden and find your way on the Swedish side, but this route is often not marked, so you will have to get creative with your map and some minor bushwhacking and/or backcountry roads. Or you can follow the official marked trail that weaves in and out of Norway the entire way to the large lake Röjden. This body of water rests in both Sweden and Norway, the border going right across the lake.<br /> <br /> Not long after passing lake Röjden and hiking back into the hills, there is an excellent campsite complete with a big, really nice cabin at the Abborrtjärnsberg nature reserve. This is where the TT leaves Finnskogleden and follows a combination of local trails (mostly another isolated trail called Nyskogaleden) and backwoods roads, along with a short bit of bushwhacking. Here are maps I created of this route, which I call the <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18j7ZyEM0Lym3-OOQ2UzBE8am1QI6Vy8o/view?usp=sharing">Värmland Connection Route or VCR</a></b>.<br /><br /> If you carefully read the TT overview maps, you will notice that it is possible to continue hiking further north on Finnskogleden before hiking east across the Klarälven river. But I would recommend taking the VCR to not only have more resupply and zero day options, but also to be able to hike the entire Nordvärmlandsleden, which is a good trail. The VCR is also a really beautiful hike, though at times it can be challenging. This route will take you to the small village of Ransby, which marks the end of this section. There are a few small restaurants and a hotel in addition to a few small supermarkets in the Ransby area.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section Six: Nordvärmlandsleden and Connecting to Sälen, ~125km</b></u><br /><br /> The next trail the TT follows is a 55km marked trail that goes from Ransby in the south to another small village in the north called Höljes. Nordvärmlandsleden is generally well marked and has some nice views as it traverses up and down the peaks and ridges of the Klarälven river valley. It even goes up to Värmland’s highest point, a small mountain called Granberget, 700m above sea level. There is also a really cool lookout tower built on its peak. <br /><br />However there are also several bogs and tough elevation gains that you’ll have to slog through to earn these nice views. And while there are some trail shelters along the way, they are not remarkable and you may be better off sleeping in your shelter. This presents another complication, as due to the steep and rocky terrain, it can be a challenge to find flat, soft spots to make camp. At both villages at each end of this trail there are options to take a zero day if needed. Ransby has a B&B and Höljes has a campground with cabins. And oddly in the middle of the trail there is a hotel at Långberget, which also has a restaurant and small shop. There are also resupply options at each end of the trail. <br /><br />Hiking past Höljes there are some options on how to reach the next goal of the TT, which is the small village of Rörbäcksnäs. This village has a supermarket and a hotel. You can check out maps I created for <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tNbrIo3PdxWnX-5gvCyIR6O1re7JBIF/view?usp=sharing">the Fjäll Connection Route or FCR here</a></b>, which is the next part of this section going from Höljes to Rörbäcksnäs, and then to the Sälen ski villages. The FCR is pretty much only for thru-hikers looking to connect to the next long trail of the TT. If you’re a section hiker or don’t feel like hiking mostly backwoods gravel roads and/or asphalt roads, I would suggest skipping this route via hitchhiking or buses from Höljes to Sälen. Otherwise it’s roughly 60km from Höljes to the beginning of the Sälen ski villages at Hundfjället if you take the longer, backwoods road route. This is the route I included in the grand total of the TT. Or it’s about 40km if you take the direct route.<br /><br />If you are committed to hiking to Sälen, hike north from Höljes on a gravel road until you reach the Havsvallen river, which is a key landmark of the FCR. At this river there is also a nature reserve. For the direct route, hike west until you intersect with the huge lake Höljessjön, then turn north. You’ll be on another backwoods road going north for a while that gets close to the Norwegian border, then hike east on a dirt road for a short bit (around Skepparberget) until you get to another road headed north-ish. Finally just follow that until you get to the small highway that goes directly to the village of Rörbäcksnäs. <br /><br />Or if you want a longer and more woodsy, backwoods road and a short unmarked trail hike, then after crossing the Havsvallen river turn east (instead of west for the direct route) and follow the winding dirt/gravel lumber roads. You'll eventually find an unmarked trail at the small mountain Storhögen that heads north to another dirt road that then goes pretty much straight to Rörbäcksnäs. This should all make sense if you study the above FCR maps.<br /><br />From Rörbäcksnäs to the next long trail called Södra Kungsleden is pretty straight forward, regardless of which of the two paths you can take to get there. There are backwoods roads to follow that get you to the next marked alpine trails at the foot of the fjäll. And again you are presented with some options on how to continue the TT from there. Once you get to the Skogsätern area you will soon have to make one of three choices.<br /><br />You can hike straight up the Hundfjället mountain headed roughly northeast to the ski village named after the mountain at the top, then follow the road east to the Södra Kungsleden trailhead. Or you can hike around the west side of the mountain by heading north-ish and then east to the ski village. And lastly you can hike along the south side of the mountain going east-ish to the next valley. At this valley you can then hike north, continuing to follow the marked alpine trail, which will eventually take you directly to the next trailhead.<br /><br />This alpine area is generally considered to all be a part of Sälen, but the village of Sälen itself is further to the east in the next large river valley on the banks of Västerdalälven. And along this alpine road (local highway 66) that runs close to Rörbäcksnäs and then all the way to the village of Sälen, there are a string of small ski villages and hamlets. There are plenty of shops, restaurants, hotels, and bus stops in this ski resort area. There’s even a Burger King, McDonald’s, and O’Leary’s up there! <br /><br />However not only are these more active during ski season (i.e. expect things to be closed or have limited hours in the off season), but things will also be more expensive, especially hotels. But there are also several free trail shelters scattered throughout the network of hiking trails in this area. So it’s possible to have an affordable or even free zero or nero day in this ski village area up in the mountains. Otherwise, there are cheaper B&Bs in the village of Sälen itself, away from the fancy ski resort hamlets in the fjäll. Walking directly through the ski village area from Hundfjället to the next section (close to Sälens fjällkyrka) is only 10km.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Section Seven: Södra Kungsleden, ~220 km</b></u><br /><br /> <b><a href="https://www.lansstyrelsen.se/download/18.2e0f9f621636c84402719b76/1527755149915/SodraKungsled-eng.pdf">Here is an official document of this trail</a></b> (in English) with information and a general overview map on the next and last trail that the TT follows. There used to be an official website for this trail, but it seems to no longer exist. The official document on the trail also switched locations and was harder to find when I was updating my main guide for the TT. So just in case, <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_v0cSnbNcyF1Enj15fcy9hW2LvPX6uz/view?usp=sharing">here’s a backup copy</a></b> of the official PDF on Södra Kungsleden.<br /><br /> This is perhaps my favorite section of the trail. Much of it is alpine/fjäll terrain, which offers stunning views and unique areas. This is also the section that has the best quality water to drink, a lot of which you can drink directly from the source, but again exercise caution and common sense when drinking untreated water. But the views and mountains again come with the cost of additional challenges, naturally. The hiking is more strenuous going up and down mountains rather than hills, then there are micro-climates in mountains to deal with, plus the trail itself has longer stretches of hard stone to hike on rather than soft forest floors.<br /><br /> Also because of the vastness of this terrain that at times lacks easier landmarks to navigate, you will need to pay closer attention to the trail to stick with it, especially if you are a less experienced backpacker. I’m fairly experienced and took a few wrong turns up in the fjäll due to some areas looking very uniform all around, for example. But most of the time the trail is well marked, with some exceptions. On the other hand, smaller side trails and unmarked trails that intersect with Södra Kungsleden on various maps I used on hikes there were often poorly marked, not marked at all, and on a few occasions with unmarked trails, seemed not to exist at all. So be careful if you plan to do any off-trail exploring or want to take shortcuts and/or alternate routes based on what the map tells you.<br /><br /> This route is also pretty isolated, so resupplying might be the most difficult here, and public transportation is limited or non-existent. Look to stock up a lot in Sälen, either in the ski hamlets or the village. There is a hamlet called Mörkret roughly halfway through this section (and only about 4km off trail) that has a nice hostel that I’ve stayed at a few times and had good experiences with. The hostel was able to pick my friends and I up from the village of Särna for a small fee, so you may be able to work out a ride there for supplies if needed. And it’s a good place to take a zero day. Otherwise it’s a 23km hike on asphalt to Särna, and not much traffic there makes for a hard time hitchhiking.<br /><br /> There is a resupply option toward the end of this section in the hamlet of Flötningen, which has a small supermarket. A few kilometers across the border in Norway there was (and hopefully there still is) a nice little place that rents out cabins, and the owner of the small supermarket in Flötningen offered to rent us a spare room above the supermarket. There are also buses that can get you to the small town of Idre, where there are more resupply and hotel options. But the buses don’t run often (you may even have to call and book them in advance), and it’s roughly 35km away.<br /><br /> At the end of the trail there are a few hostels and an expensive convenience store at the Grövelsjön mountain station. And there at the lovely shores of lake Grövelsjön is the southern terminus of both the TT and the official Swedish E1 trail. I highly recommend if you have the time to explore the area and do a loop around the fjälls. There are more regular buses from Grövelsjön back towards civilization, and if you’re an E1 thru-hiker you can continue on into Norway to finish your entire E1 adventure.<br /><br /> While I did mention that this section is isolated, there are times when there will be an influx of section hikers and day hikers on the trail. This is due to the popularity of both Fulufjället national park and the Grövelsjön area in general. Fulufjället boasts the highest waterfall in Sweden, which the trail goes right by; and Grövelsjön has a conflux of several hiking trails, Töfsingdalen national park, several nature reserves, and a ferry across lake Grövelsjön that goes into Norway.<br /><br /> But for much of the rest of the trail, there will be little to no people. Which is also good for taking advantage of the various wonderful trail shelters in this section. This section by far has the nicest collection of trail shelters on the entire TT (or official E1 for that matter), including several full on cabins. These cabins often feature bunk beds, a wood stove, tables, chairs, firewood, springs nearby--the works. But the cabins closer to the popular spots will probably be full or half full pretty much every day during the summer.<br /><br /><br /><u><b>Afterword</b></u><br /><br /> If you are a E1 thru-hiker you can continue your hike northbound into Norway after Grövelsjön, or southbound into Denmark after arriving in Göteborg. If you are a section hiker, I suggest you take the time to also look into the various side trails and other outdoors activities that each of the seven sections of the TT have to offer. Throughout each section there are many extra things that you can get out of a long section hike.<br /><br /> But thru-hiker or section hiker alike, a reminder to please let me know how your adventure on the TT went! Feedback will help me to update this condensed guide and the full guides in the future, which I hope to maintain indefinitely so that this information continues to be relevant. Contact me via email at cesarvaldeziii at gmail dot com, or if you found this guide via my Youtube channel, leave a comment on the video where I link to this guide. I also intend to one day do a full thru-hike of the trail, re-hiking everything to not only again enjoy everything the TT has to offer, but also to do a thorough update of my guides.<br /><br /> The TT was also completed doing section hikes, as work and family responsibilities prevented me from doing any thru-hikes. But eventually in the summer of 2021 I did my last section hike of the TT, and wrote this guide shortly after. I hope that if you’ve hiked the TT that this guide was helpful and that you enjoyed yourself out there. I wish you safe travels back home, wherever that may be, and happy trails on your next hiking adventure. Peace!</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EzoKVnGuFH_kK_E2X7QWkR33b_9Ra9ePF6muAzeB5N3dVYvaE77JHjkZ3XOWdCcFoxxqaPFrGMeECSt3I7SwN1ikna0njxOvV-7OqiWoiH5b4c2-r9hQ-h3UO7BfRdHCGLxdGY4pNNkB/s2640/20201031_121912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2640" data-original-width="1980" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6EzoKVnGuFH_kK_E2X7QWkR33b_9Ra9ePF6muAzeB5N3dVYvaE77JHjkZ3XOWdCcFoxxqaPFrGMeECSt3I7SwN1ikna0njxOvV-7OqiWoiH5b4c2-r9hQ-h3UO7BfRdHCGLxdGY4pNNkB/s320/20201031_121912.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span><span><!--more--></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-63256733221270567132021-05-23T20:29:00.003+02:002021-05-29T16:44:26.842+02:00Breakdown: My 2021 Sleeping Systems for Every Season<p><b>Introduction </b><br /></p><p>It's been a while since I posted a big breakdown of my various gear combinations. <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2015/06/all-of-cesars-ultralight-sleep-systems.html" target="_blank"><b>Back in 2015</b></a> I wrote one that focused on my sleep systems, for example. That's the last time I did a big breakdown of my sleeping gear here on my blog, but I've written and discussed sleep systems quite a lot on various forums, such as the UL subreddit. One such post over there got a fair amount of up-votes and positive feedback, which was me making a case for using only two quilts to take care of one's year-round backpacking needs. I called it a case for a two quilt system, and you can <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/ljlgkr/the_case_for_the_two_quilt_system_for_all_seasons/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3" target="_blank"><b>read that post here</b></a>. You should definitely give that post a read if you are unfamiliar with the two quilt system and its benefits and nuances. <br /></p><p>But when I wrote that post I was in the process of upgrading one of my quilts (the summer Apex quilt), and since then all of my sleep systems are more or less complete. So this post will breakdown my current sleep systems, as not only has a lot changed (and for the better), but sleep systems are one of the combinations of gear that I get asked about or comes up in conversation the most. Both the novice camper or backpacker to the grizzled old outdoors enthusiast, everyone seems to have their own preferences and opinions about the best equipment for a good night's sleep.</p><p>And rest is very important when you're out there, so I often recommend to others (especially greenhorns) that if you are going to splurge or spoil yourself when it comes to gear, you should prioritize a good sleep system. This can be tricky for someone who is new to sleeping outdoors, as you have to dial in your preferences and everyone has different needs when it comes to being comfortable. So it may take some trial and error if you're new to all this, and you should also not expect to sleep 100% as comfortable as your own bed at home (assuming you have a comfy bed at home). But that being said, some of the best sleep of my life I've had sleeping outside under my tarp or in a trail shelter. So here's the gear that provides me with pretty damn good sleep while I'm out and about.</p><span><a name='more'></a></span><p><b>The Quilts </b><br /></p><p>I will start with the two quilts that make up my two quilt system. One is a Climashield Apex synthetic quilt, and the other is a down feather quilt. I will get into the details and specs of each quilt below. Both were made by ULEnchilada, an all around nice guy and fellow UL nerd named Ryan that I met on Reddit who occasionally makes custom quilts. I was lucky enough to be able to order both of these quilts from him, and he's got excellent skills as a quilt maker. But this is just a hobby of his, so he doesn't have a store or website or anything (yet). You can send him a message on Reddit if you want to check if he is able to make you a quilt, but he's just a one man operation, so he may or may not be able to offer his services. </p><p>Together both of these quilts take care of all my needs for backpacking. The Apex quilt is my summer quilt, the down quilt is my spring/fall/3 season quilt, and they can be used together in the winter (down quilt on the inside, Apex quilt on the outside). So let's start with the summer quilt:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ8vLVSRWQtknjX5EEvMiDWH7sHozIo9wqHUL4EPS1XTuNSte6ssfZ3XplZlv_AEwNsJd8CilqmyFmJCI2S0-bP8j8jdm7JiOhf2_9ZShLFP4Xx0memKX627lGZWVN1YudJ7wUXl8ReiN/s4032/20210421_194745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUQ8vLVSRWQtknjX5EEvMiDWH7sHozIo9wqHUL4EPS1XTuNSte6ssfZ3XplZlv_AEwNsJd8CilqmyFmJCI2S0-bP8j8jdm7JiOhf2_9ZShLFP4Xx0memKX627lGZWVN1YudJ7wUXl8ReiN/s320/20210421_194745.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1xRiPeYTE1vEPGiJ4TJpsJIMYlwNksVzNujtD1MiNaM5kSgS_ajjEnnDVpbe-qMGeyv65h4yb0Nu5x1RHUQN5TniPFlN3MW6N6t_gfXqhrckNetsWEK9iap9qRLb8MFmEn7dypGP-pl5/s4032/20210421_194839.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM1xRiPeYTE1vEPGiJ4TJpsJIMYlwNksVzNujtD1MiNaM5kSgS_ajjEnnDVpbe-qMGeyv65h4yb0Nu5x1RHUQN5TniPFlN3MW6N6t_gfXqhrckNetsWEK9iap9qRLb8MFmEn7dypGP-pl5/s320/20210421_194839.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hQQcYm0mdbmFjcGEk_sAENafkQ0lUK8nWLBcp7xh-vjAwbXx8Yj1ZIJAj9Bfuo5GfksCeON1cX36WNAJF49PnP55HFUmYKd6KzuGg2ABzhD21tohZClcO1uSawxkpKDTvDFNRFT29fOD/s4032/20210421_194857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-hQQcYm0mdbmFjcGEk_sAENafkQ0lUK8nWLBcp7xh-vjAwbXx8Yj1ZIJAj9Bfuo5GfksCeON1cX36WNAJF49PnP55HFUmYKd6KzuGg2ABzhD21tohZClcO1uSawxkpKDTvDFNRFT29fOD/s320/20210421_194857.jpg" /></a></div><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Size: wide/long<br /><br /></li><li>Inner and outer shell: 0.66 oz MEMBRANE 10 taffeta nylon<br /><br /></li><li>Insulation: 2.5oz Climashield Apex<br /><br /></li><li>Approximate temp rating: 10C/50F <br /><br /></li><li>Options: four tie-out points for straps under the quilt, neck snap, neck drawstring, slightly larger footbox to help with combining with the down quilt<br /><br /></li><li>Weight (including straps and small plastic S-clips): 375g/13.2oz</li></ul><p> </p><p>Next up is the goth AF down quilt:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K2iqnLU9l-bDcAjT-jnT2LSAR1-CUo47caBVwrEsh-BAUsrSOFH0nvelmzmvluFvFVhvHK1eUlSZ3Xq7bbdwZjPEjUo_rMk2LFxUPqmrBfAZWJyMmA_H3Xtdz6bNxQ5mviqqAjt97Ewj/s4032/20191216_190411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-K2iqnLU9l-bDcAjT-jnT2LSAR1-CUo47caBVwrEsh-BAUsrSOFH0nvelmzmvluFvFVhvHK1eUlSZ3Xq7bbdwZjPEjUo_rMk2LFxUPqmrBfAZWJyMmA_H3Xtdz6bNxQ5mviqqAjt97Ewj/s320/20191216_190411.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz7m-M1U9HRb4yezIoQsiHZl2mYfO1M5oTiSDr3bW0heam6vISEDUiGgM6UrqCWJzTohWWbq-Z39i08QfyHyd2ppyzkcWk6NpqUclUgm0NXwIpSZ9jLABc70ov6n8Pes5HCRtP4yl2v_d/s4032/20191216_190628.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisz7m-M1U9HRb4yezIoQsiHZl2mYfO1M5oTiSDr3bW0heam6vISEDUiGgM6UrqCWJzTohWWbq-Z39i08QfyHyd2ppyzkcWk6NpqUclUgm0NXwIpSZ9jLABc70ov6n8Pes5HCRtP4yl2v_d/s320/20191216_190628.jpg" /></a></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Size: reg/long<br /><br /></li><li>Inner and outer shell: 0.75 oz MEMBRANE 10 Ripstop Nylon<br /><br /></li><li>Insulation: 255g/9oz of 950 fill dry goose down, but 2.5oz Apex insulation in the foot end of the quilt (helps with wicking moisture from feet)<br /><br /></li><li>Approximate temp rating: 2C/35F<br /><br /></li><li>Options: four tie-out points for straps under the quilt, neck snap, neck drawstring, hang loop on the foot end (so I can hang the quilt to air out when needed)<br /><br /></li><li>Weight (including the straps and S-clips): 455g/16oz</li></ul><p> </p><p>And here is a picture of both quilts in winter set-up, which I am confident have a temp rating of about -8C/18F. With proper layers, I could push this quilt combo even further to a limit I'd give an educated guess of around -15C/5F (more on my layers later). As you can see, they fit well together:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslf4Afct2ZICUAhIi_0T2HEtybTlfqBfzm7MZV6GB270zI-daarSS7z3Bq243Lcosvb-H8EvKIfUi35UDuL2BDBhAsU4A_iLmWBhJ_7uxrGtYPNUbpDwFa1ZqXDg2tCyOcCRPM5sJkTq5/s4032/20210421_200430.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslf4Afct2ZICUAhIi_0T2HEtybTlfqBfzm7MZV6GB270zI-daarSS7z3Bq243Lcosvb-H8EvKIfUi35UDuL2BDBhAsU4A_iLmWBhJ_7uxrGtYPNUbpDwFa1ZqXDg2tCyOcCRPM5sJkTq5/s320/20210421_200430.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p><b>The Sleeping Mats (and One Important Accessory)</b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDd-wGAN8kP8LEKU9aXm1lgERhOp-XUNX7F_c2B48r9cPoWmv1DslVZk34d9zvqPkYvxhJTraZXAss3M3XseeIs2XQybozfpeCso7pdWJPOW8URorFXB_sTxE2T3HpbcBUvMr3Fq9cLtz/s4032/20210523_161055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglDd-wGAN8kP8LEKU9aXm1lgERhOp-XUNX7F_c2B48r9cPoWmv1DslVZk34d9zvqPkYvxhJTraZXAss3M3XseeIs2XQybozfpeCso7pdWJPOW8URorFXB_sTxE2T3HpbcBUvMr3Fq9cLtz/s320/20210523_161055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>From right to left:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Gossamer Gear Thinlight (inside a silpoly stuff sack, included in the weight), 87g/3.1oz, R value 0.5<br /><br /></li><li>Gossamer Gear Airbeam (discontinued air mat), 295g/10.4oz, R value 1<br /><br /></li><li>Neoair Xlite, 350g/12.3oz, R value 4.2<br /><br /></li><li>Neoair Xtherm, 465g/16.4oz, R value 6.9</li></ul><p>And on the bottom is the SOL Escape Lite bivy, 150g/5.3oz. This is not a sleeping mat, but didn't know where else to include it!<br /></p><p>The Thinlight foam mat and the Airbeam mat are my summer options, depending on where I am going to be hiking. If I will be going off trail or plan on sleeping on the ground, I take the Thinlight and find a nice, flat, mossy spot to sleep (if I can, and I usually can). If I am following a marked trail mostly and plan on sleeping at least a few nights in a trail shelter, then I will take the Airbeam.</p><p>The Xlite is the pad that gets the most use, and is used for 3 season conditions, usually in the spring, fall, or in the summer above treeline. The Xtherm gets the least amount of use, but I am happy to have it, as it is a solid mat for winter use.</p><p>The SOL bivy, like the Xlite also gets a fair bit of use. If you follow my blog/vlog or posts on the UL subreddit, you've probably aware of my praises of this piece of gear. But if you're out of the loop, it is a warmth bivy and is made of a breathable fabric with a reflective layer on the inside of it. I've had it for many years and it's still going strong, though it is showing some wear. I would replace it with an identical one right away if/when I need to. </p><p>It's job is to be used together with my down quilt when the temperatures are on the colder side of 3 season conditions. It bumps my down quilt's temp rating to about -3C/27F, and has the added benefit of keeping my quilt dry and keeping condensation off of it. Used in combination with my Borah Dimma bivy or a tent I am confident that I can (and have) push the overall temp rating even further to around -5C/23F.</p><p> </p><p><b>The Tops, Sit Mats and Extras<br /></b></p><p>Sleep systems of course don't exist on their own out there. There are other pieces of gear that help complement your sleep system, and two things that can help a lot are top layers (AKA the puffies) and sit mats (AKA butt pads). </p><p>One additional piece of gear that is not pictured below, but that I often use together with my sleep system as an extra, is my frameless pack's back panel/frame. I use a frameless pack for the majority of my trips, and when I do I always have a foam back pad inside of it. This back pad provides structure to the floppy pack, comfort while the pack is strapped on and I am hiking, and then at camp I can take out the back pad and add it to my bed. Sometimes I put it under my legs, and sometimes as a small torso mat under my other sleeping mat. </p><p>It's a trimmed piece of Decathlon M100 foam mat, weighs 35g/1.2oz, and has an R value of 1. The sit mats below are used in a similar way to boost the warmth of my sleeping mats by putting them underneath. Remember that R value stacks!<br /></p><p>And of course another extra is my pillow, which is an Exped UL inflatable pillow, which clocks in at 47g/1.6oz. A pro-tip is to use your buff as a pillow case.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEb8zCZt_oWlllFGwKzt6hz68zP3QO_BrL-6E21iMp4FYvlF3kz-GjpNeMNmsi00an9xsHAXJob0CjzS5UmopcoLKNYxLmjf3sS43yySsl1DIp45nQ0KPznJa475kO75eq_RkEByQPsML/s4032/20191216_195424.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlEb8zCZt_oWlllFGwKzt6hz68zP3QO_BrL-6E21iMp4FYvlF3kz-GjpNeMNmsi00an9xsHAXJob0CjzS5UmopcoLKNYxLmjf3sS43yySsl1DIp45nQ0KPznJa475kO75eq_RkEByQPsML/s320/20191216_195424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwz2iofs6n_OVqndKiHyMUDgXfVD8b_zvagD0xvGndhIvf26xm2mpVI2vNSI0ucW_L7SRUkHoGaPvPf50G50pKUfZ5kLArP_PLT5G61A89TEKh9mDtSQCRkntKH649HllvJq6xWXitS6C/s4032/20191216_195759.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwz2iofs6n_OVqndKiHyMUDgXfVD8b_zvagD0xvGndhIvf26xm2mpVI2vNSI0ucW_L7SRUkHoGaPvPf50G50pKUfZ5kLArP_PLT5G61A89TEKh9mDtSQCRkntKH649HllvJq6xWXitS6C/s320/20191216_195759.jpg" /></a></div><br /><p>But now let's look at the puffies and the butt pads, from summer to 3 season to winter:</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoyoiYCe5ehQuk39DYUKyNc9lE7Lb1vOr00k4T24K9sKP6cY8q8nPAW82n0gNy2f01McR_0PEpwXpj3aSXcyAG3uKn0UnkoEPJ66wteL_CV8zoiMd392E7boIXLhBzwxeGYA9YG-aMSze/s4032/20210523_160734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggoyoiYCe5ehQuk39DYUKyNc9lE7Lb1vOr00k4T24K9sKP6cY8q8nPAW82n0gNy2f01McR_0PEpwXpj3aSXcyAG3uKn0UnkoEPJ66wteL_CV8zoiMd392E7boIXLhBzwxeGYA9YG-aMSze/s320/20210523_160734.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EHzmzGR_i8ojaNDooMJa0aHGvw9oELRmZ_7e01CMvhFj1yvzkacB7t1JC-hKL8daFgEyoWdLwyAV4pUIaQuXxjKQf0BHS5_o1ZHDS7urgeMRtP4WuXQNhzT6DMXAGKevJUW6US01bbme/s4032/20210523_160512.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1EHzmzGR_i8ojaNDooMJa0aHGvw9oELRmZ_7e01CMvhFj1yvzkacB7t1JC-hKL8daFgEyoWdLwyAV4pUIaQuXxjKQf0BHS5_o1ZHDS7urgeMRtP4WuXQNhzT6DMXAGKevJUW6US01bbme/s320/20210523_160512.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj343QhdNeJuAWbwz6-HrO_lDjQPt-5BEk4UjA7M6UaXDEcBp8wKoC_6-LXhQBH5m9B3JsWR0qM-ITzMf3yxzgXeBjZ7R8hZvHEF7GwCe_0ShjI41Axm8fE39_pTxgRUjAoTFsswR3YeRvG/s4032/20210523_160246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj343QhdNeJuAWbwz6-HrO_lDjQPt-5BEk4UjA7M6UaXDEcBp8wKoC_6-LXhQBH5m9B3JsWR0qM-ITzMf3yxzgXeBjZ7R8hZvHEF7GwCe_0ShjI41Axm8fE39_pTxgRUjAoTFsswR3YeRvG/s320/20210523_160246.jpg" /></a></div><p>Summer:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Borah down vest, 105g/3.7oz</li><li>Generic foam mat, 25g/0.9oz, R value 0.8</li></ul><p>3 Season:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket (size large, 20D outer shell, 10D inner), 285g/10oz</li><li>Thermarest Z-Seat, 58g/2oz, R value 2.6 or the generic foam mat (depending on the temps)</li></ul><p>Winter:</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Montbell Alpine Light down jacket, 410g/14.5oz</li><li>Thermarest Ridgerest Solar (discontinued) foam mat, trimmed piece for a big-ass sit mat, 130g/4.6oz, R value 3.5</li></ul><p>The last extras worth mentioning are my packed bottom layers of clothing. I didn't feel like taking a picture of them, because, well, they are just leggings. You've seen a pair of them before. I also recently ordered a new pair of bottoms, which are the EE Torrid pants to match my jacket for colder 3 season conditions. So for summer trips I use a pair of REI silk base layer bottoms (100g/3.5oz), for warmer 3 season generic merino wool bottoms (165g/5.8oz), for colder 3 season the Torrid pants (170g/6oz), and for winter I can use both the merino bottoms with the Torrid pants on top.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>Conclusion</b></p><p>That about wraps up everything that makes up my sleep systems for trips all year round. Here are some total weights for typical trips for each of these seasons, but I will just include the core items (i.e. quilt + mat):</p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Summer (off-trail) - 462g/16.3oz<br /><br /></li><li>Summer (on-trail) - 670g/23.6oz<br /><br /></li><li>3 Season (warmer temps) - 805g/28.4oz<br /><br /></li><li>3 Season (colder temps, +SOL bivy) - 955g/33.7oz<br /><br /></li><li>Winter - 1295g/45.7oz</li></ul><p> </p><p>Stay warm out there.<br /></p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-52425657966984969862021-05-16T22:08:00.002+02:002021-05-17T20:42:34.007+02:00Cesar's Guide to the Värmland Connection Route: Röjden to Ransby<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATYvvHyY-q3Mcdb1Nv5_5PbE3kTwjp_8UPUXdL1lwfQzQKYbYJsWq0tK2Qqm3qJqRIx-lh3r88oZ7QzdovrbX_KaoU0uWP0k4U9N36ljml-wE3OtLNFHxtZJw3zXAdyWpO21DDQvW0NsU/s4032/20210514_093710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiATYvvHyY-q3Mcdb1Nv5_5PbE3kTwjp_8UPUXdL1lwfQzQKYbYJsWq0tK2Qqm3qJqRIx-lh3r88oZ7QzdovrbX_KaoU0uWP0k4U9N36ljml-wE3OtLNFHxtZJw3zXAdyWpO21DDQvW0NsU/s320/20210514_093710.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfrWk4Sw79HYTpru9tU8Q2yQt_I29F_77hd4c7Rh13JRk54DUsSsISg-ikDEDMMSKXjM-4X8wnjwyomwOtid50LPPnY10xiZcFAZsA5nBWF8IK9Ni6GN9AzejWYeCM3AVqy_sPI5m-iMV/s4032/20210514_193332.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHfrWk4Sw79HYTpru9tU8Q2yQt_I29F_77hd4c7Rh13JRk54DUsSsISg-ikDEDMMSKXjM-4X8wnjwyomwOtid50LPPnY10xiZcFAZsA5nBWF8IK9Ni6GN9AzejWYeCM3AVqy_sPI5m-iMV/s320/20210514_193332.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> </span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div><p>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This section is a continuation of my alternate Swedish E1 trail called The Troll Trail/Trolleden. <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here</b></a> for more information on this trail system. The southern end of this section is at the south tip of the huge lake Röjden, which is a nice place to swim and has a few trail shelters. The northern end of this section is the village of Ransby, which has a bus stop, a few resupply options, and a hotel. Note that bus service here is limited, as this is fairly isolated/low population area. One small supermarket is in the ski lodge area of Ransby on the west side of the river (up on the mountain), and the other more normal supermarket is 8km northwest of Ransby on the highway. Ransby is also the southern terminus of the next trail that hikers can continue to follow northbound, <i>Nordvärmlandsleden</i>.</span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I created a map of this route <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18j7ZyEM0Lym3-OOQ2UzBE8am1QI6Vy8o/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>that you can download here</b></a> in one PDF file. But of course I also suggest you use a map app on your phone and/or have physical maps to work with in addition to these maps. You can use my maps to navigate, as they are based from actual terrain maps. But highlighting the route did obscure some details.<br /></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">This map outlines a route northbound from <i>Finnskogsleden </i>to <i>Mattilaleden </i>for a short while, then on to <i>Nyskogaleden </i>for a while, followed by a few backwoods roads with a short bit of bushwhacking, and finally a small part of Nordvärmlandsleden. It might sound complicated, but while out hiking this route it makes sense and I found it pretty intuitive. This route I think has a lot of potential, and was beautiful and had some pretty good hiking overall. But as I will explain in more detail below, there are some issues with trail maintenance and marking that hopefully will be fixed up in the future. I will be contacting the proper authorities to try and help speed up this process. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">So for the time being, this route is challenging and is perhaps for more experienced backpackers. Even though it is only about 60km long, this section took me three full days of hiking to finish it. You will likely end up off-trail and need to find your way back on track, and crossing a few valleys and over small mountains is at times demanding terrain for hiking. I also strongly suggest not hiking this section in the early spring, unless you plan on packing skis, because due to micro-climates in this area there can still be lots of snow around on the hills and mountains. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I attempted this section in early April and had to bail only after one night on trail. And when I came back and finished hiking this route in mid May, there was still plenty of lingering snow around. This hike also goes through several bogs, so odds are your feet will get not just wet, but soaked. More than once I was up to my knees in water while crossing bogs and overrun streams.<br /></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">But with challenges comes certain rewards. More wildlife, less people (which means less chance of shelters being occupied), nice views, lots of good sources of water, and a more raw and wild wilderness experience overall. Even on most of the backwoods roads, which are pretty nice as far as these kinds of dirt and/or gravel roads go, the hiking is pleasant and just as "woodsy" as some marked trails that I've hiked before closer to civilization. There is one part of only about 4.5km of road walking (at the northern end near the ski resort) that is on a road with more regular car traffic (for a rural area), and in total there's very little asphalt--only in small patches, like for bridges or intersections.</span></p><p><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Trip Report</span></b></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Let me get the big issue out of the way first about this trail that made it extra challenging for me on this section hike: fallen trees. There must have been a bad storm (or more than one?) in the area this winter and/or spring, because the trail was littered with fallen trees. Thousands of fallen trees. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I had to climb over, crawl under, bushwhack around, and carefully do tightrope style walks on over a hundred trees, at least. Maybe over two hundred total? Hard to say, but in some areas, the carnage was so bad that it brought my hiking to a grinding halt several times. I would have to stop and figure out how to move just a few meters forward on the trail. Sometimes only to be presented with a whole new set of fallen trees. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">As I mentioned above, I will try my best to contact the right people in charge of cleaning up the trail. I've already sent out an email to the tourist office of Torsby. So let me get some proof pictures of the mess out there out of the way first before moving on. And please keep in mind I didn't take pictures of all or even the worst of it, as I had to get down to dealing with climbing over them rather than document all the fallen trees out there.<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Kwodrk2_J0BIDMKI9MpenmNQfYXkzsIwMZ9jXjmbYS9V8khfoctmxoCVKOZV5LkMsJGAYvSIdAuwfBD4-apRML1ZB1U-bJj5WP22BUD_aGU5tT80tGD9bqvL-I6m82UOTaDUPI_K0zn_/s4032/20210512_194937.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4Kwodrk2_J0BIDMKI9MpenmNQfYXkzsIwMZ9jXjmbYS9V8khfoctmxoCVKOZV5LkMsJGAYvSIdAuwfBD4-apRML1ZB1U-bJj5WP22BUD_aGU5tT80tGD9bqvL-I6m82UOTaDUPI_K0zn_/s320/20210512_194937.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiamRs1kMDSs0uqhB32DpaR3Cv8URfg_Xo5DyvwsY0umRPfCjiiiSGI8jCZgrxvIQyzWevaoFIhL-l-V9lzNxfaxnPcKIr_fcw25h80jTdz5OOamVCVORFYsYjkIy4HJDnLnWyyQddJ1TG/s4032/20210513_082244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiamRs1kMDSs0uqhB32DpaR3Cv8URfg_Xo5DyvwsY0umRPfCjiiiSGI8jCZgrxvIQyzWevaoFIhL-l-V9lzNxfaxnPcKIr_fcw25h80jTdz5OOamVCVORFYsYjkIy4HJDnLnWyyQddJ1TG/s320/20210513_082244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZuTobc4MJAJD092ThI1qU5Q-7NwR3odPXgTkMOK3VydCkEkwitXAYZvqL4Ti5QiIHiQSpwkq1gf65hWbtdw84Tg5cbc1cA_qFTAtQo4E9GlMczwh0ULuyRWEJijw29vBwpOqoCM5GJQJ/s4032/20210513_083617.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuZuTobc4MJAJD092ThI1qU5Q-7NwR3odPXgTkMOK3VydCkEkwitXAYZvqL4Ti5QiIHiQSpwkq1gf65hWbtdw84Tg5cbc1cA_qFTAtQo4E9GlMczwh0ULuyRWEJijw29vBwpOqoCM5GJQJ/s320/20210513_083617.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUyM-SPzAXfgF9Gg61CuVQPEpIMTt9G0Hw3utzw6116YIW1GPMmGJH1GlYF13deOZPnq7o9XHyvYKk5HwqgPBBW-YpFr7OCyd3HK2D8cULu3iCI-xHItyJtjuJBBJhtLoFm-5T7IZVVN0/s4032/20210513_105001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOUyM-SPzAXfgF9Gg61CuVQPEpIMTt9G0Hw3utzw6116YIW1GPMmGJH1GlYF13deOZPnq7o9XHyvYKk5HwqgPBBW-YpFr7OCyd3HK2D8cULu3iCI-xHItyJtjuJBBJhtLoFm-5T7IZVVN0/s320/20210513_105001.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLSkxhgVp0UY-ncQ_QOddka3pF6-zIgQxckIfEDsTpu0K8UCvSUzEblXQOCTfzsyq7Xlay4TVWkeL_vOWNhyOoIPW34MaxKYBBkmY-EAPmVtBy4rDXGYSLvXqcqj8T-jYleEDQYwQZPkq/s4032/20210514_094311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjLSkxhgVp0UY-ncQ_QOddka3pF6-zIgQxckIfEDsTpu0K8UCvSUzEblXQOCTfzsyq7Xlay4TVWkeL_vOWNhyOoIPW34MaxKYBBkmY-EAPmVtBy4rDXGYSLvXqcqj8T-jYleEDQYwQZPkq/s320/20210514_094311.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_1mSiUTsqAdT0AXtGbBr8-PKjJN3gc5DlPVILrEm0dpfizo8tSYUHdJ0YK-GTAULyWXUKLnWbCJjQkHy3fHaD85CLYBd6Ww4lpNnmu_xtq67AbnzN6gR6d7IJYTjyBk7JJi2112pZI5z/s4032/20210514_094541.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb_1mSiUTsqAdT0AXtGbBr8-PKjJN3gc5DlPVILrEm0dpfizo8tSYUHdJ0YK-GTAULyWXUKLnWbCJjQkHy3fHaD85CLYBd6Ww4lpNnmu_xtq67AbnzN6gR6d7IJYTjyBk7JJi2112pZI5z/s320/20210514_094541.jpg" /></a></div><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><p></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The trails on this route deserve to be cleaned up. It's a lovely area of wilderness. Rough cut rocky hills (or are they small mountains?), babbling springs, and green everywhere. The trails also ought to be marked better, especially being in more difficult terrain such as thick forests on rocky hills. Of course, it didn't help that often the fallen trees covered over and/or knocked down trail markers, which only made things worse. At times it was marked well, like certain parts of Nyskogaleden closer to civilization, but other times I ended up bushwhacking with map and compass out to get where I needed to go. And at times I actually really enjoyed the off-trail hiking, because it's worth pointing out again that this area is lovely to be in. I found hidden waterfalls and secret clearings and other wonderful off-trail treats. But these treats can come at a cost of time and energy.</span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I saw literally no other people on the trails or roads, and hardly saw any human tracks either. But I did see plenty of moose, deer, fox, and other animal tracks that I couldn't identify (wolverine maybe?). I also saw lots of deer, frogs, cranes, and a multitude of other birds. There was a lot of bird song and croaking frogs at many spots.</span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The trail shelters were remarkably unequal in their quality on this route. There are two very nice cabins within the first 10km past lake Röjden, the second one at <i>Abborrtjärnsberg </i>is one of the nicest trail shelters I've ever slept at. On my first attempt at of the VCR I stayed at the first one at <i>Fjälltorg</i>, and it's decent. But then there are the lean-tos/<i>vindskydd</i>, which were a whole other story. So be prepared to pitch your own shelter on this route, and also give yourself more time to select a campsite, as the terrain is rarely flat and ideal for say a tent. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">And of course after leaving the marked trails towards the end of the route headed north, there is a long stretch on backwoods roads that have no trail shelters at all. But at that point you should be able to push on to Ransby and work something out on the next section on Nordvärmlandsleden on the east side of the river. So let's do a big shelter picture review of all the ones that crossed my path before moving on, plus my own ranking of each of them. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">In order from south to north: Fjälltorp cabin (8/10, good but a bit run down, no fireplace, and lots of mouse poop), Abborrtjärnberg cabin (9/10, excellent but no fireplace and some mouse poop), <i>V. Bränntjärnen </i>(1/10, in ruins, small, bad location), <i>Nordviggsjön</i> (7/10, decent condition, location, and size), <i>Tapptjärnen </i>(5/10, good condition and size but flooded under the shelter and not the best location), <i>Säterberg </i>(6/10, not bad but a bit run down and messy, interesting location and more cabin-like, but a bit cramped inside), and the one close to <i>Ljusneberget</i> right next to the road (4/10, only good for breaks really, dull location, very dusty from the road, but would work in a pinch).<br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXjv4wGS_sdmUPFTfjfeHB3uHYN1qQLI2Q3hMBrCNlWHPnvXnDgWJyfLbKSts6XUTg9wyTBU8iu2mMjc3XhfvXUIAc8-V4zphCu2OV1dwoZ0i04-1H4nZy29ryoFPhboCRCBvlNmDUZjP/s4032/20210401_175720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirXjv4wGS_sdmUPFTfjfeHB3uHYN1qQLI2Q3hMBrCNlWHPnvXnDgWJyfLbKSts6XUTg9wyTBU8iu2mMjc3XhfvXUIAc8-V4zphCu2OV1dwoZ0i04-1H4nZy29ryoFPhboCRCBvlNmDUZjP/s320/20210401_175720.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe22mIMavzE6WxRs2dasoGGo3giYVQJu3bCfryYkwoTQsB1xwcSGuaWzN7hFttE_QhEX-SLpiiKB_lfY_2s5CLIFazFWQOvxRlBZZ22zwo5ypmDmWPfBTLS8m6lwsc7uvsbphBP8AidDb/s4032/20210401_175848.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKe22mIMavzE6WxRs2dasoGGo3giYVQJu3bCfryYkwoTQsB1xwcSGuaWzN7hFttE_QhEX-SLpiiKB_lfY_2s5CLIFazFWQOvxRlBZZ22zwo5ypmDmWPfBTLS8m6lwsc7uvsbphBP8AidDb/s320/20210401_175848.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGmG1R3ThSb1KpDnLUsOF3iJNq5hUaFfkPBfYtmqkgGHtnENFPUt3j3jHAw2Hr0WC9RQ1wIZ0P63EmUfZLgm2O7HwVNy2vO4FhKABoa0mf5Rz4_OxHT1JN6i04E2diETIlgQkovbTMwm/s4032/20210512_200035.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGmG1R3ThSb1KpDnLUsOF3iJNq5hUaFfkPBfYtmqkgGHtnENFPUt3j3jHAw2Hr0WC9RQ1wIZ0P63EmUfZLgm2O7HwVNy2vO4FhKABoa0mf5Rz4_OxHT1JN6i04E2diETIlgQkovbTMwm/s320/20210512_200035.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDP6AtdCuKCcAaBjmbRAGxAo0EXKgve7VNXtlwXpWeXaYkRI7RbcgKF7Xbu3TJj-1X3HsbTeJxagSrycVxfCKiQAy-y1DWLwE2iiY30cMSnCImim_AEWUMpc8D5bpJiBShfwBGAfs_5LC/s4032/20210512_203800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMDP6AtdCuKCcAaBjmbRAGxAo0EXKgve7VNXtlwXpWeXaYkRI7RbcgKF7Xbu3TJj-1X3HsbTeJxagSrycVxfCKiQAy-y1DWLwE2iiY30cMSnCImim_AEWUMpc8D5bpJiBShfwBGAfs_5LC/s320/20210512_203800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW686lSWRBCgjxYHm5ksTZF3ILKth8XCjTre3Z5cO6cM9EbiD9OX3LPVQwDDcCHKFHnNT0NqbqgADATGDh4J8TLbg_QFk25y913KSCQpW3LqfupV8_YfR3j99qi0cFdHElHKU2sOXyaGTa/s4032/20210512_200259.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW686lSWRBCgjxYHm5ksTZF3ILKth8XCjTre3Z5cO6cM9EbiD9OX3LPVQwDDcCHKFHnNT0NqbqgADATGDh4J8TLbg_QFk25y913KSCQpW3LqfupV8_YfR3j99qi0cFdHElHKU2sOXyaGTa/s320/20210512_200259.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObWef48P6RrDSfvwXCsXAef8XBJRYID05KOiI3p1E8jq8st1OazzO4wf-ifNk6P_nt1f0vwm70GmHXTjQyr2rcvgsb3Z21nYZSu5zUD9lg9VMjBgM9lSqaWPTfY8riTUy0dYvvJXQ7cjj/s4032/20210513_094748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiObWef48P6RrDSfvwXCsXAef8XBJRYID05KOiI3p1E8jq8st1OazzO4wf-ifNk6P_nt1f0vwm70GmHXTjQyr2rcvgsb3Z21nYZSu5zUD9lg9VMjBgM9lSqaWPTfY8riTUy0dYvvJXQ7cjj/s320/20210513_094748.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HnC-7ISK5OB4uIi6ih1z1F6I00Y7jhneZKYJngWCzr8_OTO3nObXDUuB3MBhwpeR_4beZJRREE2vrdBp85kxop6AQE4yUNcni7uyOnmGYtYHtLT7F-cnblO8sQmo02UAeLHrq_f2Mwqa/s4032/20210513_113038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HnC-7ISK5OB4uIi6ih1z1F6I00Y7jhneZKYJngWCzr8_OTO3nObXDUuB3MBhwpeR_4beZJRREE2vrdBp85kxop6AQE4yUNcni7uyOnmGYtYHtLT7F-cnblO8sQmo02UAeLHrq_f2Mwqa/s320/20210513_113038.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8M1_9mBxlqPUhD9MmA0Th9fNpOdekvRRh4dTfv54EzXo52GPBeLOK4h3sscodXhKat-PU3AW_i9PHdiqERthIYdxG3n7gzz-9ppW0mKNaE0pF3gShvj82jDYJVduV-Am9JFlOScAHAI/s4032/20210513_123419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUt8M1_9mBxlqPUhD9MmA0Th9fNpOdekvRRh4dTfv54EzXo52GPBeLOK4h3sscodXhKat-PU3AW_i9PHdiqERthIYdxG3n7gzz-9ppW0mKNaE0pF3gShvj82jDYJVduV-Am9JFlOScAHAI/s320/20210513_123419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uADwH3x1w_qx6B7SM7rd80HMktWxBv2tSv7ZBCCNvGSzG9rwAMDkZqba7rvgwXJ3-LtHNLOhc7D0RsdtQ62EkY3QRLGkQMBq_uvskG2mMer7CeVBVXy6wNX2qQQsyQRvyT-YrsEeDNZB/s4032/20210513_141452.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9uADwH3x1w_qx6B7SM7rd80HMktWxBv2tSv7ZBCCNvGSzG9rwAMDkZqba7rvgwXJ3-LtHNLOhc7D0RsdtQ62EkY3QRLGkQMBq_uvskG2mMer7CeVBVXy6wNX2qQQsyQRvyT-YrsEeDNZB/s320/20210513_141452.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXM5VTiWRCLcStuUpKlR9P7d7zN3hPQMD6A5g5VZnsc3Oecb4Mk1tUfnh7UCGE6D6BarwWmGbv-rRkeesDYKDNRcOChSfdhoXjNhjHCMaBeC3koXyeSQedW2D4H7ZYnBZQ9VTEMwMrWlR/s4032/20210513_141521.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyXM5VTiWRCLcStuUpKlR9P7d7zN3hPQMD6A5g5VZnsc3Oecb4Mk1tUfnh7UCGE6D6BarwWmGbv-rRkeesDYKDNRcOChSfdhoXjNhjHCMaBeC3koXyeSQedW2D4H7ZYnBZQ9VTEMwMrWlR/s320/20210513_141521.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqk3dn2u0tGWALZjuAXnQ2auI1PuCaBP5d2xh0f4IyySRUUGkwRAzxAEhBPiONhn1wNsAOaZck4jao1rDOUepjv_q1H0gfbtBYOWjl0pnZHwC1ew-nuKpgekTDCejlm9IlUjwAeCSu-wo/s4032/20210513_164038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbqk3dn2u0tGWALZjuAXnQ2auI1PuCaBP5d2xh0f4IyySRUUGkwRAzxAEhBPiONhn1wNsAOaZck4jao1rDOUepjv_q1H0gfbtBYOWjl0pnZHwC1ew-nuKpgekTDCejlm9IlUjwAeCSu-wo/s320/20210513_164038.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-dUOlTiNq0bSBRMFakaYlJ9Fm7ebBko_02KTtYo70NpUnp9zN6S_kXa06_Q4TEzhvyx-9U0Mb0wdj_ggRj8SND5kPVcE8T-za1P7TbHLYuKRibVuSS3hy-wZlyzFNIFiSatQO6PSw_e4/s4032/20210514_112857.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY-dUOlTiNq0bSBRMFakaYlJ9Fm7ebBko_02KTtYo70NpUnp9zN6S_kXa06_Q4TEzhvyx-9U0Mb0wdj_ggRj8SND5kPVcE8T-za1P7TbHLYuKRibVuSS3hy-wZlyzFNIFiSatQO6PSw_e4/s320/20210514_112857.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Only thing left now is the usual mix of highlight pictures plus more practical or useful pictures from this connection route section hike. Overall it's got the potential to be such a great section to hike, but it needs to be fixed up, and I intend to try and help get that done. I am proud of being able to have hiked this route under such difficult conditions and still also manage to have a good time. But it was hard at times. And I am happy that so many hours of planning before hiking this trail have paid off. I read maps over and over various nights in preparation, constantly trying to improve on and find the best route. And I think this route, once fixed up, will be a great connection route between Finnskogleden and Nordvärmlandsleden.</span><p></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Now on to the pics. I will put notes under pics as needed.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrlwu6Y69YkvKrv0tBCKZ4E__dK40R35Iq-KgL-A527aBnsSxu-nxq3p63MJxQjbwfKKkjpYY2_KI1X5rgEc9iSy2SNeJRNAQKOVXecxb6kdLeOMfiawrSwCPaiTzlA1Vc1FyQBD0mo4/s4032/20210401_152212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXWrlwu6Y69YkvKrv0tBCKZ4E__dK40R35Iq-KgL-A527aBnsSxu-nxq3p63MJxQjbwfKKkjpYY2_KI1X5rgEc9iSy2SNeJRNAQKOVXecxb6kdLeOMfiawrSwCPaiTzlA1Vc1FyQBD0mo4/s320/20210401_152212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Röjden in early April, facing Norway on the east side of the lake.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYHA6otoHVx_LdUZTSU6VXF1cqc_E2dstP2vzhLLQ_YI_8yi3ofKWH3lj5N-iitc92DjtgUAUG7t0aWoG40BzGaCUJiCha7qXZQSufh1bfQspmCASbgmTlAZ2lZrn7YRFriVBqjFnhmYU/s4032/20210401_154538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYHA6otoHVx_LdUZTSU6VXF1cqc_E2dstP2vzhLLQ_YI_8yi3ofKWH3lj5N-iitc92DjtgUAUG7t0aWoG40BzGaCUJiCha7qXZQSufh1bfQspmCASbgmTlAZ2lZrn7YRFriVBqjFnhmYU/s320/20210401_154538.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4jnpcmC7ktDEdTDDz4cODWQw7UEfMW49cPcWKKRXQKdsAg4oiM6XvFWfW-WVjZI0NhiFgutsGGf-sUYOgayTlnMihbJj7PCOdm6vA4VIAkkp9pi35a9ry1IUlBuf6jhDpwDaaNcdVG6I/s4032/20210401_155418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv4jnpcmC7ktDEdTDDz4cODWQw7UEfMW49cPcWKKRXQKdsAg4oiM6XvFWfW-WVjZI0NhiFgutsGGf-sUYOgayTlnMihbJj7PCOdm6vA4VIAkkp9pi35a9ry1IUlBuf6jhDpwDaaNcdVG6I/s320/20210401_155418.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodPQm9DBEwFjIJcYf3IOpttDgj2I6KwYnqrBxTDJGyoNCAZvobGH0H3NhRkwmCEVq27Jj7bmvmp4RKSCvFS7E8xVhJdygBlqp8DGti39pB36g0HWTy8B7DXlSxwhjTc9xkn5pjTWm1216/s4032/20210401_161420.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjodPQm9DBEwFjIJcYf3IOpttDgj2I6KwYnqrBxTDJGyoNCAZvobGH0H3NhRkwmCEVq27Jj7bmvmp4RKSCvFS7E8xVhJdygBlqp8DGti39pB36g0HWTy8B7DXlSxwhjTc9xkn5pjTWm1216/s320/20210401_161420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXU7hmxJ_frjJtpACYaCfuaKCq-FWNkVApP4EAJSjKU2-hQ57UoMtAtPd-E_FSulCvl3QyQrPz6dGsrAvCanZoV9OcdTEceMlFRppZ7yPJ1wgqM6KQtie-T-g2cOzlIhsg9LUjG3VpsWt/s4032/20210401_175505.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnXU7hmxJ_frjJtpACYaCfuaKCq-FWNkVApP4EAJSjKU2-hQ57UoMtAtPd-E_FSulCvl3QyQrPz6dGsrAvCanZoV9OcdTEceMlFRppZ7yPJ1wgqM6KQtie-T-g2cOzlIhsg9LUjG3VpsWt/s320/20210401_175505.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnfm_N-9e0HfXRaOTataOOtWyqx6v5MGhKbt8J4ggcNfcyo-WuIXT5NcSJVWtNzTLsVL2UpCvzZy2rRYHhZvg2cUe7h7LFm0f_8omahfSJF__UOc8DeeTrCpeShcGqX8P1Pk2VEPsrRnH/s4032/20210402_085730.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjnfm_N-9e0HfXRaOTataOOtWyqx6v5MGhKbt8J4ggcNfcyo-WuIXT5NcSJVWtNzTLsVL2UpCvzZy2rRYHhZvg2cUe7h7LFm0f_8omahfSJF__UOc8DeeTrCpeShcGqX8P1Pk2VEPsrRnH/s320/20210402_085730.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcjVOadyuFxo9Vn3kxqozLbAQmjNV_UIocIqS12zBStzunmGfkl_5fgGVp5_7u2-k8lqJxT_MSJVjpA9s55qXke3fySFs5W8_Jd4h_h0BesuGUiWwmNTSBFSfQ5-YcwCvw4LsfeFzdB2E/s4032/20210512_203706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAcjVOadyuFxo9Vn3kxqozLbAQmjNV_UIocIqS12zBStzunmGfkl_5fgGVp5_7u2-k8lqJxT_MSJVjpA9s55qXke3fySFs5W8_Jd4h_h0BesuGUiWwmNTSBFSfQ5-YcwCvw4LsfeFzdB2E/s320/20210512_203706.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrreSnA0aulnQZdWZrqqKt9h99lEQok1UUqFAn5yh3hI_VNoaqp0oKNa8CLftVJ5zrU-crPawZZRWOTKtoCDMh6v-hHGS6vdZZQuxN1jpgOPjJh-Ly_dXKbX3ejA5WrvAQ8_9cEquXBpXp/s4032/20210513_084859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrreSnA0aulnQZdWZrqqKt9h99lEQok1UUqFAn5yh3hI_VNoaqp0oKNa8CLftVJ5zrU-crPawZZRWOTKtoCDMh6v-hHGS6vdZZQuxN1jpgOPjJh-Ly_dXKbX3ejA5WrvAQ8_9cEquXBpXp/s320/20210513_084859.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3AwAOBq5hyphenhyphenNZVCf_kekD1PGSNFAhoUUKxNZosRawQ1WcugtqILeYeOxYkOrxa0vxWMchMQ2my1E1tLmUb74s5aMi-mh9r_GXg3HSiK1Ls0ZjewI5ZmbGQt3KY3EQkOO2DMLk6TKSc6gr/s4032/20210513_093126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3AwAOBq5hyphenhyphenNZVCf_kekD1PGSNFAhoUUKxNZosRawQ1WcugtqILeYeOxYkOrxa0vxWMchMQ2my1E1tLmUb74s5aMi-mh9r_GXg3HSiK1Ls0ZjewI5ZmbGQt3KY3EQkOO2DMLk6TKSc6gr/s320/20210513_093126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>One of many bog crossings. You will get wet, and probably muddy too.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNcr-BemI5g8Dm9IPPj0ZSsLQHoT5QMiLywN2MiC5FLkMhxNSv_UX0U-Qb4bjbtyd9FXLJghGaYVs06cDvbjzwy8B7lV_IYeLejzagLSLTDM2Rd540zhYWY6BtiyngJTilZpM13mNEWPF/s4032/20210513_112818.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNcr-BemI5g8Dm9IPPj0ZSsLQHoT5QMiLywN2MiC5FLkMhxNSv_UX0U-Qb4bjbtyd9FXLJghGaYVs06cDvbjzwy8B7lV_IYeLejzagLSLTDM2Rd540zhYWY6BtiyngJTilZpM13mNEWPF/s320/20210513_112818.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKnxpKal2bzs3dRWHi2gHCMZuEBkgVE2FGSzOiKT4HNfGuzrvDERDpYZtiLayVan0UH5SCXtIA6xTeyf_0WrOyEj7GxXwZ63ErsAhBjxn34dA9rX1Ij36jzfjk3AY0Wopkd4BQ01IRLBt/s4032/20210513_112812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQKnxpKal2bzs3dRWHi2gHCMZuEBkgVE2FGSzOiKT4HNfGuzrvDERDpYZtiLayVan0UH5SCXtIA6xTeyf_0WrOyEj7GxXwZ63ErsAhBjxn34dA9rX1Ij36jzfjk3AY0Wopkd4BQ01IRLBt/s320/20210513_112812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQK-2eYX9yYiGHIk-o_CV84BktJFDBdIIlVTpUXe-LdXkT9dsATmXq1QgOMWbQ_NcPsc3bxWFligiFM-QMQlkik0jWWbxvO4kVwRIPg4cCusKTiJeQgv4TlpfyP0reyiurb4yBNZTPQS5/s4032/20210513_151658.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzQK-2eYX9yYiGHIk-o_CV84BktJFDBdIIlVTpUXe-LdXkT9dsATmXq1QgOMWbQ_NcPsc3bxWFligiFM-QMQlkik0jWWbxvO4kVwRIPg4cCusKTiJeQgv4TlpfyP0reyiurb4yBNZTPQS5/s320/20210513_151658.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z8v4HU0ehUZPLjmD5Tktp4zeNo08vNdtKxwZfsoj6D1AUCGhZoK-HJvdphICJXN81m_4HJhRKYDDj71rChGAc_XxqdACO2WzMIkSsd8CWQgRlGEgFLFFE8bRLrgjzJHc8w_JvS1kuj4r/s4032/20210513_160500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3z8v4HU0ehUZPLjmD5Tktp4zeNo08vNdtKxwZfsoj6D1AUCGhZoK-HJvdphICJXN81m_4HJhRKYDDj71rChGAc_XxqdACO2WzMIkSsd8CWQgRlGEgFLFFE8bRLrgjzJHc8w_JvS1kuj4r/s320/20210513_160500.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY-9HG8zlrcn22wLjh4fS27suR9whSQBSZeW4OoAvWwnq21W209MhSwezZjbTocDvZ9OrYJprA2PytDv9ST_NHhbyrV_f7qvMmeldsiieReG7PRS6LvEF3jkZ0UR3PKrLg4RSH2k39krw/s4032/20210514_073858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyY-9HG8zlrcn22wLjh4fS27suR9whSQBSZeW4OoAvWwnq21W209MhSwezZjbTocDvZ9OrYJprA2PytDv9ST_NHhbyrV_f7qvMmeldsiieReG7PRS6LvEF3jkZ0UR3PKrLg4RSH2k39krw/s320/20210514_073858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfZPDFT193Cz-IQAqBEKzQl28NsNof7pzm4mViFZEvCKcwbjR7EV_JJp8eq_FAWruPcaNi5j4x4jrXGNGcRoYh53tlqsFVwN7-gUOJFB7eRKoJ49DLzrDAOEg_tMxOBtUn-XXudHs2Mav/s4032/20210514_075012.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYfZPDFT193Cz-IQAqBEKzQl28NsNof7pzm4mViFZEvCKcwbjR7EV_JJp8eq_FAWruPcaNi5j4x4jrXGNGcRoYh53tlqsFVwN7-gUOJFB7eRKoJ49DLzrDAOEg_tMxOBtUn-XXudHs2Mav/s320/20210514_075012.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DVS2ZTlZhyphenhyphen9cSsoP7viqd-1Wjk6yRn-ZDJerIzA5ECd0UHMVyMs8vDQ5bJK4h7VU0sr15Yt2cLi_YziLflrHH6QmG42HXlaZ7eGc14uWjKhdkpb2fRtSaUR6MT8z5xvqAHFB_A40U-_b/s4032/20210514_075518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4DVS2ZTlZhyphenhyphen9cSsoP7viqd-1Wjk6yRn-ZDJerIzA5ECd0UHMVyMs8vDQ5bJK4h7VU0sr15Yt2cLi_YziLflrHH6QmG42HXlaZ7eGc14uWjKhdkpb2fRtSaUR6MT8z5xvqAHFB_A40U-_b/s320/20210514_075518.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Finding the entrance to the trail past the church was a bit tricky. Follow the highway and keep your eyes peeled for the entrance, it's not as close to the sign as you may think.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NcJEGNEcsPdha_xDcmzGnbPV0-LtMJMeTcP-qFmS9MNKukAaYyHD90n4Xyt7AX_4lV0bdw8S_qfCZilRkB-ov6IjxrrCyOaNTOyRFf1wpW8sg_a3UrYLIIIuyY-t9Uk-Rg-deJadVFy/s4032/20210514_083056.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj99NcJEGNEcsPdha_xDcmzGnbPV0-LtMJMeTcP-qFmS9MNKukAaYyHD90n4Xyt7AX_4lV0bdw8S_qfCZilRkB-ov6IjxrrCyOaNTOyRFf1wpW8sg_a3UrYLIIIuyY-t9Uk-Rg-deJadVFy/s320/20210514_083056.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe2m5FwzsITb-K0kyqpucRmLbERuXxLWiWPA5Ra3_9ysNJVE6zRz6nSULNNXZOWK2Ln1iMhf47kWzF-iwgUM9YnFcJp30zqA0V2lvcGaw9Zzu4JexOcXHRY-54MelZH0SZDeplc-qOC8B/s4032/20210514_090045.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHe2m5FwzsITb-K0kyqpucRmLbERuXxLWiWPA5Ra3_9ysNJVE6zRz6nSULNNXZOWK2Ln1iMhf47kWzF-iwgUM9YnFcJp30zqA0V2lvcGaw9Zzu4JexOcXHRY-54MelZH0SZDeplc-qOC8B/s320/20210514_090045.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeY9aVeD4ZoqbP3denn63HGQKipy7lhmt86xipPtHgYXoletNIpmRtvmhT91IiwrMJogdjSlL4cnPzM8fWZaZEryXtCopOO_pCuq8FhUetn_-oPiLoZ5MII-U3TccQeax-YyKc-HOTSIH/s4032/20210514_090701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGeY9aVeD4ZoqbP3denn63HGQKipy7lhmt86xipPtHgYXoletNIpmRtvmhT91IiwrMJogdjSlL4cnPzM8fWZaZEryXtCopOO_pCuq8FhUetn_-oPiLoZ5MII-U3TccQeax-YyKc-HOTSIH/s320/20210514_090701.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_fcF68cdqLwyyFlrDDQNVrtL8SPHEmkWG018abeW9eCNro3zEGdtCJyA4t8KX4IlWTH22UsAnV7I9ImbGvgPOLHudutCR02Zuvk-Y4DhhWlq7hhvq0GgQrSE3sDp-gcGdUH_Fx5Vc9Sz/s4032/20210514_091714.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr_fcF68cdqLwyyFlrDDQNVrtL8SPHEmkWG018abeW9eCNro3zEGdtCJyA4t8KX4IlWTH22UsAnV7I9ImbGvgPOLHudutCR02Zuvk-Y4DhhWlq7hhvq0GgQrSE3sDp-gcGdUH_Fx5Vc9Sz/s320/20210514_091714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3q7NHKMpysqOScCzpYYc5oG48iBNIMjZ4TvBXndrKy7_41NJL85Kxbj0DHq4DiAJWrG5GOdcdZ_egT3-RwGvgvJBBNEJ6awr-3Dv_lbuk8Bwo4zn-5I0JcKxAEvGFl2svpH-GotVjpL_/s4032/20210514_111556.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW3q7NHKMpysqOScCzpYYc5oG48iBNIMjZ4TvBXndrKy7_41NJL85Kxbj0DHq4DiAJWrG5GOdcdZ_egT3-RwGvgvJBBNEJ6awr-3Dv_lbuk8Bwo4zn-5I0JcKxAEvGFl2svpH-GotVjpL_/s320/20210514_111556.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdFus9Jz9mstZ6SgGzILvsJ4sY8RZ_ShPAWCgO26LyhUnTswuI7a7dpwYROBPaI3qtheLgCoQC7-CdrH6x6WxV6fiHYRMhLzxnoKcvISVCDkjpawm6t-ut-_maqrx2BLo3MGaH1hP8V5A/s4032/20210514_133625.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdFus9Jz9mstZ6SgGzILvsJ4sY8RZ_ShPAWCgO26LyhUnTswuI7a7dpwYROBPaI3qtheLgCoQC7-CdrH6x6WxV6fiHYRMhLzxnoKcvISVCDkjpawm6t-ut-_maqrx2BLo3MGaH1hP8V5A/s320/20210514_133625.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouBA9i7L5Uwv9CISRI4nzdMstnu-YBVXihgVJ_DnMzN8JmoKqH7OcVmm53GK4lSlblpMYJ7DJnP3x81mNSceMoeaCQVIxtc-2ar96-1uwBetbqq2fhi2wrlm2d_pPXAJnPFFirnAoA1Jq/s4032/20210514_144740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiouBA9i7L5Uwv9CISRI4nzdMstnu-YBVXihgVJ_DnMzN8JmoKqH7OcVmm53GK4lSlblpMYJ7DJnP3x81mNSceMoeaCQVIxtc-2ar96-1uwBetbqq2fhi2wrlm2d_pPXAJnPFFirnAoA1Jq/s320/20210514_144740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9gLlHRc5cTlXQmDnj0FxO3-NOUYEUb31UZlnoTlis2uxyO1ngR6nVi4QiCTj-L9-zfb2Fgz2MY3du63ZCY98cvUiqeghEf-rkSmJABPXwe0tq6oYs1CclGnJhK7d5xbMctO1xsYrlo06/s4032/20210514_152205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY9gLlHRc5cTlXQmDnj0FxO3-NOUYEUb31UZlnoTlis2uxyO1ngR6nVi4QiCTj-L9-zfb2Fgz2MY3du63ZCY98cvUiqeghEf-rkSmJABPXwe0tq6oYs1CclGnJhK7d5xbMctO1xsYrlo06/s320/20210514_152205.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnYYyCKiYKyRzhUoVMhAi2moKU4xuswGYP48Bf_KNbq6ib_UGUN_kCVl8E_m6blYXE4CTt7-G4_q3E2ns2vRoiruKckYK9YqRXIyKEot2ECQBfJAm4M2T8Kb1TCnEmiXw5L25Bregllp7/s4032/20210514_153825.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvnYYyCKiYKyRzhUoVMhAi2moKU4xuswGYP48Bf_KNbq6ib_UGUN_kCVl8E_m6blYXE4CTt7-G4_q3E2ns2vRoiruKckYK9YqRXIyKEot2ECQBfJAm4M2T8Kb1TCnEmiXw5L25Bregllp7/s320/20210514_153825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>The end of the road and beginning of a short bushwhack to the next road. Just follow your compass due north, and stick to the flat part of the hill once you make it up there. The first part sucks and is lumpy, rocky woods to walk through. But after that it actually is not bad, and to the east is an alright view.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gm1vfZHmKdoIaQAxmlztHf11iDDU8wwlF304ENLdauOcpKwMVUQgHDLmXNk1tb6Yyf9NMRuTSNyzWbPE6t7MX2X_g9sqMGJYG-O467a7GEx02Qad12bZVBA5ulPP0pDrGPauwvO9uIQ_/s4032/20210514_155632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Gm1vfZHmKdoIaQAxmlztHf11iDDU8wwlF304ENLdauOcpKwMVUQgHDLmXNk1tb6Yyf9NMRuTSNyzWbPE6t7MX2X_g9sqMGJYG-O467a7GEx02Qad12bZVBA5ulPP0pDrGPauwvO9uIQ_/s320/20210514_155632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkTPXY0g3TNdYUyM6lqBfUCwSDjmog6e4AGlyf47Q1q6toZn24V3Ov_1OFQtR3GVmQNHfgJZomKi1sWH-x4R34afNre00EOL5zAvBJz3TWkbnWw92CUslpGEsEaCVJSrnv73qMFen_14c/s4032/20210514_155836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUkTPXY0g3TNdYUyM6lqBfUCwSDjmog6e4AGlyf47Q1q6toZn24V3Ov_1OFQtR3GVmQNHfgJZomKi1sWH-x4R34afNre00EOL5zAvBJz3TWkbnWw92CUslpGEsEaCVJSrnv73qMFen_14c/s320/20210514_155836.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9na3-ydf_tVYFELE1KvtTFQyVmaf4jmQBzW4VacXBDPsV4yMcA57-ZgGHLtc-XfBsz6rGOsWrGaPupAcEQwIY_2EZlCT1DiM_o3KzAnO_fkZojTONEev8meEGh2INVPbvAUHpf52CcYH/s4032/20210514_160821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ9na3-ydf_tVYFELE1KvtTFQyVmaf4jmQBzW4VacXBDPsV4yMcA57-ZgGHLtc-XfBsz6rGOsWrGaPupAcEQwIY_2EZlCT1DiM_o3KzAnO_fkZojTONEev8meEGh2INVPbvAUHpf52CcYH/s320/20210514_160821.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ugly picture, I know. But if you find this lumber track past the hill, it takes you to the next road.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV11FBPqCBy2qgLuPwSuLphMQt8G0IjNy1iMZcQSduSLF8h-Wh4XtHI6WNQeMFMLA-epa7ZfCHNT06btdWtxGAdj6W4_-GTsaTb74YmF8ddHaxQl8ao3mteGf3H4BGgq1ZOTEuX3n6w_J-/s4032/20210514_161832.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV11FBPqCBy2qgLuPwSuLphMQt8G0IjNy1iMZcQSduSLF8h-Wh4XtHI6WNQeMFMLA-epa7ZfCHNT06btdWtxGAdj6W4_-GTsaTb74YmF8ddHaxQl8ao3mteGf3H4BGgq1ZOTEuX3n6w_J-/s320/20210514_161832.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNsRGpLmG5ywmy7e3582uISBXZZSP1DKjX8-5Nl02Dq7pW2VrmtsZYTtIJSLbVtU8G21qWP-ZqOZOFZ3Ey-J9zKBpFuAs99zXSEmXnvjl_G_RVUQpLtZdTEU8syz6X304QA839i8W9GZL/s4032/20210514_164212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFNsRGpLmG5ywmy7e3582uISBXZZSP1DKjX8-5Nl02Dq7pW2VrmtsZYTtIJSLbVtU8G21qWP-ZqOZOFZ3Ey-J9zKBpFuAs99zXSEmXnvjl_G_RVUQpLtZdTEU8syz6X304QA839i8W9GZL/s320/20210514_164212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>As far as backwoods roads, this really is pretty nice.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGn4KgwcA2WfN1rTfSse-jnJhJHGto6oGEWIEqgQ64ewlcyF7O6VVDL8Yb-cN5s48BCLczOZU87orGw8KC1Zbz08Os1Bs3uXJbp2Q4THKvcUG54oNEr99SiliLAh_aJevEH4Nw9kHRIo/s4032/20210514_173953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizfGn4KgwcA2WfN1rTfSse-jnJhJHGto6oGEWIEqgQ64ewlcyF7O6VVDL8Yb-cN5s48BCLczOZU87orGw8KC1Zbz08Os1Bs3uXJbp2Q4THKvcUG54oNEr99SiliLAh_aJevEH4Nw9kHRIo/s320/20210514_173953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>End of the backwoods road, beginning of the big road to ski resort. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG8rap3e7eyK8wAVwyu66Iu3w7w4mrQCgUAs8V1kadwDIWh7H0gkaWynhDf09LVzAr6ppSVUJ_zmjLfESbrtQQIoxK0VGIhDq9WDfgmQjVJGAU0NH6dBMYypN96mKIGCBeLLh-JzhiX9h/s4032/20210514_181610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG8rap3e7eyK8wAVwyu66Iu3w7w4mrQCgUAs8V1kadwDIWh7H0gkaWynhDf09LVzAr6ppSVUJ_zmjLfESbrtQQIoxK0VGIhDq9WDfgmQjVJGAU0NH6dBMYypN96mKIGCBeLLh-JzhiX9h/s320/20210514_181610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Don't worry, it's short.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDloS4VthY2vRBEjrT-VTRdVjSrT23UZz7Zdrcke8CBb_StlNU0JdstTsmruV1TWUdndVdRQo0CDpHlZe0uaG3yYcI_w8M5DeZPCm2-ApscMx6caTkjbEgqBuYmb6OFGijFZnqisPA2yy/s4032/20210514_182912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCDloS4VthY2vRBEjrT-VTRdVjSrT23UZz7Zdrcke8CBb_StlNU0JdstTsmruV1TWUdndVdRQo0CDpHlZe0uaG3yYcI_w8M5DeZPCm2-ApscMx6caTkjbEgqBuYmb6OFGijFZnqisPA2yy/s320/20210514_182912.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Ski resort.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcxnQVIL9NZMyMm9yXMh76d_1JOJ6M6jviACzlIsQIku3S-8YqTP2dzz4JHSXvFecKdLkUF6CsNbdgGYBLqPywEV79NK3BjPf8uuqBlU7WPZHT4zCciawhpUaQQ_nHdZ5vYD8R6FNF6RI/s4032/20210514_183538.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihcxnQVIL9NZMyMm9yXMh76d_1JOJ6M6jviACzlIsQIku3S-8YqTP2dzz4JHSXvFecKdLkUF6CsNbdgGYBLqPywEV79NK3BjPf8uuqBlU7WPZHT4zCciawhpUaQQ_nHdZ5vYD8R6FNF6RI/s320/20210514_183538.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Keep going to the top.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33xKSlRHjrupmohJ-synoE2oL4DUVDs7fxvQQEb93yTeJy7h_gHn5be6p4ijMD-HGh4drRujAqC3T5mnUhNpfISqkn25lMSQ6D5RsRKSiuO7hgrOWjnd6ttg3TksXZD6P8kkB6pPQO-Kx/s4032/20210514_184417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33xKSlRHjrupmohJ-synoE2oL4DUVDs7fxvQQEb93yTeJy7h_gHn5be6p4ijMD-HGh4drRujAqC3T5mnUhNpfISqkn25lMSQ6D5RsRKSiuO7hgrOWjnd6ttg3TksXZD6P8kkB6pPQO-Kx/s320/20210514_184417.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTX_4JPM35MMnBiEk1YBuBBKJzfjILFylOXivYjthBzgob1iFkZ3NgpSGfvJ-ETKtbfCOgKnocjOp9cTaUj6RIjZe0SpO_RUkbJRJmtxq5m-MazjKhzukzVbmVFfzH6ESukjZmShvf-X0/s4032/20210514_185049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsTX_4JPM35MMnBiEk1YBuBBKJzfjILFylOXivYjthBzgob1iFkZ3NgpSGfvJ-ETKtbfCOgKnocjOp9cTaUj6RIjZe0SpO_RUkbJRJmtxq5m-MazjKhzukzVbmVFfzH6ESukjZmShvf-X0/s320/20210514_185049.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Getting down this mountain is tricky at first. The beginning of Nordvärmlandsleden starts here, actually. But I couldn't find any clear sign or trailhead. But search around and you will find some marked poles as you weave your way down the mountain going northeast. It's a beautiful but steep climb down.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYOOXFgjQZyLSUsluPQypJUOU5r_Oj0M-iqtqUUox6gNfygD9bbgpAZXMVqudUSnGrlq6kMD6P3Ha_-nIhsoQ8QwbaXX4SneJ9htC4spFbn9_I50K6WZ6O5kped14B03oqIVicnxAqYt9/s4032/20210514_193236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRYOOXFgjQZyLSUsluPQypJUOU5r_Oj0M-iqtqUUox6gNfygD9bbgpAZXMVqudUSnGrlq6kMD6P3Ha_-nIhsoQ8QwbaXX4SneJ9htC4spFbn9_I50K6WZ6O5kped14B03oqIVicnxAqYt9/s320/20210514_193236.jpg" /></a></div>Bridge over Klarälven river. Look out for cars.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtErBw7QLEql_lUKFfN_y62qLav1ztfB__ooSD4JeKBPEyed5IjzWc3V_HoOU8b-b47X-nP5JOtxVwgQ885tcTFRE2fsW7gZNoEjsCVq_klTkWaCk93rCjU31oeegpsaO5DKx7sb2HQwsz/s4032/20210514_193340.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtErBw7QLEql_lUKFfN_y62qLav1ztfB__ooSD4JeKBPEyed5IjzWc3V_HoOU8b-b47X-nP5JOtxVwgQ885tcTFRE2fsW7gZNoEjsCVq_klTkWaCk93rCjU31oeegpsaO5DKx7sb2HQwsz/s320/20210514_193340.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqNoQNXlweNrmpl1iMn0aqih6lwsr9_Z-DezV4hv11hcwuzjn0ptHyn9x_AW3LNjQsN1kYpPkuF2L7uxkhsb8avo2yz78_Eqc7E4WLAq842MqbyCDQJA3icHIW4TUDBab_24PY-IMBRNV/s4032/20210514_193351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqNoQNXlweNrmpl1iMn0aqih6lwsr9_Z-DezV4hv11hcwuzjn0ptHyn9x_AW3LNjQsN1kYpPkuF2L7uxkhsb8avo2yz78_Eqc7E4WLAq842MqbyCDQJA3icHIW4TUDBab_24PY-IMBRNV/s320/20210514_193351.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcSzsuo1zrlTS8ZUNkf2j8DVue7YQiWLGfa7vtCnGcCDm6b273xbUcMu8BUgFFlq9WqGlS-1x0pZb17i0a3tUEgMCWadSnBlCIta3_D_H_fXebo9ifbPkdDdbQu2usVUemmG-H3l3IUWT/s4032/20210515_132209.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDcSzsuo1zrlTS8ZUNkf2j8DVue7YQiWLGfa7vtCnGcCDm6b273xbUcMu8BUgFFlq9WqGlS-1x0pZb17i0a3tUEgMCWadSnBlCIta3_D_H_fXebo9ifbPkdDdbQu2usVUemmG-H3l3IUWT/s320/20210515_132209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>Village of Ransby, facing northeast on the highway, and here are the signs to continue the trail back into the hills to the east.</p><p>Coming soon will be my guide for the entire Nordvärmlandsleden.<br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></p><p></p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-65338684998167745532020-08-09T20:26:00.005+02:002020-08-11T21:42:31.774+02:00Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid Pyramid Shelter: Cesar's First Impressions Review<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwgu5WGHcMW5hZtbF_aXCLFrlIqFsdAPXYpsPus4x6dLmv9IYLoC7mbTanRidAqlq0NtxOqTl_NVf_MLs3TRXNvR4BjpMpo_ERGPoFYaAJ-hJl1P6cE13D8EnUtR1z7mBbYm-GrRSh2hB/s4032/20200715_194625.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUwgu5WGHcMW5hZtbF_aXCLFrlIqFsdAPXYpsPus4x6dLmv9IYLoC7mbTanRidAqlq0NtxOqTl_NVf_MLs3TRXNvR4BjpMpo_ERGPoFYaAJ-hJl1P6cE13D8EnUtR1z7mBbYm-GrRSh2hB/w410-h307/20200715_194625.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvNo_sjIvsmNRxJ7u8LeWx5C3AEuth93kO04ZCZEsd2G69LWNXQ6_e2TSP1EA45ZmDuHsKdBU0GUMwoMO6zPLLu3QGbYIlzvrOPw1RihpWNHLOJF4PMhvmTR8W120rtG0HmHtCq-isDrk/s4032/20200713_205217.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmvNo_sjIvsmNRxJ7u8LeWx5C3AEuth93kO04ZCZEsd2G69LWNXQ6_e2TSP1EA45ZmDuHsKdBU0GUMwoMO6zPLLu3QGbYIlzvrOPw1RihpWNHLOJF4PMhvmTR8W120rtG0HmHtCq-isDrk/w410-h307/20200713_205217.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh34nOTzpLDo4_rHl32KcS_oFAFkHZC38lrkp1aIzY6hc1QqnEUkJJPfTabXr8RdoKSkI7ugrwdQ_cWWDKxOCqUmlujKctGBjcflBL6UNHNiUT0cp20wG8R20H9HrE036NFlMMQH6J1oD/s4032/20200713_212148.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguh34nOTzpLDo4_rHl32KcS_oFAFkHZC38lrkp1aIzY6hc1QqnEUkJJPfTabXr8RdoKSkI7ugrwdQ_cWWDKxOCqUmlujKctGBjcflBL6UNHNiUT0cp20wG8R20H9HrE036NFlMMQH6J1oD/w410-h307/20200713_212148.jpg" width="410" /></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">The usual disclaimer: I bought this shelter with my own money and I am not sponsored by MLD or any gear company.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">This is one of my favorite UL shelters that I have slept in to date, and a welcome addition to my go-to shelters. As I have been exploring more and more of Scandinavia, I've been going into the mountains all the more. And after trying a few different options together with my wife, we fine tuned our couple's kit, but my solo mountain trip kit was lacking. I considered just taking my Nemo Hornet 2 to use as my solo palace. But after using it in some rainy mountain conditions and having a bit of leaks inside the tent, and having to do a few minor repairs to it, I wanted something with better coverage and that was all around more robust. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">After much research on various pyramid shelter options, I settled on MLD, which is a company that happens to have made some of my all time favorite gear, such as my Burn pack. So here's my current list of go-to shelters:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1. Borah tarp and bivy (spring, winter, fall) or net tent (summer), for solo trips below tree line</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Nemo Hornet 2, for 3 season trips with my wife or son below tree line</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Tarp Tent Cloudburst 3, for summer trips with my wife above tree line</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">4. Mountain Laurel Designs Duomid and XL Solomid inner tent for 3 season trips above tree line or to very remote trails</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A lot has changed since 2015, when I did <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2015/06/all-of-cesars-ultralight-shelter.html" target="_blank"><b>a big breakdown</b></a> of all my then go-to shelters for the first time here. A quick explanation as to why these changes took place has mostly to due with taking more trips with my wife or son, and that when it comes to certain shelters like tarps and pyramids, I prefer using silpoly for tarps and silnylon for pyramids. I've already explained in various videos and posts as to why I prefer these fabrics to say the increasingly popular DCF/Cuben fiber, but if you're unfamiliar with this whole ongoing UL fabric discussion/debate, you can check out my <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2020/01/common-pros-vs-cons-debates-in.html" target="_blank"><b>UL pros and cons post here</b></a>.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">So when I ordered my Duomid I didn't hesitate to get it in silnylon for various reasons (e.g. less bulk, privacy, ease of packing/unpacking, etc.), especially with how much better silnylon fabrics has evolved over the years (e.g. higher HH, less/no misting, slightly lower weight, etc.). It's a 2019 version in 30D (more on this later), and I was able to buy an XL inner net tent used but in new condition on Reddit. Here's a breakdown of all the weights for this shelter:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rain fly and guy lines - 550g/19.4oz</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">XL solomid inner net tent - 295g/10.4oz</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">DCF drysack - 22g/0.8oz <br /></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Polycro ground cover - 43g/1.5oz</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">10 stakes (4 Easton aluminum, 4 thick titanium shepherd's hooks, 2 thin titanium shepherd's hooks), one spare guy line, and stake sack - 80g/2.8oz</span></li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">All-in shelter total: 990g/34.9oz</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's what it looks like all packed up--and it fits quite nicely in my MLD Burn pack, btw--mini-Bic and metric tape measure for scale:</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPmpnM4gb9R-hNc0OR6phjD1ekni6Ao9UWIHDeLVQgT-7c455rJrDi4Cct5za9sh9ryW1rcvvLSBCY0bY0PnHptU1soOVmM8SlrWBdR3sSC8hovA-3AJVRs4DEYaf0zhyKwT5k7-K_r1T/s4032/20200809_175351.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="307" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPmpnM4gb9R-hNc0OR6phjD1ekni6Ao9UWIHDeLVQgT-7c455rJrDi4Cct5za9sh9ryW1rcvvLSBCY0bY0PnHptU1soOVmM8SlrWBdR3sSC8hovA-3AJVRs4DEYaf0zhyKwT5k7-K_r1T/w410-h307/20200809_175351.jpg" width="410" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The shelter is one of the easiest backpacking shelters I have ever set up. Shaking it out after it's out of its drysack is quick and easy. Then you just stake out the 4 corners at 90 degrees to each (like a big rectangle), then put in the center pole, and it's up. The learning curve to pitch this type of shelter is pretty low and straight forward. For a center pole I used a wooden walking stick, but of course you can use trekking poles or a fancy-pants dedicated center pole made out of carbon fiber if you so desired. The rest of the set up is just putting on finishing touches, with staking out the side guy lines, going around it to get a tight pitch (the line locks are great), and you're good to go. Inside you only have to stake out two corners of the net tent, and in no time you can start setting up your sleeping mat and quilt.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The craftsmanship of the shelter is excellent, as you would expect from MLD. Straight stitching, zippers work great, and I spoiled myself and had them seam seal the rain fly for me. I love the color, which reminds me of a nice dark chocolate or a mocha coffee, and it has the added benefit of both privacy and it blocks out the sun well, making it easier to sleep for some (myself included). For solo use this is truly spacious in all regards. For one person the vestibule is massive and makes chores like cooking and packing in the rain so much easier. There is loads of headroom while sitting up, and ample room for me laying down--even with a puffy down quilt and an inflatable sleeping mat--and for reference I am 183cm/6ft tall.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">As mentioned earlier, the silnylon fabric of the rain fly is 30D, and has a HH of over 5,000. MLD has not only tested their fabric, but has demonstrated their testing of various factors like HH and tear strength on their Facebook page and Youtube channel. Other independent tests have been done to confirm the quality of the silnylon that MLD uses, just Google around if you are prepared to jump down the rabbit hole of UL shelter fabrics, hydro-static head, tear strength, etc. This fabric also has great tear strength (<b><a href="https://youtu.be/JA13RggRm2w" target="_blank">as you can see here</a></b>), with is essential to deal with high winds and heavy precipitation, for instance in exposed areas up in the fjälls. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">However it seems like <a href="https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/duomid/" target="_blank"><b>MLD has since switched</b></a> to 20D silnylon for their Duomids and other shelters. I am fine with having the 30D, as the weight savings is not all that crazy, with MLD listing their current (2020) silnylon Duomids at 18oz/510g (40g/1.4oz lighter). And I get the added durability and slightly higher HH. Honestly when it comes to the comparision with DCF/Cuben fabric options, I just don't personally find the weight savings all that impressive anymore, which compared to either the 30D or 20D silnylon range roughly 70-150g/2.5-5.3oz. That's literally about the same weight as one or two Clif bars. But hey all you SUL homies, you do you.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bottom line is that I am very happy with this shelter, and I see it keeping its place in my go-to list for a while--probably longer than the shelters from my old 2015 list. I've only tested it in my backyard and on one long (5 day) section hike, sure. But I can't wait to get back out there and spend more time in this shelter. There's really not anything negative I have to say about it at the moment. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Now it's not for everyone or all conditions, of course. But if you are an avid section hiker that hikes in a variety of terrain (like most of us tend to do), this is an exceptional choice for mountain treks or for trips to faraway, isolated wilderness that you may want to spoil yourself with a more spacious and easy to use home away from home. Or if you are a thru-hiker going through a lot of exposed terrain, quality pyramid shelters like this one certainly deserve consideration.<br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">That's about it for my first impressions review, but as a complement to this review, I also shot a quick video today in my backyard. So check out the video below to get a better idea of what it's like on the inside of the shelter and all that. Feel free to ask me any questions in the comments of the video. Peace!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BM_wJTYIpno" width="320" youtube-src-id="BM_wJTYIpno"></iframe></div></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></div><p></p><p> </p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-5138044159926293282020-07-21T12:21:00.002+02:002020-07-21T12:21:24.847+02:00Cesar's Guide to Hiking Värmland: Charlottenberg to Röjden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDvE6THPYONyl0nn_DoQ4Aoi0uBhLYxhFNt8YxEmsIuUsgR2yVBTAIWV7iwRbFX-eiJ9HZ4nUNlkH16QKSNgnLPiuMX4kCO8NOXMORs5ELOep1Cz4PFLEo55Y_GOV6otzQxyRd6btqBPk/s1600/20200716_174431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEDvE6THPYONyl0nn_DoQ4Aoi0uBhLYxhFNt8YxEmsIuUsgR2yVBTAIWV7iwRbFX-eiJ9HZ4nUNlkH16QKSNgnLPiuMX4kCO8NOXMORs5ELOep1Cz4PFLEo55Y_GOV6otzQxyRd6btqBPk/s320/20200716_174431.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm09LGg0Du5TYJoADnN5-i33DALb526BmS14xkdoaFx4fM8NA-S1XAM9Pz0U7THzi10ubGpjw30t0WyarXmXp4btEh3UHvq0WJWomatASVszQdemoFAX8rcUDbxp3XudXHA8mqKugDVlrE/s1600/20200713_174721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm09LGg0Du5TYJoADnN5-i33DALb526BmS14xkdoaFx4fM8NA-S1XAM9Pz0U7THzi10ubGpjw30t0WyarXmXp4btEh3UHvq0WJWomatASVszQdemoFAX8rcUDbxp3XudXHA8mqKugDVlrE/s320/20200713_174721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /><b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This section is a continuation of my alternate Swedish E1 trail called The Troll Trail/Trolleden. <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here</b></a> for more information on this trail system. The southern end of this section is the town of Charlottenberg, which has a train station, public library, hotels/hostels/B&Bs, and resupply options. At the northern end of this section is the big lake Röjden, which has campsites with trail shelters on both the north and south shores of the lake, and about 4km down the highway to the east in the hamlet of Röjdåfors there is a bus stop. Note that this bus stop does not have service on the weekends, and that you may have to call to book a bus at certain times. But if you manage to catch a bus way out there, you can take it southeast to the village of Östmark or the small town of Torsby further on to resupply, get a hotel/hostel/B&B, or a train/bus elsewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br /><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This section mostly follows Finnskogleden and is about 85km long. <a href="http://finnskogleden.com/" target="_blank"><b>Here is a link</b></a> to the official website for this trail. The trail goes back and forth between Sweden and Norway, however when I did this section hike due to Covid-19 the Norwegian border was closed. So I hiked alternative routes going northbound to complete this section on the Swedish side, but was still able to cover most of the trail in Sweden and the parts that go right on the border. The area that this section passes through is fairly isolated, so backpackers should be sure to be stocked up on supplies before hiking Finnskogsleden. Water (and a lot of really clear, clean, cold, flowing water!) is plentiful, though, with various streams, springs, and lakes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are also some parts of the trail that are not well marked or maintained, but nothing that lasts long or makes things too difficult. At times the trail follows backwoods roads and lumber trails, and while it is in the forest often the trail is only slightly larger than an animal trail. There were several times I was up to my waist in vegetation, and on a few occasions literally in over my head! Do be careful passing through this thick vegetation, of course, not only for ticks but also for snakes. I saw several snakes on or close to the trail on this hike. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This makes for a more woodsy, wild experience hiking this section, up and down several steep hills that form a natural borderland between the two nations. There are also many crossings through bogs and over streams and springs, so you are pretty much guaranteed wet feet and soaked shoes. This all translates into this section being a bit more of a challenging hike, but this is rewarded with some lovely views and cozy, off-the-beaten-path campsites.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trip Report</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I hiked this section in July of 2020 after many hours of extra planning due to Covid-19. As mentioned, the Norwegian border was closed for travel, so I had to carefully plan ways to connect and re-connect with the trail at various points in this area as I headed northbound. But overall things ended up working out well, though as I also noted earlier, this section is not without its challenges. The first minor challenge was to get to the trail after I got off the train in Charlottenberg. Normally one could walk into Norway, or perhaps even hitchhike or take public transit just across the border, in order to get to the official southern terminus of Finnskogleden. But I would follow backwoods dirt roads that connected to the trail further up north close to the small lake Klättjärnet.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From there the trail weaves in and out of the woods and backwoods roads and is a pleasant hike. There is a decent trail shelter at lake Skålsjön, and then later on down the trail there is an unmarked trail cabin at Lomstorp that is easy to miss. So if you are looking for a nice cabin to spend the night, after passing Lomstorp keep your eyes peeled for a side trail to the east that takes you to the cabin, which is close to the shore of Lomsen lake. Shortly after the cabin the trail heads back into Norway, so I looped north on the Swedish side and rejoined the trail at Millomberget. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There the trail follows the border for a bit then goes back into Norway before it goes back into Sweden yet again to lake Nyckelvattnet. I again stuck to the Swedish side and made my way to Nyckelvattnet, where thankfully the trail stays in Sweden until Röjden. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Close to
Nyckelvattnet there is a large, good cabin that I stopped at for lunch
that would make an excellent spot to spend the night. Past that there is another not bad lean-to trail shelter at lake Hällsjön. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Getting to or from Röjden at this point I would recommend that hikers follow the dirt road that goes to the Knossi area rather than hike over the Knossiberg hill (until trail maintenance is done on this part of the trail). While there is a great view on top of this hill, the trail is poorly marked and there were also a bunch of trees that had fallen over, making for a difficult hike down the hill and to lake Röjden.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At lake Röjden on each side of the lake there are nice campsites, though I preferred the one on the north shore. There is also a WW2 memorial here, and a rocky beach for swimming. After spending the night at Röjden, I hiked east to the bus stop to catch a bus to Torsby, ending yet another exciting section hike on the Troll Trail. Enjoy the photo essay of my journey below.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz13bVFhyphenhyphenDrcvxb8iUIZOIAP5iY0vbVRrUmsZ73zVx4plQcodl_teh80wIMynzcV4eYBeeLs5dRM_POaU6qk8yicKB9vyIy5smRPchFirLrUSHfPBnjYgU81jAmlX09jsILftlbj39lFh/s1600/20200713_131537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXz13bVFhyphenhyphenDrcvxb8iUIZOIAP5iY0vbVRrUmsZ73zVx4plQcodl_teh80wIMynzcV4eYBeeLs5dRM_POaU6qk8yicKB9vyIy5smRPchFirLrUSHfPBnjYgU81jAmlX09jsILftlbj39lFh/s320/20200713_131537.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTR62kOGrwy_mV-7iouBkDb5SzDIRtDQObreiDsgdS1_rFiTHCTI4JE1Vq_JWvvd7XJ12pTJZupSByYYTqG2KGtwp5-dttTYjzCnzM6Ct55_IOS2RdkF_6xQNSq0pm2OvKTV8bgQHqrFZ/s1600/20200713_135210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXTR62kOGrwy_mV-7iouBkDb5SzDIRtDQObreiDsgdS1_rFiTHCTI4JE1Vq_JWvvd7XJ12pTJZupSByYYTqG2KGtwp5-dttTYjzCnzM6Ct55_IOS2RdkF_6xQNSq0pm2OvKTV8bgQHqrFZ/s320/20200713_135210.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfa3x2nP5uDuWOrijF-MaI1AVzGpRCku5sNSggNpc1wpLR4Bq1Sj2fXPB0C8xkdubj6XybY7RjVIaidkh74MFd_56bL0regaYzor0riD6Qm_1vvFWxqHl1j5e7SspPxFcUNru4swr0RJ8/s1600/20200713_140740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigfa3x2nP5uDuWOrijF-MaI1AVzGpRCku5sNSggNpc1wpLR4Bq1Sj2fXPB0C8xkdubj6XybY7RjVIaidkh74MFd_56bL0regaYzor0riD6Qm_1vvFWxqHl1j5e7SspPxFcUNru4swr0RJ8/s320/20200713_140740.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNHWHJJj_QVWpOzc9tNTPQLOepWYynF0TYg5qnBFwEE57W2KAvp_ATrcgliS9IUSDf8KHwq9E9RcLNtzhnp7ElJeJded2gxjmPDMiYjRs3huXmCzNZfquSat3mSAtqZvQ7JsMowJogq7e/s1600/20200713_161659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNHWHJJj_QVWpOzc9tNTPQLOepWYynF0TYg5qnBFwEE57W2KAvp_ATrcgliS9IUSDf8KHwq9E9RcLNtzhnp7ElJeJded2gxjmPDMiYjRs3huXmCzNZfquSat3mSAtqZvQ7JsMowJogq7e/s320/20200713_161659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe7nL9H4RjEmKYYpIi0djzoJKKSb4xJ6UQTD9TPDfnDQ6pYvqxD1YVXZibJWHEDmg_4l-VDjXpSyS2RYoQxVnzDZxcnGIDd9CdSjo9OIHGuLPle4j0h4wPx0sp4cAmQlU1IhoarrzUwkl/s1600/20200713_162122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwe7nL9H4RjEmKYYpIi0djzoJKKSb4xJ6UQTD9TPDfnDQ6pYvqxD1YVXZibJWHEDmg_4l-VDjXpSyS2RYoQxVnzDZxcnGIDd9CdSjo9OIHGuLPle4j0h4wPx0sp4cAmQlU1IhoarrzUwkl/s320/20200713_162122.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReyiKxAmKOO3bV2vtYVlz7oz6UhWAsuIBcyOfSzRX0T5mhepalNRMG7wgVqfu2ZqCZAVpFep6LT3xE_BF6e89UQN9Ez6Dda-3xDzD6O7PHGdm2sRJNkAqRSkwBjZh7wTBH7DejuWa4SUo/s1600/20200713_170901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgReyiKxAmKOO3bV2vtYVlz7oz6UhWAsuIBcyOfSzRX0T5mhepalNRMG7wgVqfu2ZqCZAVpFep6LT3xE_BF6e89UQN9Ez6Dda-3xDzD6O7PHGdm2sRJNkAqRSkwBjZh7wTBH7DejuWa4SUo/s320/20200713_170901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeSZ7g72_CtVRWyFfBN1L9jrhM0Y6bhKtuc2rf7YN8wsZlRITUqyJWI08vINO2szYAKKqBoNmU4STi5ocZ76WTS6LJEqx-OPprvjW_I_8cS3yRJJpazgEcejAgw8iDzIkt5-1YsZtNXR7/s1600/20200713_173114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzeSZ7g72_CtVRWyFfBN1L9jrhM0Y6bhKtuc2rf7YN8wsZlRITUqyJWI08vINO2szYAKKqBoNmU4STi5ocZ76WTS6LJEqx-OPprvjW_I_8cS3yRJJpazgEcejAgw8iDzIkt5-1YsZtNXR7/s320/20200713_173114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLU8sXLWocvbc1dgPOlITXZ0EggoXyjk_JlZvrubaWwFvzQJNQYVgueiIpE8vNC00rHOCtYJJ4J2TKAi_TnzAbg5GMqrmR4PrycJhxxYhz5ZQz8qq4Ebm19yg2rpo1E3lCjxvcajhFaZS/s1600/20200713_174625.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizLU8sXLWocvbc1dgPOlITXZ0EggoXyjk_JlZvrubaWwFvzQJNQYVgueiIpE8vNC00rHOCtYJJ4J2TKAi_TnzAbg5GMqrmR4PrycJhxxYhz5ZQz8qq4Ebm19yg2rpo1E3lCjxvcajhFaZS/s320/20200713_174625.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynwT4CsiQQSLOyAY5wwp3m1mMa6Ro-pABqF3rpoe2dlEM-OrF0xsarU5Kst9iguRqynFD1eANgOvJw7y8I3vEnVnvVyprachAbUTdcq6rIojjead4aBK3C-f63jpmydvrpO1qnNM03I1/s1600/20200713_175003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjynwT4CsiQQSLOyAY5wwp3m1mMa6Ro-pABqF3rpoe2dlEM-OrF0xsarU5Kst9iguRqynFD1eANgOvJw7y8I3vEnVnvVyprachAbUTdcq6rIojjead4aBK3C-f63jpmydvrpO1qnNM03I1/s320/20200713_175003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o7O-RZQDRweaXkfm8skkIg6qS9dIDBMk2VTSUl2pdhhB5gxRrw7ZYaB7MEboqG7IC7PLmTUMkg8-lSWtx85MOtCMZp9pxX7FmAk7Hoy9PccRkHUmCsS2O3Y3ZJHJfJ7pnBgNab0EwGsf/s1600/20200713_183245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7o7O-RZQDRweaXkfm8skkIg6qS9dIDBMk2VTSUl2pdhhB5gxRrw7ZYaB7MEboqG7IC7PLmTUMkg8-lSWtx85MOtCMZp9pxX7FmAk7Hoy9PccRkHUmCsS2O3Y3ZJHJfJ7pnBgNab0EwGsf/s320/20200713_183245.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmCRTnbSX87uSAfGLelAj5r1o7S-i1UB5LZN6TWP6B0Z1vAF6nmENYXvxGsOkCYY2VNcmd4Ayj2_aMcgIGY7IYTC9-4cQBtlgD139Seti54erCdip7m_1f67FEMF3K9qRozZSzms0R-Qm/s1600/20200713_190726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmCRTnbSX87uSAfGLelAj5r1o7S-i1UB5LZN6TWP6B0Z1vAF6nmENYXvxGsOkCYY2VNcmd4Ayj2_aMcgIGY7IYTC9-4cQBtlgD139Seti54erCdip7m_1f67FEMF3K9qRozZSzms0R-Qm/s320/20200713_190726.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBJlup019I-nleIRY8IlDuVQy6eZjoW-WKXLK4qVV2LAwyac-SCp1X0L_mu9JFpYtEhQvIGdcyqInahpxf0exYAzsblmq5tlfB_MPeD1s_K4QWkMnI7cegUg4Gnm0eRpnVGuEvSdGXbsQ/s1600/20200713_192410.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvBJlup019I-nleIRY8IlDuVQy6eZjoW-WKXLK4qVV2LAwyac-SCp1X0L_mu9JFpYtEhQvIGdcyqInahpxf0exYAzsblmq5tlfB_MPeD1s_K4QWkMnI7cegUg4Gnm0eRpnVGuEvSdGXbsQ/s320/20200713_192410.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E02XLBExApQ3pFAX6FQRuqgO633j6ifJJQKrZUd8H3N-tn5Z46gYaH5W6mSUti-1a6EzAyinEEvDWen5As9Oot3qgkreyJD386jY0AqhjRY62dMkp0mnzGZGoAUWzfGIl6evsKKn1MQb/s1600/20200714_093520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_E02XLBExApQ3pFAX6FQRuqgO633j6ifJJQKrZUd8H3N-tn5Z46gYaH5W6mSUti-1a6EzAyinEEvDWen5As9Oot3qgkreyJD386jY0AqhjRY62dMkp0mnzGZGoAUWzfGIl6evsKKn1MQb/s320/20200714_093520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdNzHMJ58tUlu48v8KqqgK4srX9EEzdtB8Sua7BQBJRIWl5x7zxwXpOnCVP0BhIMqo79J0KHzN1aWav8GuaJBDpi41p42PWpLDm1LrQXafUkrOT287ePrlUzVy03ihPbK-Xmhw5jLaRdy/s1600/20200714_093917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpdNzHMJ58tUlu48v8KqqgK4srX9EEzdtB8Sua7BQBJRIWl5x7zxwXpOnCVP0BhIMqo79J0KHzN1aWav8GuaJBDpi41p42PWpLDm1LrQXafUkrOT287ePrlUzVy03ihPbK-Xmhw5jLaRdy/s320/20200714_093917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpuVpm1u0Sc_r4AWekWgsljxWD05WmUrR-qUFSRRNh2exSns8Bb7dCZPc2amWl8J1MX9akCu_zb2qeVQgNKTwpbw-LI1aYhnwnv0G9V7xIKo4Hf4QGkVWr0dj9J__fCTzM_rmpVfHd9oM/s1600/20200714_112750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpuVpm1u0Sc_r4AWekWgsljxWD05WmUrR-qUFSRRNh2exSns8Bb7dCZPc2amWl8J1MX9akCu_zb2qeVQgNKTwpbw-LI1aYhnwnv0G9V7xIKo4Hf4QGkVWr0dj9J__fCTzM_rmpVfHd9oM/s320/20200714_112750.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyuC0RUG__d6J3G7StoDWIkFa8V9hUagTR2HXrFa9ZcltEbmEkhsz710FMOXZjC5jGx84GIgbdZMplpzHQ2A1VqiEa5NZ6mZWZw1VjFmjeMtC3v08jOqeg7nUE1PP-upol7lbe4ExR7yl/s1600/20200714_113404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVyuC0RUG__d6J3G7StoDWIkFa8V9hUagTR2HXrFa9ZcltEbmEkhsz710FMOXZjC5jGx84GIgbdZMplpzHQ2A1VqiEa5NZ6mZWZw1VjFmjeMtC3v08jOqeg7nUE1PP-upol7lbe4ExR7yl/s320/20200714_113404.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ06GCSH-GITTcMfgY1UyYJhptLmwpdmioyg-eqSOdiYmMdr2aweezwNWi6cHaYC4Pkm4pZT5DmriZnhoG8d3TkMdQa9VIrMdSt9ml7M0cAmOniTEiJca7W5QErYc_pdPA9d9xe_gQDKfu/s1600/20200714_113736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ06GCSH-GITTcMfgY1UyYJhptLmwpdmioyg-eqSOdiYmMdr2aweezwNWi6cHaYC4Pkm4pZT5DmriZnhoG8d3TkMdQa9VIrMdSt9ml7M0cAmOniTEiJca7W5QErYc_pdPA9d9xe_gQDKfu/s320/20200714_113736.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNafYndOdGd7a_-1B4XCg9dyLnOK8YnzYKalUL1wV29WTQ27t3Y9slmcvU4m25wTAjzEt-TuuwWs5NZFGEIcAoqYsbn4HrzHZqio3yiZiR_iqsDVAvUIziVrXIZ8ADyByyVGlZI5GCOXR/s1600/20200714_120544.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNafYndOdGd7a_-1B4XCg9dyLnOK8YnzYKalUL1wV29WTQ27t3Y9slmcvU4m25wTAjzEt-TuuwWs5NZFGEIcAoqYsbn4HrzHZqio3yiZiR_iqsDVAvUIziVrXIZ8ADyByyVGlZI5GCOXR/s320/20200714_120544.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqki1Z_H5wYzlPHDSXTSvKZsw54qAg2lXPHFRHARHTBo1A3e6n8obUH5zHRrm2qQEkcOEzC6ZuA6kPFktlKxQ62EXkgj9XJFIJJpTNYfdo2PaggDfygMewCtSZ-ZuTlqqUarSojkm5BmZb/s1600/20200714_120638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqki1Z_H5wYzlPHDSXTSvKZsw54qAg2lXPHFRHARHTBo1A3e6n8obUH5zHRrm2qQEkcOEzC6ZuA6kPFktlKxQ62EXkgj9XJFIJJpTNYfdo2PaggDfygMewCtSZ-ZuTlqqUarSojkm5BmZb/s320/20200714_120638.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ_57amqKsdYKWgkFHDObdavbQFETiim7ktCuJ33EFyi2c1apZ9kRj0wdCEDGjW5FX9nYxkGZUhbwcFThp1JzR4zrklxyNxZKH-Yd9cuT2bw1Cl956fDIUhPbXx8p3lHC3DogRH2bpWg7/s1600/20200714_144729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJ_57amqKsdYKWgkFHDObdavbQFETiim7ktCuJ33EFyi2c1apZ9kRj0wdCEDGjW5FX9nYxkGZUhbwcFThp1JzR4zrklxyNxZKH-Yd9cuT2bw1Cl956fDIUhPbXx8p3lHC3DogRH2bpWg7/s320/20200714_144729.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NEB842jraxVQM-WgZM8L3RsXNiplrY32MtDpHv0h8KGuqsP9WPQ19SS22xImljHl11P4fHEp8Pz21ooKHiSJ33Q198Dt9ApqPRVKN0Q9_k7iJLG0nVHagqmW-0uaozDdDiYDZwcUFirQ/s1600/20200714_145346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NEB842jraxVQM-WgZM8L3RsXNiplrY32MtDpHv0h8KGuqsP9WPQ19SS22xImljHl11P4fHEp8Pz21ooKHiSJ33Q198Dt9ApqPRVKN0Q9_k7iJLG0nVHagqmW-0uaozDdDiYDZwcUFirQ/s320/20200714_145346.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwQBdqhQ8aC_sN3Uo-9OaRwMcNi839r13MIa83ebcJTAIXBPutR5_LA5_SnqDH0YW0VXUGIDRo-Y5XU3WfPUxI8vR2ESaoCjjrcgkgSOry6hyphenhyphenGCPzN4nyRKOQYV4zHuNzTStMAlpJZsF5/s1600/20200714_150943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwQBdqhQ8aC_sN3Uo-9OaRwMcNi839r13MIa83ebcJTAIXBPutR5_LA5_SnqDH0YW0VXUGIDRo-Y5XU3WfPUxI8vR2ESaoCjjrcgkgSOry6hyphenhyphenGCPzN4nyRKOQYV4zHuNzTStMAlpJZsF5/s320/20200714_150943.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLya93C8y7dqHeHYlrakrUuk1Tby9xDc1BGF8IpBqdYpaCmu6ltrb6xc8tcPqUkbWPc37mzvr56kAU-rzO-EzGR69he5SBPMSJfkMBQ24o1NuI69yvm5r7YPysx8QUVjflt5hIqAfcfc_C/s1600/20200714_165352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLya93C8y7dqHeHYlrakrUuk1Tby9xDc1BGF8IpBqdYpaCmu6ltrb6xc8tcPqUkbWPc37mzvr56kAU-rzO-EzGR69he5SBPMSJfkMBQ24o1NuI69yvm5r7YPysx8QUVjflt5hIqAfcfc_C/s320/20200714_165352.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0ZdERAweFgWZ8Olgc82-BFRkqyaEVsHemISiN3RnDKO26CwmqbTnkeAkWAT2SUxw9a9UJjx0a7TeOzLuyq8jFsSdYcPVRfkg6wRaNaY41XrJpv9jhZbYjFp2FBmytJqIuM6PvgweHF-m/s1600/20200714_175842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN0ZdERAweFgWZ8Olgc82-BFRkqyaEVsHemISiN3RnDKO26CwmqbTnkeAkWAT2SUxw9a9UJjx0a7TeOzLuyq8jFsSdYcPVRfkg6wRaNaY41XrJpv9jhZbYjFp2FBmytJqIuM6PvgweHF-m/s320/20200714_175842.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QDOzJVJLgRcB4JLvXH4bPQgxKnEOXSRfhictGz0C1rZtEqeHxAwuS8Lk-2pSUYF4qokoWf1Xrn7-n3cRJae0y53W6oXTYFV7aPPqyKBUfqnTgJDwkGdSfalcewm_KmPM0nMOZG5kKQpT/s1600/20200714_175958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-QDOzJVJLgRcB4JLvXH4bPQgxKnEOXSRfhictGz0C1rZtEqeHxAwuS8Lk-2pSUYF4qokoWf1Xrn7-n3cRJae0y53W6oXTYFV7aPPqyKBUfqnTgJDwkGdSfalcewm_KmPM0nMOZG5kKQpT/s320/20200714_175958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHMbDtZUVEJrVxDzm6dUAr9taV-xO3tQ78gP8TJS1ZFZbnYGOjVjweHEMvv8_MEut6BLZHjOzGYR_TWPbglQCoAGcpa3qKAhTpIvCIBzyUMO7MddCocImkkVNaEzin4bm3kdn8WLFvXwS/s1600/20200714_180421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOHMbDtZUVEJrVxDzm6dUAr9taV-xO3tQ78gP8TJS1ZFZbnYGOjVjweHEMvv8_MEut6BLZHjOzGYR_TWPbglQCoAGcpa3qKAhTpIvCIBzyUMO7MddCocImkkVNaEzin4bm3kdn8WLFvXwS/s320/20200714_180421.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJs2rEa4YOgaQ-tmNRHP-SbuM9Foj209xg7P36djkq9Iv94AkC61ohX2yWc1KkWKWz82HkLCpaIglLbuQzdiGVj-V6uwmCPZj0EJtXf1JpPcUspcEPZYRi1xBQpQLn2uRSDsE4xsvK5lF/s1600/20200714_180458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJs2rEa4YOgaQ-tmNRHP-SbuM9Foj209xg7P36djkq9Iv94AkC61ohX2yWc1KkWKWz82HkLCpaIglLbuQzdiGVj-V6uwmCPZj0EJtXf1JpPcUspcEPZYRi1xBQpQLn2uRSDsE4xsvK5lF/s320/20200714_180458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIuoe3FGQhkex25tnNB4zVl5Qh801bZrqfsBRUsha1xwzZZHnaMBLAcnyNfSS37I26YPcxvgBHV530DPPx6svOXbIABdTNzsLNbFY-vzE8vG7yYuVQvUG9IUihiHWxnvANEm-QQm8PNM3/s1600/20200714_180531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizIuoe3FGQhkex25tnNB4zVl5Qh801bZrqfsBRUsha1xwzZZHnaMBLAcnyNfSS37I26YPcxvgBHV530DPPx6svOXbIABdTNzsLNbFY-vzE8vG7yYuVQvUG9IUihiHWxnvANEm-QQm8PNM3/s320/20200714_180531.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F1Lhv4aDokoa69K2AhztaKmwh8NX6Dlrh2wqYSEe-GdFzVJLy8IuCgkFg-tLbW-bQ7yoX1DYW3SrnYbjFdJuXMKJQg_S1fMojP-HS4C9Xf1HXcQ1fj-XrEYIADvmWF-fsagAYep-16Tj/s1600/20200715_083219.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8F1Lhv4aDokoa69K2AhztaKmwh8NX6Dlrh2wqYSEe-GdFzVJLy8IuCgkFg-tLbW-bQ7yoX1DYW3SrnYbjFdJuXMKJQg_S1fMojP-HS4C9Xf1HXcQ1fj-XrEYIADvmWF-fsagAYep-16Tj/s320/20200715_083219.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06YsxavokppJV0xQjWKdaVWJ1ZD3EwuwrmGrBTW4toZuUzASG8e9viCCFl8ltQ463j1luh1bT-Ndw1NynXpHZ5-YvWmCkoXxRt3zeKcoi6WJUhsV91pfkMWAIyHGpmWxDvwCxVhp40seY/s1600/20200715_083408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06YsxavokppJV0xQjWKdaVWJ1ZD3EwuwrmGrBTW4toZuUzASG8e9viCCFl8ltQ463j1luh1bT-Ndw1NynXpHZ5-YvWmCkoXxRt3zeKcoi6WJUhsV91pfkMWAIyHGpmWxDvwCxVhp40seY/s320/20200715_083408.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkbCMA62FlNROjyEAQ0L-Bja5Ehu77n0nEECPnJ31zOwLBB5wCFlbVricIt2yrChHDRvkbg6c4s2-rhK6ES6iQSeMFw5dpTAj8nAHM5aKYGEaCCUazLmgKiL1wpdQirgFu9JtlTdfDNAR/s1600/20200715_083356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnkbCMA62FlNROjyEAQ0L-Bja5Ehu77n0nEECPnJ31zOwLBB5wCFlbVricIt2yrChHDRvkbg6c4s2-rhK6ES6iQSeMFw5dpTAj8nAHM5aKYGEaCCUazLmgKiL1wpdQirgFu9JtlTdfDNAR/s320/20200715_083356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldN9DVd7W5UBO24eOG_qOcQvuFbL6NYY0EPtEt64nAB8_8jwQ6Z_8FL7VeHv3rSUHsPQm3N4kiDjEHjcPSojY-Tm5WuFbg_Sev0TyHESI3293LiGTy4oMP5-kiij5YlwASXrdagB04cHn/s1600/20200715_104944.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldN9DVd7W5UBO24eOG_qOcQvuFbL6NYY0EPtEt64nAB8_8jwQ6Z_8FL7VeHv3rSUHsPQm3N4kiDjEHjcPSojY-Tm5WuFbg_Sev0TyHESI3293LiGTy4oMP5-kiij5YlwASXrdagB04cHn/s320/20200715_104944.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIfuvp6_DhRiAy9lrY2aUxLhw9hjsJXD5G2LnrQcyjjIbafhm94Uj7BHkESFR7JR0Ff_2kyHI1k4qCfD0a73QTG__atXLjubY2W8ekIF9yriL4fJ9IAxHvJfwII_LahJR0ztHAqIFD4X5/s1600/20200715_173555.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSIfuvp6_DhRiAy9lrY2aUxLhw9hjsJXD5G2LnrQcyjjIbafhm94Uj7BHkESFR7JR0Ff_2kyHI1k4qCfD0a73QTG__atXLjubY2W8ekIF9yriL4fJ9IAxHvJfwII_LahJR0ztHAqIFD4X5/s320/20200715_173555.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6eFCrEozAwgFWCTkr7joZiFMcLzhh66oHLR9AWYekDiRkACrafhwpMfEu4zYXCFuGco810jvY1qCXkw2P4fANFPzIXbzA5Ej6UQyrWdhtGZXH2QYgB07hELL4t_4B57oNJIoHmoOEUpR/s1600/20200715_190221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6eFCrEozAwgFWCTkr7joZiFMcLzhh66oHLR9AWYekDiRkACrafhwpMfEu4zYXCFuGco810jvY1qCXkw2P4fANFPzIXbzA5Ej6UQyrWdhtGZXH2QYgB07hELL4t_4B57oNJIoHmoOEUpR/s320/20200715_190221.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQhkfyftAMtg-tM0tiNhedB9Sk9S0WAJTmFek7smYrXgCZd7vxjTUTLN38C-q7hhdn2M__sHnc6CIaq5j8MOanxAbwp7ZlyPDgSYuXEmQfmpp2-oZrc67HP7qRBm9gZU7LNGMLwk5ezRH/s1600/20200716_092203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTQhkfyftAMtg-tM0tiNhedB9Sk9S0WAJTmFek7smYrXgCZd7vxjTUTLN38C-q7hhdn2M__sHnc6CIaq5j8MOanxAbwp7ZlyPDgSYuXEmQfmpp2-oZrc67HP7qRBm9gZU7LNGMLwk5ezRH/s320/20200716_092203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QzK6NTbETgqjjsT5DaRG77IHUwnUkVWzh0R6bwydKNB-9UwyvLCsm5cy2wXmNSM699bOUJrCVAitQMbX_lY0aRtHAUoMF9azuzN2DeZzA5D8zo7W6OcMtiaaYGQKZChQzwf9xrq87qq2/s1600/20200716_092926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5QzK6NTbETgqjjsT5DaRG77IHUwnUkVWzh0R6bwydKNB-9UwyvLCsm5cy2wXmNSM699bOUJrCVAitQMbX_lY0aRtHAUoMF9azuzN2DeZzA5D8zo7W6OcMtiaaYGQKZChQzwf9xrq87qq2/s320/20200716_092926.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf5KkFt2CrqA69NQgAG4vkJiRKfBOFWqgJur5OKKooZOUdx405SAnEBF5iPugTQzQkz1OcMJjz6aM2ApmbPy9qSJ6D3HXDfYngC_Zz9uvYBG49dtZhcMqozd7UbybtQ3woKwkrS3Kr1JV/s1600/20200716_113230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHf5KkFt2CrqA69NQgAG4vkJiRKfBOFWqgJur5OKKooZOUdx405SAnEBF5iPugTQzQkz1OcMJjz6aM2ApmbPy9qSJ6D3HXDfYngC_Zz9uvYBG49dtZhcMqozd7UbybtQ3woKwkrS3Kr1JV/s320/20200716_113230.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3Yyzk7A0HEPsn37QrETbiBKWLNQaSXtQOamnxQo71e7nTiNnEqDXnKY0G58bs_clgsGChNIELz_c1hudRyG9kBzQNdUWGhYrpQ3_ZifZOvkgVNvZjDHbFaRcKeRypWWsLXgO5D4S6ObG/s1600/20200716_114707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik3Yyzk7A0HEPsn37QrETbiBKWLNQaSXtQOamnxQo71e7nTiNnEqDXnKY0G58bs_clgsGChNIELz_c1hudRyG9kBzQNdUWGhYrpQ3_ZifZOvkgVNvZjDHbFaRcKeRypWWsLXgO5D4S6ObG/s320/20200716_114707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-ZvE6y6wxIX_bacBXUmtqEIEKXdC4C7wjzjTC_AemslGtn0moGlLczggG9AXkF1Ob1mGK5W2TrRB9quZmQKQ_GwurfQRPbbsgm-RdOmqk9g96cEcJuhbosBxZMw6xeQy4Tg5TQOvOEc1/s1600/20200716_120147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-ZvE6y6wxIX_bacBXUmtqEIEKXdC4C7wjzjTC_AemslGtn0moGlLczggG9AXkF1Ob1mGK5W2TrRB9quZmQKQ_GwurfQRPbbsgm-RdOmqk9g96cEcJuhbosBxZMw6xeQy4Tg5TQOvOEc1/s320/20200716_120147.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4EoTA9V_8_0avH7c6uLFWj5rjIQLy0oyegOTUkWchpnMe5fRG2od6aiFtfTrKasyGlg7S3pXuOVI7W6sAQ0iyJ9-RhE35pCjTkNUY7lnOfLmSJwzcDWCfwXgf8MsPsOfO2DKhBD97glE/s1600/20200716_121427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT4EoTA9V_8_0avH7c6uLFWj5rjIQLy0oyegOTUkWchpnMe5fRG2od6aiFtfTrKasyGlg7S3pXuOVI7W6sAQ0iyJ9-RhE35pCjTkNUY7lnOfLmSJwzcDWCfwXgf8MsPsOfO2DKhBD97glE/s320/20200716_121427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Rt3_VUPGIHZWPoU_l-RpiE8ORsuP1iDPIOyfrMyQuoZcQpSGSZaL80ewVY5ARVrdL-3OFXVqsp8fRVcKdkG3hkhE4FHbdfFRJ6EWppdOW32h78guzpwHTCNIafQLO1KRBkXDC56-nrJ/s1600/20200716_121548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1Rt3_VUPGIHZWPoU_l-RpiE8ORsuP1iDPIOyfrMyQuoZcQpSGSZaL80ewVY5ARVrdL-3OFXVqsp8fRVcKdkG3hkhE4FHbdfFRJ6EWppdOW32h78guzpwHTCNIafQLO1KRBkXDC56-nrJ/s320/20200716_121548.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuyrOhLqnk-XD-YlR_Hz4y6PCR45HK0LKM8be4ShRKjmntUQ1K6ZBxoj7VUnt8LUo2kJuI6p56GWp3PK2O5PAtoHK7OPFwMuXr5CeyccX6WaEIf0qcMrlDFeHBp0D-qCLSuejU6FbWrqW/s1600/20200716_121753.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKuyrOhLqnk-XD-YlR_Hz4y6PCR45HK0LKM8be4ShRKjmntUQ1K6ZBxoj7VUnt8LUo2kJuI6p56GWp3PK2O5PAtoHK7OPFwMuXr5CeyccX6WaEIf0qcMrlDFeHBp0D-qCLSuejU6FbWrqW/s320/20200716_121753.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxIbUCZjkIyKu8TTtB38yqwWWys3kEOlZZ4H_w6DXkUnpuGqef9hlcuM_stQZjuxnuXd11-0x5rpJoRCYxXMVB_8KTqohtD3gg6jJapdACD3uKqyMpfcRnPlUdyks5RzIjQqZVh5ROkc7/s1600/20200716_144700.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdxIbUCZjkIyKu8TTtB38yqwWWys3kEOlZZ4H_w6DXkUnpuGqef9hlcuM_stQZjuxnuXd11-0x5rpJoRCYxXMVB_8KTqohtD3gg6jJapdACD3uKqyMpfcRnPlUdyks5RzIjQqZVh5ROkc7/s320/20200716_144700.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdNkc-F0S2xkv_dG8h7UK-mh-gojYwW4dBqqnkEb5gDUAd9mNAzPD9ICXgtvAXNt-m0NffTmcJSEUaMmOhJuMynr-3Wmc3zzGTE2iPfxuE9KP4qZNJSntA05oyA7lYz33Ugwj2qwH4GSZ/s1600/20200716_164832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrdNkc-F0S2xkv_dG8h7UK-mh-gojYwW4dBqqnkEb5gDUAd9mNAzPD9ICXgtvAXNt-m0NffTmcJSEUaMmOhJuMynr-3Wmc3zzGTE2iPfxuE9KP4qZNJSntA05oyA7lYz33Ugwj2qwH4GSZ/s320/20200716_164832.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ1xXrZNTB0yrsYkwSwaXbem8DPA_T2uNimCnWqMVil8Yqbwp6o-b-XDEhv3nwvKedj9YicKuOuNOPryJu6urejskCQhBOWlzpJXUCJm9tnfCNw-PFcj0D37rHi0HAjt7DIHlpJ1vcs9u/s1600/20200716_165021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmJ1xXrZNTB0yrsYkwSwaXbem8DPA_T2uNimCnWqMVil8Yqbwp6o-b-XDEhv3nwvKedj9YicKuOuNOPryJu6urejskCQhBOWlzpJXUCJm9tnfCNw-PFcj0D37rHi0HAjt7DIHlpJ1vcs9u/s320/20200716_165021.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaVumapWDIbCKGxDMZa_sFIDbiGFbSA468imc9ccXfceswZxRER-_CzBwXh85aFWA5kajWETCoTxf2AX7vvdHZ4V-Hfg6LyCA7zOCBmVvB-i02G7osO2rxilHoktEXbrVIMzkNWiKc7nO/s1600/20200716_165409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBaVumapWDIbCKGxDMZa_sFIDbiGFbSA468imc9ccXfceswZxRER-_CzBwXh85aFWA5kajWETCoTxf2AX7vvdHZ4V-Hfg6LyCA7zOCBmVvB-i02G7osO2rxilHoktEXbrVIMzkNWiKc7nO/s320/20200716_165409.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGfetKUJNwesT9bysNpqjD9Znd0rz_w-TE7cRmkWSM7LL7npva0Pwt6TMbkqHGnffD5CjznZevI-LHLl0q5OmQIVyXnyWlwcSubqJglKQFpFGRse-ZnEucDXVNXw7SItmPpohD6CxR45w/s1600/20200716_165546.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvGfetKUJNwesT9bysNpqjD9Znd0rz_w-TE7cRmkWSM7LL7npva0Pwt6TMbkqHGnffD5CjznZevI-LHLl0q5OmQIVyXnyWlwcSubqJglKQFpFGRse-ZnEucDXVNXw7SItmPpohD6CxR45w/s320/20200716_165546.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwvFs0rRyCRQxDvROxWSth5iOGHHihvAfQXSatPr_2bUMYxnEsjnESQT81xtLLXK_GaZEwu3nzX1iN4bbrkhNtgH9od0IdjB1arBiB9tsCbNQ5SLKCMgDVhi8uTCfWzFd6RqDcBDSIWqR/s1600/20200716_170126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxwvFs0rRyCRQxDvROxWSth5iOGHHihvAfQXSatPr_2bUMYxnEsjnESQT81xtLLXK_GaZEwu3nzX1iN4bbrkhNtgH9od0IdjB1arBiB9tsCbNQ5SLKCMgDVhi8uTCfWzFd6RqDcBDSIWqR/s320/20200716_170126.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBekvakNw7065gIgfbVBYulyl6Tvip4ceDQ0_i_Nq5kStsNIqIyeFpVm0ZGS0CtjA70fOsUObnoBubYfRVd0Eg_-JJ6vIrE9rTeHFVIlLZtfGLcMZ1GwKR0jeJVxxXdbLNV7cb5zRRNItd/s1600/20200716_170610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBekvakNw7065gIgfbVBYulyl6Tvip4ceDQ0_i_Nq5kStsNIqIyeFpVm0ZGS0CtjA70fOsUObnoBubYfRVd0Eg_-JJ6vIrE9rTeHFVIlLZtfGLcMZ1GwKR0jeJVxxXdbLNV7cb5zRRNItd/s320/20200716_170610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfd6s_VWTuXQRg5bQ5QtGVGf7zYnBXagJETvwMsrrc_3q3x9Ui3YVaqCQDjsMR9_G3ssmgGugacVuNVdu-I0q2uQPzUMrN22YhVRhfR4ca-OB6vfbuzuG7QW-tvTr0i6jgA0CW_FYoOYr/s1600/20200716_172501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIfd6s_VWTuXQRg5bQ5QtGVGf7zYnBXagJETvwMsrrc_3q3x9Ui3YVaqCQDjsMR9_G3ssmgGugacVuNVdu-I0q2uQPzUMrN22YhVRhfR4ca-OB6vfbuzuG7QW-tvTr0i6jgA0CW_FYoOYr/s320/20200716_172501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPrbVh9QpuC74nIebpReR-ryARa-qX7-o7MhFMbr1kX3jUD4qZiUMME0kSP5BOQiQ-rKakXXtyJVnJ0FF-QsId6swnbmdmW4ztcItEcYQb88ZkTbhZBdBrD9HO9RcVuXs50-qHVelIeHr/s1600/20200716_173939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPrbVh9QpuC74nIebpReR-ryARa-qX7-o7MhFMbr1kX3jUD4qZiUMME0kSP5BOQiQ-rKakXXtyJVnJ0FF-QsId6swnbmdmW4ztcItEcYQb88ZkTbhZBdBrD9HO9RcVuXs50-qHVelIeHr/s320/20200716_173939.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKy8YwJzZcCwNvmgCp0ndBYMtl_5xy8YZmc5ukGvaiSI59p7HbCCW3Nt-V3msEPrULAjPnBiUbD7EiqH7xKzW2uM8HhBbHprnmR3fqhh23z9qKuhMM-gtcWKLWD9rabnfStgfJULCLqRP/s1600/20200716_173941.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpKy8YwJzZcCwNvmgCp0ndBYMtl_5xy8YZmc5ukGvaiSI59p7HbCCW3Nt-V3msEPrULAjPnBiUbD7EiqH7xKzW2uM8HhBbHprnmR3fqhh23z9qKuhMM-gtcWKLWD9rabnfStgfJULCLqRP/s320/20200716_173941.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8w2A5TryDNoRGKAs_roB2LZuxJg8iLnk8uPbTmc953pVD-wTPPOOmDvECF-Pcmlqu32nxcrnV1fxyMTqFQBsxW74-ygtxlXv7ligoO2SdKw0lllXRt3Mu7oopzmsnzRNfDlzk5cGCX9y/s1600/20200716_175419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht8w2A5TryDNoRGKAs_roB2LZuxJg8iLnk8uPbTmc953pVD-wTPPOOmDvECF-Pcmlqu32nxcrnV1fxyMTqFQBsxW74-ygtxlXv7ligoO2SdKw0lllXRt3Mu7oopzmsnzRNfDlzk5cGCX9y/s320/20200716_175419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc0wHEcSUT2W-LrJAuy_ZXEc-sN8RI1LpeBtb8XZ5D0FdOMUxMPyzpwnwv0EgxA_kizpB5j7HRGp0wvZAtnjTi3Ke_kcYab6BtpeOveUPhZVun2-b5FugYT7A6c8giCHdmZS1fCycvCvu/s1600/20200716_175446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPc0wHEcSUT2W-LrJAuy_ZXEc-sN8RI1LpeBtb8XZ5D0FdOMUxMPyzpwnwv0EgxA_kizpB5j7HRGp0wvZAtnjTi3Ke_kcYab6BtpeOveUPhZVun2-b5FugYT7A6c8giCHdmZS1fCycvCvu/s320/20200716_175446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDSSBYlFnlpMflmgDh4r748YqEPuZYLfjcmET-FR1JX1xwcoaZRPokf7UuOtOwZCliFnwv5A4GQ-2KW4bgK5t1bhMENOYo2iW2C5W3DbazQkJh43IOUUVwe8Kmp3AZEq43ImJVFyVMgf5/s1600/20200716_175453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeDSSBYlFnlpMflmgDh4r748YqEPuZYLfjcmET-FR1JX1xwcoaZRPokf7UuOtOwZCliFnwv5A4GQ-2KW4bgK5t1bhMENOYo2iW2C5W3DbazQkJh43IOUUVwe8Kmp3AZEq43ImJVFyVMgf5/s320/20200716_175453.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJENuuM_YRmE4TrMoqKIETwcp60PGEqJUqdHRv_mZ-yHQs_RPoW5zgrTLvcuPSJEqKcA-SbaCff6B3izoHWpza8P11oT3KvuHiwwYYzPx5k1egAdchE0F1cRPkEeOjTu10YJMtPI7drX7r/s1600/20200716_180420.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJENuuM_YRmE4TrMoqKIETwcp60PGEqJUqdHRv_mZ-yHQs_RPoW5zgrTLvcuPSJEqKcA-SbaCff6B3izoHWpza8P11oT3KvuHiwwYYzPx5k1egAdchE0F1cRPkEeOjTu10YJMtPI7drX7r/s320/20200716_180420.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcAKxRaxzDvZkVju0FphHs_u4LWXm50l7hCU7AKlbYCDbda80bWSAiAfJMH14S-q4l5YyUjbdGUYMXRgzEIXJ8KCh9AEhNiAodNum3r9PvAVYyTqPw1ZBReiKfkTAJ_Vs9lIHZtxWu68F/s1600/20200716_180852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIcAKxRaxzDvZkVju0FphHs_u4LWXm50l7hCU7AKlbYCDbda80bWSAiAfJMH14S-q4l5YyUjbdGUYMXRgzEIXJ8KCh9AEhNiAodNum3r9PvAVYyTqPw1ZBReiKfkTAJ_Vs9lIHZtxWu68F/s320/20200716_180852.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzQO2Q__mQNutpyrvcQFlVoss4nNXZkYl4mvnk4dVNTiRjTvovx9mszjb_OuTmcg2KXTdcuEGtoZ4AKerjWUpQTe3lpWWNivwKvWKTD-MWXqvvA9Dv3yikYtELLSPx9Q8vD_N3aCCy7eI/s1600/20200716_180923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJzQO2Q__mQNutpyrvcQFlVoss4nNXZkYl4mvnk4dVNTiRjTvovx9mszjb_OuTmcg2KXTdcuEGtoZ4AKerjWUpQTe3lpWWNivwKvWKTD-MWXqvvA9Dv3yikYtELLSPx9Q8vD_N3aCCy7eI/s320/20200716_180923.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8T8xpVGsfE5m9LqYFvORScftI8yXhO3R3cAgSwXte2vObZydr9MfC5dtLEjhipxUK9m4wDjcIEBqFjw4E-5Lc7JssMBUSUtUxnZaQGzO9ABaex_hCIK0odxWCXQ7ifeWAndjPPhBnXwD/s1600/20200716_182948.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8T8xpVGsfE5m9LqYFvORScftI8yXhO3R3cAgSwXte2vObZydr9MfC5dtLEjhipxUK9m4wDjcIEBqFjw4E-5Lc7JssMBUSUtUxnZaQGzO9ABaex_hCIK0odxWCXQ7ifeWAndjPPhBnXwD/s320/20200716_182948.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCpeBueFoiAE9mPaCUUhRhXfufwL_jwNiRt_dn2RdRF5iqo6IVgHGpKsE96TmWgHGsKDTdXhM3JkvI4t6RePQEhK2BMicr5flWH5X7CN4r062_hzBqIILpOX-iuoxFVZ8RUOQcpcJf4pe/s1600/20200716_183040.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYCpeBueFoiAE9mPaCUUhRhXfufwL_jwNiRt_dn2RdRF5iqo6IVgHGpKsE96TmWgHGsKDTdXhM3JkvI4t6RePQEhK2BMicr5flWH5X7CN4r062_hzBqIILpOX-iuoxFVZ8RUOQcpcJf4pe/s320/20200716_183040.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOl_PNLiWDcEOT5i6ywi6-nVK7vZmhMhTYkxIIIa-ugwNh0HPx4EckMCi2WfaaEeZRU4u57bIaIRXYiaahxHGc5z6qHl4g8n6Cb7nQwN5yT8C84odrNWoGOFCKJrSIY5RxISAkDr1XR-_/s1600/20200716_183047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBOl_PNLiWDcEOT5i6ywi6-nVK7vZmhMhTYkxIIIa-ugwNh0HPx4EckMCi2WfaaEeZRU4u57bIaIRXYiaahxHGc5z6qHl4g8n6Cb7nQwN5yT8C84odrNWoGOFCKJrSIY5RxISAkDr1XR-_/s320/20200716_183047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_-wpphhTTPulDoIYdK1NN7uQ_QoFWuhe2JgKpwnluD35V6oChuFyw0jtMoFkJAsNSEvPgbd1y3cbzuvTgSPy96NDeMtjko-WyY3v-Zh_rENmmct66USE4HEjkEoc_MHtI-4j-ZYc8E6k/s1600/20200716_183320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS_-wpphhTTPulDoIYdK1NN7uQ_QoFWuhe2JgKpwnluD35V6oChuFyw0jtMoFkJAsNSEvPgbd1y3cbzuvTgSPy96NDeMtjko-WyY3v-Zh_rENmmct66USE4HEjkEoc_MHtI-4j-ZYc8E6k/s320/20200716_183320.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0Z43uucRuvcg75eNP6hNdjkUaB5M-RaoVCAW6rIbpIGg3jS8D3XkQsIC8YMI27BJBbSweyas0eRK91f4_0FGYVOFJG1zliN7LEm_PGS0mA7hSjFs8VJe4n0Gg358yspvoMxK15tPHI3J/s1600/20200716_183331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0Z43uucRuvcg75eNP6hNdjkUaB5M-RaoVCAW6rIbpIGg3jS8D3XkQsIC8YMI27BJBbSweyas0eRK91f4_0FGYVOFJG1zliN7LEm_PGS0mA7hSjFs8VJe4n0Gg358yspvoMxK15tPHI3J/s320/20200716_183331.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_XFJrJCnZlGocuIIk3CdWwa9hU4bIVtLrlCcWAiE-EWx1LnA5O9xtC_UnWvmKMEgFMYLIIKhx73GleQl2QMa_ORgjEAucDRTOKweSGq5S4nXVLSTRCQPQQzm8Hz0YlBfb3xFTF1BX_q/s1600/20200716_191542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqj_XFJrJCnZlGocuIIk3CdWwa9hU4bIVtLrlCcWAiE-EWx1LnA5O9xtC_UnWvmKMEgFMYLIIKhx73GleQl2QMa_ORgjEAucDRTOKweSGq5S4nXVLSTRCQPQQzm8Hz0YlBfb3xFTF1BX_q/s320/20200716_191542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-57082285900714315202020-02-16T19:33:00.001+01:002020-02-17T20:47:39.727+01:00Cesar's Guide to Hiking Värmland: Älgå to Charlottenberg<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0qy9zh2dMe8QbDdWsXuVYvbhacVmWz9HrIBPOPuWZgwIZj1TbySP-wgoCgLeEOrmaJo5jeCrkyafF0zaxKztl-Gn-lCaI24fiAZh0rhqP3_pcCWlEy2ICbKoO33RAHmaPFT8NuEd1qHK/s1600/20200215_092725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi0qy9zh2dMe8QbDdWsXuVYvbhacVmWz9HrIBPOPuWZgwIZj1TbySP-wgoCgLeEOrmaJo5jeCrkyafF0zaxKztl-Gn-lCaI24fiAZh0rhqP3_pcCWlEy2ICbKoO33RAHmaPFT8NuEd1qHK/s320/20200215_092725.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQorV4zAfNGbnfmFX7dCQ6UuqAsiXDlzCeKqrIL8zAaQfL3CSyFubRXFruBUMTiYyvK2g4ZGEyyNy8TfB-bfGS0KU-z2L9Y8hyphenhyphenpgyz_u_TorZH5UAvD7ttA8DREH2ITjpO1tRnLnyf09e/s1600/20200213_142537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTQorV4zAfNGbnfmFX7dCQ6UuqAsiXDlzCeKqrIL8zAaQfL3CSyFubRXFruBUMTiYyvK2g4ZGEyyNy8TfB-bfGS0KU-z2L9Y8hyphenhyphenpgyz_u_TorZH5UAvD7ttA8DREH2ITjpO1tRnLnyf09e/s320/20200213_142537.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbzRZ0Z9ael_NycBkO9xl4cXuHn34EyOBbcAiwa-dvuPF5EjlpkhAXtYPwIl78IXv2ATLg_AhyphenhyphenruGk4FqvMSSYghzjHm6UM_kVrwCnekL5XEg-Toyx0Gsa1WawLIT6ttE-N97yLrl-UFz/s1600/20200215_090655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnbzRZ0Z9ael_NycBkO9xl4cXuHn34EyOBbcAiwa-dvuPF5EjlpkhAXtYPwIl78IXv2ATLg_AhyphenhyphenruGk4FqvMSSYghzjHm6UM_kVrwCnekL5XEg-Toyx0Gsa1WawLIT6ttE-N97yLrl-UFz/s320/20200215_090655.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This section is a continuation of my alternate Swedish E1 trail called The Troll Trail/Trolleden. <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html" target="_blank"><b>Click here</b></a> for more information on this trail system. The southern end of this section at the village of Älgå connects Glaskogen Nature reserve to Pilgrimsleden Värmland. Pilgrimsleden can then connect to another trail called Kyrkleden past the village of Koppom, which in turn then connects to the border town of Charlottenberg. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here is <a href="https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/arvika/pilgrim" target="_blank"><b>the official site of Pilgrimsleden</b></a>, which is maintained by the Swedish Church. It has some PDF maps and info, but only in Swedish.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kyrkleden doesn't really have an official site, just some bare bones info on the local county website. Best if you just have a good map of the area.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are a few different ways one can choose to hike this route, but in total it's about 75-80km long from Älgå church to the train station in Charlottenberg. After exiting Glaskogen, you can also choose to take a bus from Älgå to Arvika to resupply and check out the city--it's a cozy place with cafes and shops and such. Then from Arvika you can take a bus back to Pilgrimsleden in the village of Sulvik, and the only thing you'd miss would be a 5km asphalt walk from Älgå to Sulvik. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are buses to the small city of Arvika (to resupply or catch a train) that hikers can take from the villages of Älgå, Koppom, and Sulvik that Pilgrimsleden passes through. However do note they do not run frequently, and you can do some resupplying in Sulvik and Koppom at small supermarkets. There is a Pizzeria in Koppom as well.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This section mainly follows two hiking trails: Pilgrimsleden and Kyrkleden. There is an optional off-trail/bushwhacking shortcut just outside of Koppom that is about 1km long (more on this later), and I am happy to report that from Sulvik all the way to Charlottenberg there is only about 1km of asphalt walking. From Älgå to Sulvik unfortunately there is the asphalt walk mentioned earlier, but as noted this can be avoided if you take a bus (or hitchhike). </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From Sulvik Pilgrimsleden is mostly on grassy old dirt paths and backwoods gravel roads that makes for pleasant and easy hiking. There is a nice little backwoods dirt road that connects Pilgrimsleden to Kyrkleden in only 5km (more on this later). Kyrkleden is a marked woodland trail that offers some more challenging hiking up and down big forest hills, but at times is not marked very well, so if you are a less experienced backpacker be careful not to lose the trail.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Charlottenberg is a border town that oddly enough has a bunch of big stores, shops, and restaurants out in the middle of nowhere. This is due to a large amount of Norwegians that come across the border to do their shopping, as it's slightly cheaper in Sweden than in Norway. From Charlottenberg you can catch a train that can connect you all over Sweden, but keep in mind that trains don't run very frequently way out there. You can also continue to hike north on the alternate E1/Troll Trail by connecting to the Finnskogsleden trail, that's roughly 12km away from Charlottenberg, which starts right on the Norwegian boarder.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This section had many water sources along the way, including several crystal clear springs of water that flowed directly out of the side of a hill. Use common sense of course when drinking any raw, untreated water. But cold, clear, flowing water right out of the side of a hill with no houses or farms in sight is usually a safe bet to drink straight from the source. Due to the terrain full of hills, there were also various small waterfalls and babbling streams, which made this section all the more charming.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trip Report</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Last year my wife and I finished our hike across Glaskogen nature reserve in Älgå, but this trip I would be on my own for a winter section hike. After taking the train to Arvika I was able to hitchhike to Sulvik, where I immediately jumped back on Pilgrimsleden. After passing through some farmland, the trail goes up into the hills and heads towards the valley were Koppom sits and the river Kölaälven runs through. There is also a war monument that the trail passes on the way, in honor of 100 soldiers that died in one of the wars against Denmark. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I got to Koppom in the evening and treated myself to a pizza before strapping on my headlamp to do some night hiking into the hills west of the village. I made camp on top of the hills, near the antenna tower. The next day I would take an off-trail shortcut back to Pilgrimsleden, but you can also chose to keep on following the marked trail south though the village, where it then turns west and then north again as it goes around these hills.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXAXFd1et3qlHDnLwiWV8Fyh6fHQ13kohh3jjElisBv00ndnXT8XyN-Yu3VZ2wg45RJCqk7-ua4B9z9a1Gp44ome3qf01-cqQGaHqkPeNx7eHNqUZtxtOh7rhG6WywfmvVDiyb-SIVHyS/s1600/20200213_121335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYXAXFd1et3qlHDnLwiWV8Fyh6fHQ13kohh3jjElisBv00ndnXT8XyN-Yu3VZ2wg45RJCqk7-ua4B9z9a1Gp44ome3qf01-cqQGaHqkPeNx7eHNqUZtxtOh7rhG6WywfmvVDiyb-SIVHyS/s320/20200213_121335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeUp_RyGVaObE9XyDSUBnNds5971tXF-mXGwpVaDi-aVtiK7nBvw0odhC7vqHwmwWsxfgDxocGzuL0XN__tkYOOpZtfi_n1M7fujDRbwKREQuFyUNnIgG0UYbkmu3-UJLOVRROl6RBARW/s1600/20200213_123742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfeUp_RyGVaObE9XyDSUBnNds5971tXF-mXGwpVaDi-aVtiK7nBvw0odhC7vqHwmwWsxfgDxocGzuL0XN__tkYOOpZtfi_n1M7fujDRbwKREQuFyUNnIgG0UYbkmu3-UJLOVRROl6RBARW/s320/20200213_123742.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2X0sbxxCGbuRksHPdJm434CDNmrLE8dQ_oUTzSQnNRd-GKgO8-FKLfXznfjW6MjsmkciYfg29OQ5pT1Bx1ombMnPmQUGfPgFXnJOQP9NcpvxsYTAhiG9Sd3GZKBcMIcmc-EdxNtSRA7o/s1600/20200213_124511.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF2X0sbxxCGbuRksHPdJm434CDNmrLE8dQ_oUTzSQnNRd-GKgO8-FKLfXznfjW6MjsmkciYfg29OQ5pT1Bx1ombMnPmQUGfPgFXnJOQP9NcpvxsYTAhiG9Sd3GZKBcMIcmc-EdxNtSRA7o/s320/20200213_124511.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OMfUGNLJvtL-LTpeeYHTRqcSsCc9mn8ffBC96EtFLMdE_zYn8PwncVGLehK30FIVbbG_asidRiMgTwStJN8Ksqj1UroHEgwz3gkAQlKtccWd-hmSopqDfNdnn1XpPpH-W603_W3G1SHd/s1600/20200213_130135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9OMfUGNLJvtL-LTpeeYHTRqcSsCc9mn8ffBC96EtFLMdE_zYn8PwncVGLehK30FIVbbG_asidRiMgTwStJN8Ksqj1UroHEgwz3gkAQlKtccWd-hmSopqDfNdnn1XpPpH-W603_W3G1SHd/s320/20200213_130135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTFaUMPc15qxSA61STd6FBbBzJP9Gb2QTLUsB1J2E8ymDPegdGOGd_JHbbtqGfKEmB3UT0iKWav79dZjfs71Nxddtj-2WvrDqUxGq3VWVIX_tEJSc9cErpwXwW2pXLh9dAH5NeOrw-i4C/s1600/20200213_130246.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTFaUMPc15qxSA61STd6FBbBzJP9Gb2QTLUsB1J2E8ymDPegdGOGd_JHbbtqGfKEmB3UT0iKWav79dZjfs71Nxddtj-2WvrDqUxGq3VWVIX_tEJSc9cErpwXwW2pXLh9dAH5NeOrw-i4C/s320/20200213_130246.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRhWRiFqse5aXgb3_fqRyEx1uzMmylEPqJ1qXzW5AXj-GHJyX_N1c3Kc-bvBST2Hz1qLO07r9mj_TlbX2U-nJnowGMYtL8EhqirrXa8u8zGQakJBJQ1IHjPzGaTPBmqBc7z2YKdzJyxq/s1600/20200213_132745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsRhWRiFqse5aXgb3_fqRyEx1uzMmylEPqJ1qXzW5AXj-GHJyX_N1c3Kc-bvBST2Hz1qLO07r9mj_TlbX2U-nJnowGMYtL8EhqirrXa8u8zGQakJBJQ1IHjPzGaTPBmqBc7z2YKdzJyxq/s320/20200213_132745.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxWxvt7-9NmFCMoSm2ETlUrdqzmbmzsZgOND0c3183S0RE7sgGrzhIGr_xjfkpkzMiSGMBV6MIzbw_aibRWN3ydmDr9c0HkQ2jRHF4JBNCrkugOlIAgNckpkP6WIsjVLSf_Gwujs-Kfq8/s1600/20200213_141900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQxWxvt7-9NmFCMoSm2ETlUrdqzmbmzsZgOND0c3183S0RE7sgGrzhIGr_xjfkpkzMiSGMBV6MIzbw_aibRWN3ydmDr9c0HkQ2jRHF4JBNCrkugOlIAgNckpkP6WIsjVLSf_Gwujs-Kfq8/s320/20200213_141900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExaH-DyS0JkCK0JuNmXvWPV75KUYZ7qNXoYiSHsMCWWMIc1uWIE7vvCctLaoygzUk0RKSTnjCCNZnH5ITlEBDgxNTR39ZJL5OrCGuzF6zgEVQ2kFYhrlXVrtKwnOi5tzR1QgmWvd5Rsa8/s1600/20200213_142341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjExaH-DyS0JkCK0JuNmXvWPV75KUYZ7qNXoYiSHsMCWWMIc1uWIE7vvCctLaoygzUk0RKSTnjCCNZnH5ITlEBDgxNTR39ZJL5OrCGuzF6zgEVQ2kFYhrlXVrtKwnOi5tzR1QgmWvd5Rsa8/s320/20200213_142341.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv5P4ZoUyTmlkUVWZqIP38K2hUTHwxhIVBs892XN97q-rZF9KkGOpzgod6YPGYo-Bo6BleST87l9pW1Q5bBiV47_nan92kNGeslX7I0KlPJpD5M5uk9ONGC3mwsLs2tUuqqPtfgDXELgu/s1600/20200213_150743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJv5P4ZoUyTmlkUVWZqIP38K2hUTHwxhIVBs892XN97q-rZF9KkGOpzgod6YPGYo-Bo6BleST87l9pW1Q5bBiV47_nan92kNGeslX7I0KlPJpD5M5uk9ONGC3mwsLs2tUuqqPtfgDXELgu/s320/20200213_150743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemMOXLuz5LM4mAymw4BuNmmtkIpaav7g_Jceq7IP2jx7PQyoO2nnKrsnSZoSSM5MmTC4dUnUtssPeRJPflpLbMCEeo_Vzime4JR_sTVFzDnctD60UJv6mRT785Qi0GHsAY8BHq7_n3G9h/s1600/20200213_162129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhemMOXLuz5LM4mAymw4BuNmmtkIpaav7g_Jceq7IP2jx7PQyoO2nnKrsnSZoSSM5MmTC4dUnUtssPeRJPflpLbMCEeo_Vzime4JR_sTVFzDnctD60UJv6mRT785Qi0GHsAY8BHq7_n3G9h/s320/20200213_162129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDwtdY8GU-LZNYCqSkXPC_eAHrpP8p1VsZyRkzPufaFvlmYb4DpoDgYbgfM3oZVRI3BIt8wAH2ZUWq7WaeYpcJeeRFDL33_TEOJqGBCMhGE74pczxwO-1CWHG6yv2hERwV2LbCYeOmAyw/s1600/20200213_162115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCDwtdY8GU-LZNYCqSkXPC_eAHrpP8p1VsZyRkzPufaFvlmYb4DpoDgYbgfM3oZVRI3BIt8wAH2ZUWq7WaeYpcJeeRFDL33_TEOJqGBCMhGE74pczxwO-1CWHG6yv2hERwV2LbCYeOmAyw/s320/20200213_162115.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWnnTp4x97iPXbQgW_lpezJG4hEuP_hRAChiS8d2UuwScluO5G3sENH2_B_jaS8lD4sX7miwghzxTq_z7nhraKx47S-dG1QDUUOk5ZS5UUiDVsXbOBOv-jPFxErvXevcvYpqXngdcakCT/s1600/20200213_165025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpWnnTp4x97iPXbQgW_lpezJG4hEuP_hRAChiS8d2UuwScluO5G3sENH2_B_jaS8lD4sX7miwghzxTq_z7nhraKx47S-dG1QDUUOk5ZS5UUiDVsXbOBOv-jPFxErvXevcvYpqXngdcakCT/s320/20200213_165025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7WpQnCHK-j6RkxIy9A1EM81kTcPw8ZLfz_c6uSnOuRb8a8Fw8D9U34PKmpohfyuYGbvI9xeoIwbvLzu0Beq88R_x1PwiTI4e65K6UG1xRlaytAC3HfYRI9E-6doZnO_zUtfXo1TCgFj/s1600/20200214_075415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUA7WpQnCHK-j6RkxIy9A1EM81kTcPw8ZLfz_c6uSnOuRb8a8Fw8D9U34PKmpohfyuYGbvI9xeoIwbvLzu0Beq88R_x1PwiTI4e65K6UG1xRlaytAC3HfYRI9E-6doZnO_zUtfXo1TCgFj/s320/20200214_075415.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now if you want a bit more of a challenge and/or to experience the wilderness more intimately, you can cut across the hills west of Koppom as I did. On several different maps there were trails marked from the dirt road to a backwoods path that eventually takes you right back to Pilgrimsleden as it follows the eastern shores of the big lake Vadjungen. I found only very faint patches of trails that have long since been overgrown, and no markings with the exception of a few very old ones near a stream crossing (the stream that flows from the small lake Aborrtjärnet). But eventually I made my way through the small maze of woods back to Pilgrimsleden. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hike following the water headed north was another nice hike, however this area may be tricky to make camp if a backpacker were to find themselves there close to or after dark. You may need to follow a side road east into the woods to find a campsite, as most of the nice spots near the water are taken by houses or farms. It's about 8km from the off-trail shortcut point where you get back onto Pilgrimsleden to where you exit this trail to connect to Kyrkleden. However when you exit Pilgrimsleden onto an isolated backwoods dirt road there are better options to make camp back in the forest again. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This connection to Kyrkleden is easy to find: it's the first dirt road going north once you start hiking next to the next big lake Björkelången. This road goes towards the area called Mörtebäcken, where it then turns east and soon ends at an asphalt road. You only have to hike a few hundred meters then head north again on the next dirt road, which takes you to Kyrkleden in about 800m. Close to where you find Kyrkleden is a nice, big hut, which is where I stopped for lunch for the day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ULEiKiDoH4tYAcDt_BVnNIRvuSFEj0zD8sAPaSEh4Av0O5dG9mKsl_aEDvPiSRw5AmjZelxf63j2TGNZ0EHjbJUb-ask2pw9MkLolDlQBWqHwF54fieuqcC8TWKFQI-nxADfdS06-FMn/s1600/20200214_082113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ULEiKiDoH4tYAcDt_BVnNIRvuSFEj0zD8sAPaSEh4Av0O5dG9mKsl_aEDvPiSRw5AmjZelxf63j2TGNZ0EHjbJUb-ask2pw9MkLolDlQBWqHwF54fieuqcC8TWKFQI-nxADfdS06-FMn/s320/20200214_082113.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOfMEycpJTvplsXn7mvpcWYeztK8ru59894l7OHwY9cTXjpruNT7qbFf7f_QzRv4s278VDpSl-uAuU1seKI8TNP31tJeuSH-3Sr64RjhMU3Hwd9Bg8aBnXxicEjNkKY5FKgh57mG70Sfi/s1600/20200214_092009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIOfMEycpJTvplsXn7mvpcWYeztK8ru59894l7OHwY9cTXjpruNT7qbFf7f_QzRv4s278VDpSl-uAuU1seKI8TNP31tJeuSH-3Sr64RjhMU3Hwd9Bg8aBnXxicEjNkKY5FKgh57mG70Sfi/s320/20200214_092009.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-59kno6j8VZ2b0BxxbAA5Xr76d0FGtnE0pD31QpwiQlGJhA3CSnsngVVD5CJWXaDBpnqfhS1CeZh-xC9Q7zAO3QPVAPGNeChUHwl66H2YJn9dPeUgj8bFw7mqhn0qpr6vggaNy0Pu5DWk/s1600/20200214_092055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-59kno6j8VZ2b0BxxbAA5Xr76d0FGtnE0pD31QpwiQlGJhA3CSnsngVVD5CJWXaDBpnqfhS1CeZh-xC9Q7zAO3QPVAPGNeChUHwl66H2YJn9dPeUgj8bFw7mqhn0qpr6vggaNy0Pu5DWk/s320/20200214_092055.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz88CayWNiZ51wFfC5P4q8n1Qq-V_ALOMeHHXQh4zeXV70zhD9Netj3xXrJk7seN_eFc-7by_gyDv9yC6IRzhkDaup6pLPvqDFtt_13_q31F8iM2Ypt_zcjOKtCsPrcS6faV2EQROO3zK7/s1600/20200214_093539.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz88CayWNiZ51wFfC5P4q8n1Qq-V_ALOMeHHXQh4zeXV70zhD9Netj3xXrJk7seN_eFc-7by_gyDv9yC6IRzhkDaup6pLPvqDFtt_13_q31F8iM2Ypt_zcjOKtCsPrcS6faV2EQROO3zK7/s320/20200214_093539.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cyGdWwXZTZaB5t88mmnO8XGLKVa_vHroibmGimH0khL1eUOyUANz4yh7rILtmUuujxsUyC2w-qQ2l4SYMmBZpm0XBZ8gXLLft21b5RwNR60iccz5-ItEjiKINxNZn7GH2LScpTN4DBbZ/s1600/20200214_095922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7cyGdWwXZTZaB5t88mmnO8XGLKVa_vHroibmGimH0khL1eUOyUANz4yh7rILtmUuujxsUyC2w-qQ2l4SYMmBZpm0XBZ8gXLLft21b5RwNR60iccz5-ItEjiKINxNZn7GH2LScpTN4DBbZ/s320/20200214_095922.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMGGUTtsw3OBA9FuDiu-HQjrJoaNRMJuRveQpccA_8EsFVETs0tlmtSiAfuk0bL-YeZXA1LNL0Suj2uF0QZ-JmkFh5otcgdzNKK7tzaQDz6-FxGU0usN1qd-0gFS5LQcMGRYAcTpKPhvi/s1600/20200214_102233.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUMGGUTtsw3OBA9FuDiu-HQjrJoaNRMJuRveQpccA_8EsFVETs0tlmtSiAfuk0bL-YeZXA1LNL0Suj2uF0QZ-JmkFh5otcgdzNKK7tzaQDz6-FxGU0usN1qd-0gFS5LQcMGRYAcTpKPhvi/s320/20200214_102233.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuh89qsAOpqr1Ic_4vzlXQDo0no1M56gD5DZppUql8yMr2uXt5zSkeAwZUkUe7c3NjXDy9l7t7-sJHBJSBjALBTliF4Zesd5P26ROjds5XFVyS_9FecWGiqLs35Z7cYshKCtJjgjNDfhF/s1600/20200214_102454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihuh89qsAOpqr1Ic_4vzlXQDo0no1M56gD5DZppUql8yMr2uXt5zSkeAwZUkUe7c3NjXDy9l7t7-sJHBJSBjALBTliF4Zesd5P26ROjds5XFVyS_9FecWGiqLs35Z7cYshKCtJjgjNDfhF/s320/20200214_102454.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5Tn_m8VHl0iIjRyCEZVSqTLaprCnSRa-b5Qf9W8ddUNksziitZxIVC12kYfkF7EHevc6cbRlkbXm3q1Y4lESh0KXPIUOSdtyXdzmSTD2_xumXLuwVG_wuZImO-bVBFR-NWT0bby3mPaP/s1600/20200214_102934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN5Tn_m8VHl0iIjRyCEZVSqTLaprCnSRa-b5Qf9W8ddUNksziitZxIVC12kYfkF7EHevc6cbRlkbXm3q1Y4lESh0KXPIUOSdtyXdzmSTD2_xumXLuwVG_wuZImO-bVBFR-NWT0bby3mPaP/s320/20200214_102934.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHsj52C6DN2dyrPwnLMTt2f8_lq-_zzcSN5pCNXH5C4VN8ryc960zIoC2LaTGok3u3-yVuA-K6kkW8-WI0gM4_OG73pYj2xhTLOwl96HnP92eQMk6W7La39YdO7WeuOsV-nOswbpT3e3/s1600/20200214_112441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMTHsj52C6DN2dyrPwnLMTt2f8_lq-_zzcSN5pCNXH5C4VN8ryc960zIoC2LaTGok3u3-yVuA-K6kkW8-WI0gM4_OG73pYj2xhTLOwl96HnP92eQMk6W7La39YdO7WeuOsV-nOswbpT3e3/s320/20200214_112441.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0ykFVCRBB5-8JBoLGiB-jzj2CGNJ7_oNydzZW_zbCrl7-15e5oJdK-O0eOmNdpcZp0Fle43ahSUXuxxpsJ4ieqxQpBnpRASsJb_ywO4OhJPUmNXfoLJwKXls5GC7rOPrwr80viOh6bEn/s1600/20200214_122110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF0ykFVCRBB5-8JBoLGiB-jzj2CGNJ7_oNydzZW_zbCrl7-15e5oJdK-O0eOmNdpcZp0Fle43ahSUXuxxpsJ4ieqxQpBnpRASsJb_ywO4OhJPUmNXfoLJwKXls5GC7rOPrwr80viOh6bEn/s320/20200214_122110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0dfxbV_BnRVbh79XGVHcqh1NfXgXWDogP5-Epu6BBYRzgGzfz0bsxxQVhUJM17rCVMzfwlCYprC-UUXCB1ferW88IPviueU8iq2aJv8yrecJVfZCMES1D5dZ0TgOd5_5Hhd1Ni2m1Nho/s1600/20200214_124034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC0dfxbV_BnRVbh79XGVHcqh1NfXgXWDogP5-Epu6BBYRzgGzfz0bsxxQVhUJM17rCVMzfwlCYprC-UUXCB1ferW88IPviueU8iq2aJv8yrecJVfZCMES1D5dZ0TgOd5_5Hhd1Ni2m1Nho/s320/20200214_124034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lVMc3PUg-6_N1z6diBw8qddMkf08ZwqBZ9QbPuEf5jnJS-d44KnLNViEtRKita51rawSnVhYvcZ4tqEnslGciiH633vfeH-03fOLjXQQ6-XaqCHUi7Pq9b__lnBnrw-DQTRn3ktB_ufj/s1600/20200214_130811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8lVMc3PUg-6_N1z6diBw8qddMkf08ZwqBZ9QbPuEf5jnJS-d44KnLNViEtRKita51rawSnVhYvcZ4tqEnslGciiH633vfeH-03fOLjXQQ6-XaqCHUi7Pq9b__lnBnrw-DQTRn3ktB_ufj/s320/20200214_130811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJfmwi_VnkinlKdAvG5YW8fRqSPDyDrwgGU5d4ZlZ9b99VSonoDa2riyKmSQxt0xKWubZZJFNtPJwzZe6k5Tszu43OveKUCnQOCNCIRPHh7UDnOoeSRt7BvkifN5z3jIgkMpOt_MbCsg_/s1600/20200214_131019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwJfmwi_VnkinlKdAvG5YW8fRqSPDyDrwgGU5d4ZlZ9b99VSonoDa2riyKmSQxt0xKWubZZJFNtPJwzZe6k5Tszu43OveKUCnQOCNCIRPHh7UDnOoeSRt7BvkifN5z3jIgkMpOt_MbCsg_/s320/20200214_131019.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphvgpEJ-McvmtnIhF8X5VXv1c8qdGnjPWJt7b0-okAo_fwCWS4785WwjVa_QnQcra93W6bVJ7GbcsJne7LaIK0mDdJ29-ObFqVF4jqlb_ymKnTlRavwIJ2Wrizj_P_BUQD1FPiPOTXjgB/s1600/20200214_134135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphvgpEJ-McvmtnIhF8X5VXv1c8qdGnjPWJt7b0-okAo_fwCWS4785WwjVa_QnQcra93W6bVJ7GbcsJne7LaIK0mDdJ29-ObFqVF4jqlb_ymKnTlRavwIJ2Wrizj_P_BUQD1FPiPOTXjgB/s320/20200214_134135.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihiQGBUsE5bWernaKsx7xrfhFSRh8ijrV2E9kC9nv1Kd7bVwaOxhyJoB6HIMmvRXPDRG8IBmkkoEoCoOe1M0CyZXR_v-_946rBk0wYN8Lat7yR69vFDOJ3Euv0d8ttX4w4QYc7VJIE66w/s1600/20200214_135406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihiQGBUsE5bWernaKsx7xrfhFSRh8ijrV2E9kC9nv1Kd7bVwaOxhyJoB6HIMmvRXPDRG8IBmkkoEoCoOe1M0CyZXR_v-_946rBk0wYN8Lat7yR69vFDOJ3Euv0d8ttX4w4QYc7VJIE66w/s320/20200214_135406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6cLyhVRoMxSeTjdFQtPNhs6sbvaeLKmargH5Njt88RMykeDGI1lWen-EO2Tw73nOuc_WR8EmTx2FnCkQiCwseAiifg2_0Nn2LEnXq9-7I5GPy1btr8iMptBR_mG_gvd1MMS30FhK2_fJ/s1600/20200214_151308.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY6cLyhVRoMxSeTjdFQtPNhs6sbvaeLKmargH5Njt88RMykeDGI1lWen-EO2Tw73nOuc_WR8EmTx2FnCkQiCwseAiifg2_0Nn2LEnXq9-7I5GPy1btr8iMptBR_mG_gvd1MMS30FhK2_fJ/s320/20200214_151308.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now as I mentioned before, Kyrkleden is more of a challenge, both in terms of hiking and navigation. It's markings are feast or famine at times: sometimes it is well marked, yet a few kilometers later there are hardly any markers. I picked up three different post markers that had been knocked down and set them back up as best as I could. So it will take most hikers longer to get through this trail than the last one. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But there are at least two nice trail shelters along the way. The first one you pass shortly after finding the trail near the lake Asketjärnet (and is marked on maps), and the next one is in the hamlet of Lässerud, just off the gravel road (and not marked on any maps I've seen). It was getting dark when I passed the Lässerud shelter, so I decided to spend the night there, and it was nice. There was no outhouse, but it had a nice fire ring.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next day I was in a bit of a hurry to catch a train in Charlottenberg, so I woke up at 05:00 and had to hike in the dark with an added fun bonus of it snowing and then raining once the sun came up. Needless to say, I didn't take very many pictures in the morning, but I did take some towards the last half of the trail. My luck improved when I got to the ski lodge at the trailhead, where talking to some locals I was offered a ride into town. I made my train, and even had time to buy some lunch to eat on my way home.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Had I not been offered a ride, it's only about a 8km hike north on a combination of dirt roads and trails that take you right into town. Or you if you are in a hurry you can follow the asphalt and maybe try and hitch a ride.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And that wraps up another great section hike on the The Troll Trail. Only one last trail to connect and document, which is Finnskogsleden. I should hopefully be able to hike this last trail in the next year or so and connect with the fjäll trail of Southern Kungsleden near Sälen. Until then, check back for updates, and feel free to ask questions or give feedback by sending me an email. Peace!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYQPurTbq7XSs7k5_jVHIBs25NUT2JH2zmQrrl0drrFscy7pDYx-_0pxWpnk2mLFDHi_GNNSSCoBojbACzDZsIIN0mVjsuYSLgcXxq80r3ebuU8LYgsIcpm_ifcqMBzl1WQRqMlWa7MHw/s1600/20200214_151719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYQPurTbq7XSs7k5_jVHIBs25NUT2JH2zmQrrl0drrFscy7pDYx-_0pxWpnk2mLFDHi_GNNSSCoBojbACzDZsIIN0mVjsuYSLgcXxq80r3ebuU8LYgsIcpm_ifcqMBzl1WQRqMlWa7MHw/s320/20200214_151719.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRV2i5RErkZGk46gtHzSwj2645yDwbj-e1M73feqYIAhd9j2nmhyphenhyphensGjqTn_G5CNYb5azd6RC0NPj1ZbLmrIltEfJJPCyMwu3T_HM5Vl0XRjthNC3p9K-gSIBE0b8S9x1m4lrbQRFE4aB/s1600/20200214_152400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKHRV2i5RErkZGk46gtHzSwj2645yDwbj-e1M73feqYIAhd9j2nmhyphenhyphensGjqTn_G5CNYb5azd6RC0NPj1ZbLmrIltEfJJPCyMwu3T_HM5Vl0XRjthNC3p9K-gSIBE0b8S9x1m4lrbQRFE4aB/s320/20200214_152400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbQAWKQC1leWpHVX8tkKtabVBledq9O29s76MZCA5WMY5g7fNoG0bVZ7uh6yBoNGXoDEpeKy7R6cpLXHYzSXE_h4BilNYImj63fDIzdlvLlQOfsy5fZBfl2lGACjS-ZqlGWpWmXWlTEWT/s1600/20200214_152449.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbQAWKQC1leWpHVX8tkKtabVBledq9O29s76MZCA5WMY5g7fNoG0bVZ7uh6yBoNGXoDEpeKy7R6cpLXHYzSXE_h4BilNYImj63fDIzdlvLlQOfsy5fZBfl2lGACjS-ZqlGWpWmXWlTEWT/s320/20200214_152449.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kfUmqkxYMBlioqL9VlyLGSHkBgKl3uuYMGEI1L0f-jCH_3yfLbKFbnwwgmJGr14pYM2fWy_WG9mVMWcIZcCqmmbDUZrnsxHisTRiFSXcBmpBqTSx5kDetIwiaMSzXspmd5HWqt13mUj8/s1600/20200214_152557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3kfUmqkxYMBlioqL9VlyLGSHkBgKl3uuYMGEI1L0f-jCH_3yfLbKFbnwwgmJGr14pYM2fWy_WG9mVMWcIZcCqmmbDUZrnsxHisTRiFSXcBmpBqTSx5kDetIwiaMSzXspmd5HWqt13mUj8/s320/20200214_152557.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0YBFp2DMKOVRjVdMiisMoB1InPIDrclEwWjh-NHnQ8qo-rRgHkRn1_ErHiK-TGefjixlzP_5-PGuoo9jn1eAaUdPDTOuxXuIGtpF6ij9t-oQgMr9evxGX1JXLNi7y8JWN4wYkCmAD2WX/s1600/20200214_154044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF0YBFp2DMKOVRjVdMiisMoB1InPIDrclEwWjh-NHnQ8qo-rRgHkRn1_ErHiK-TGefjixlzP_5-PGuoo9jn1eAaUdPDTOuxXuIGtpF6ij9t-oQgMr9evxGX1JXLNi7y8JWN4wYkCmAD2WX/s320/20200214_154044.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj6Ce3GOI__XQ2PKMRLwOwa2ektCiD5a9TFPyrM80T88NVUWr3_kdKDYvwW5msTfoJEl8_WXCAVvlllPOZ4n3r71vH5iC6rfcHw5JGfhFZPUF6ppok9aRaY1d2T7KKZ_QtnZ1BgRre7jL/s1600/20200214_160247.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwj6Ce3GOI__XQ2PKMRLwOwa2ektCiD5a9TFPyrM80T88NVUWr3_kdKDYvwW5msTfoJEl8_WXCAVvlllPOZ4n3r71vH5iC6rfcHw5JGfhFZPUF6ppok9aRaY1d2T7KKZ_QtnZ1BgRre7jL/s320/20200214_160247.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLu7dg5CCcMgc8R_iSH54IcW1KZtkj3NkNQPMiPAZqG7VlKJYBggWUkurOJQQDpLhytVRwVeMRxggMPG8NRsbkV2w5nZ_HV45RRiOaWY2fPgvGdXSKRfYF2KEZNLMQz0yLYU284728oho/s1600/20200214_162317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLu7dg5CCcMgc8R_iSH54IcW1KZtkj3NkNQPMiPAZqG7VlKJYBggWUkurOJQQDpLhytVRwVeMRxggMPG8NRsbkV2w5nZ_HV45RRiOaWY2fPgvGdXSKRfYF2KEZNLMQz0yLYU284728oho/s320/20200214_162317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeo6NOXxzwhUYy83ln2Y5SO9eP8OxEtl5h6s1p6FMcR3_rEyfGjEYnocGkk1gPmY_xALZD6t8uauInGrEuzyEpAAdKsMquFuuJghTtKVFhrcZ-GQHc48C-bBornU2_CedVvmk7Ot4o_Bs/s1600/20200214_163559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigeo6NOXxzwhUYy83ln2Y5SO9eP8OxEtl5h6s1p6FMcR3_rEyfGjEYnocGkk1gPmY_xALZD6t8uauInGrEuzyEpAAdKsMquFuuJghTtKVFhrcZ-GQHc48C-bBornU2_CedVvmk7Ot4o_Bs/s320/20200214_163559.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsEiJXEXiqjFqOUfrZz-p1DFHL2SrXd_VAYbaVoLwTue6RBNHAmRGiGTIJuCV6XVeneIU-1wstjKMSTbSB7gqXIEthvXzqqh15UnwzeEr_cdPr5x80zEGq0qejKK1u8VTASf0IkzvXQWw/s1600/20200214_164557.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGsEiJXEXiqjFqOUfrZz-p1DFHL2SrXd_VAYbaVoLwTue6RBNHAmRGiGTIJuCV6XVeneIU-1wstjKMSTbSB7gqXIEthvXzqqh15UnwzeEr_cdPr5x80zEGq0qejKK1u8VTASf0IkzvXQWw/s320/20200214_164557.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSViFRlbwblJHekDdtlcB0FhxghZzPWwR6-h4CQtswrNwXEr4qXkp6ZQ178spcWRCMOj0nZdRp3ufNwkZ4R35iIEd0u98n4BOckWvgLi-IGI6ps0WoyJfOVh0rIqUAd_OcLQufhEchR3V0/s1600/20200214_164648.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSViFRlbwblJHekDdtlcB0FhxghZzPWwR6-h4CQtswrNwXEr4qXkp6ZQ178spcWRCMOj0nZdRp3ufNwkZ4R35iIEd0u98n4BOckWvgLi-IGI6ps0WoyJfOVh0rIqUAd_OcLQufhEchR3V0/s320/20200214_164648.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EB3eenOOvnbhGxCGtQTdZNS2zGQ_JqvVcKcRIZRhyp_XBodLoAsCDHltKbuIa2e2_LjE0q5nka2x_fwmyhMDhL_9nAsswzDwbkDtoGzPTZWGtxDZ0jJ5WBspeVOlBAdbyhYDRasFBEnB/s1600/20200215_073704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9EB3eenOOvnbhGxCGtQTdZNS2zGQ_JqvVcKcRIZRhyp_XBodLoAsCDHltKbuIa2e2_LjE0q5nka2x_fwmyhMDhL_9nAsswzDwbkDtoGzPTZWGtxDZ0jJ5WBspeVOlBAdbyhYDRasFBEnB/s320/20200215_073704.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65SSixFNDL8DOQSCyKt7_Av-nOuF58jm_0JWuVVQlb8LWk1J1jTVKq2CgY6FQjhqyA6z05h0qXbD_881rAmHGHGiI444PNzBLhIF4acQ7VtvuwVg4oJkGMeusmQMcI0PHSBG2hPWs5L_w/s1600/20200215_074515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj65SSixFNDL8DOQSCyKt7_Av-nOuF58jm_0JWuVVQlb8LWk1J1jTVKq2CgY6FQjhqyA6z05h0qXbD_881rAmHGHGiI444PNzBLhIF4acQ7VtvuwVg4oJkGMeusmQMcI0PHSBG2hPWs5L_w/s320/20200215_074515.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIz484YuggRDZL-cy6vfGmYz7-_v4BMNkpv7jGzZCat3UbpKSSxzsPdEvIKIy_GuWjG88mJs0tVpWAZBttd3oY3ijJ0h_WcPnBScrdYjX5vyr01TT7yDbh75deohQn3VUvEccVuvfrel-/s1600/20200215_074601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIz484YuggRDZL-cy6vfGmYz7-_v4BMNkpv7jGzZCat3UbpKSSxzsPdEvIKIy_GuWjG88mJs0tVpWAZBttd3oY3ijJ0h_WcPnBScrdYjX5vyr01TT7yDbh75deohQn3VUvEccVuvfrel-/s320/20200215_074601.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7V2VtU0DvBQNYRgv-qa3Q86OhQp6Ltur3HoHRTvZ5lNihNG00XYZEo509skMeJ5e20E8Y3SW-M2oiOrOtICBnXpOLy1upUtIHjqzBPPYc1NB_Jcu0u4P_aibg-0FdAXB64JdLntL0PU_/s1600/20200215_080850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd7V2VtU0DvBQNYRgv-qa3Q86OhQp6Ltur3HoHRTvZ5lNihNG00XYZEo509skMeJ5e20E8Y3SW-M2oiOrOtICBnXpOLy1upUtIHjqzBPPYc1NB_Jcu0u4P_aibg-0FdAXB64JdLntL0PU_/s320/20200215_080850.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsFQgHVLP0qRHg-6C0nCa5p0mV72YYUoTgqdsLsA1BDssMdotcQADiSEBfbnU34a8ATk0YXLVVsorJpAaOjdHeYwh0Ekq6HDuF2qyMeeoKrvh4EurfLxcDYYLXYy6Np4_Hl1W1WgYw5uv/s1600/20200215_084250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifsFQgHVLP0qRHg-6C0nCa5p0mV72YYUoTgqdsLsA1BDssMdotcQADiSEBfbnU34a8ATk0YXLVVsorJpAaOjdHeYwh0Ekq6HDuF2qyMeeoKrvh4EurfLxcDYYLXYy6Np4_Hl1W1WgYw5uv/s320/20200215_084250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszlbg-snBOFSnXrz3zbuPq1WqHMlvc4aLRC_HSwwb2cbyX8_9q0y-xctSKiMjrMkl2-8NgnTAO6DWzu1Sp5yKY-4k-FhV1ehrsr0irDVYAsBMNcYF4oZaUgcfJCisUpueyYCN2A7dybGJ/s1600/20200215_091316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszlbg-snBOFSnXrz3zbuPq1WqHMlvc4aLRC_HSwwb2cbyX8_9q0y-xctSKiMjrMkl2-8NgnTAO6DWzu1Sp5yKY-4k-FhV1ehrsr0irDVYAsBMNcYF4oZaUgcfJCisUpueyYCN2A7dybGJ/s320/20200215_091316.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnSWlxFrRmdxGPvc8OFTtXiJXzb_C2YnLYpJwPCLU763LQvy8vCi1jyoWPaSh5_qyxDCjH3zTUbbMNqw5B98gl7lItx6HVA3tvw3T5_aAA6FM09Gh6GwV6q_CVLtk2rCs3wg85X32Xmpc/s1600/20200215_091600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnSWlxFrRmdxGPvc8OFTtXiJXzb_C2YnLYpJwPCLU763LQvy8vCi1jyoWPaSh5_qyxDCjH3zTUbbMNqw5B98gl7lItx6HVA3tvw3T5_aAA6FM09Gh6GwV6q_CVLtk2rCs3wg85X32Xmpc/s320/20200215_091600.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsTgLoMgrEkdvSGagonoMa5DsoCUFBKUVvVMVHXa_2Ba1yOqXcsRHYasWkxO9Y5StZEDgUakSsfFUtc0lnPpK8XGy_0FhRKktUoAyGa99k-QtlFaSrOIvY5FJZ5UXAaYFO1Frrc8xqQ9i/s1600/20200215_092809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsTgLoMgrEkdvSGagonoMa5DsoCUFBKUVvVMVHXa_2Ba1yOqXcsRHYasWkxO9Y5StZEDgUakSsfFUtc0lnPpK8XGy_0FhRKktUoAyGa99k-QtlFaSrOIvY5FJZ5UXAaYFO1Frrc8xqQ9i/s320/20200215_092809.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkVAS5edHcZV7UNW9ElNeowMMnogj62YpUVoWh3QSsO6NXrTW3DrcdMVMD1pG3Mt3UOfiUhRZJgXcXweLJzTNd_-vrm_BRyIifS7UJdoLwmZf360vgFhyphenhyphenOPvgHgSitdWSIpuSGlyLFVr/s1600/20200215_093317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkkVAS5edHcZV7UNW9ElNeowMMnogj62YpUVoWh3QSsO6NXrTW3DrcdMVMD1pG3Mt3UOfiUhRZJgXcXweLJzTNd_-vrm_BRyIifS7UJdoLwmZf360vgFhyphenhyphenOPvgHgSitdWSIpuSGlyLFVr/s320/20200215_093317.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-55849154735074285732020-01-25T12:04:00.000+01:002020-02-10T13:18:45.096+01:00Common Pro vs Con Gear Debates in Ultralight Backpacking<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Foreword</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I first wrote this text as a brainstorm over on the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/" target="_blank"><b>Ultralight subreddit</b></a>, hoping that it would be added to the information side bar or wiki section. But it didn't seem to pick up enough steam and it would have given the moderators there extra work when they are busy enough as it is. So I figured that since I put some work into it anyhow, why not post it here on my blog. Not everyone is on Reddit and some of my followers might find this useful, or better yet maybe someone new to UL that is Googling info on UL pros and cons might stumble upon this and find it helpful.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I will include some improvements and more solid info from some of the feedback I got from the UL forum. So thanks to anyone that gave constructive criticism that might be reading this! Unfortunately, I also got trolled by one rather mean spirited member of that forum, and won't be getting into all the absurd semantics that were thrown my way that were neither constructive nor helpful for someone trying to understand the basics of these UL issues. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What was lost on this troll is that this pro vs con list and discussion was/is intended for general points (as most pro vs con lists are), and should be helpful for those who are not as familiar with these UL debates. This was never intended to be an exhaustive meditation on each and every aspect of these issues and points. Yes, there is quite a bit of nuance for veterans to jump down the rabbit hole and get into. And yes things like UV radiation and its effect on fabric can be quite complicated. But that is a story for another time, not for an easy to read introduction to common UL pros vs cons when it comes to certain common gear choices.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Which brings me to my next point: this list is also for UL gear intended for use by UL or more lightweight backpackers. For example, there is no need to bring up say 70D fabric for a tarp when it comes to UL backpacking. The grand majority of UL backpackers and UL cottage gear manufactures stick to 7D to 40D when it comes to tarps and tent rain flies. That's not my opinion, that's just a fact that anyone can confirm by checking out the current state of affairs of UL tarps. Nor do I think bringing up heavier and more robust stoves meant for deep winter/cold backpacking is very useful here--one should start with 3 season before moving on to more advanced conditions, like say alpine trekking in Alaska in the winter.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thus the point of this text is to cover some main points that are the most relevant and useful for someone that has little to no knowledge of UL backpacking. While it can be interesting for UL veterans to read as well, and maybe a few vets could learn a thing or two as well, again, this is mostly for noobs. So with all that being said, below is the final version of the text that was originally posted on Reddit. I will go through and edit it to make some improvements and such, and may do more updates on it in the future. Feel free to email me with constructive feedback and if I have time I'll be happy to get back to you.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></span></div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Introduction</b></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The purpose of this text is to give a good general summary of what are recognized by many veterans of the UL community as the major advantages and disadvantages of certain core gear choices. I've personally been discussing, researching, and experimenting with all these choices for about a decade now. It is common to find these choices discussed and debated on UL forums like on Reddit or BPL, but for those unfamiliar with these conversations, it can be easy to be confused or not up to speed with all the details. Hopefully after reading this, you will have a better understanding of some of the various nuances of specific choices when it comes to dialing in your gear. And hopefully this post will make things easier for UL veterans so they don't have to explain things again and again. Just send a noob a link to this text!</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" id="docs-internal-guid-e06a0e58-7fff-c79a-105b-e54df4d8cce8" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Please note that personal preference as well as conditions and location of a given backpacking trip can and should tip the scales in favor of a choice (or even combination of choices) of gear, and always remember that personal safety and commons sense should always come first. A gear list for a teenager going on a weekend trip in the summer in California will be vastly different than a retired person in their 60s going on a thru-hike in the winter in Scandinavia.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Three of the most common gear debates will be examined: fabrics for tarps/rain flies, stoves for cook kits, and the all-in-one big sleep system debates (bag vs quilt, synthetic vs down, and air mat vs foam mat). Each debate will also have some definitions of some terms in question that outside the UL loop people might not be aware of.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">1. Shelter. Choice of fabric for UL tarps or tent rain flies: which is best to protect you from the elements?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The three fabrics that are by far the most common for this purpose are DCF, silnylon, and silpoly.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Definitions</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hydrostatic Head (HH)</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is a term used to describe how water resistant or waterproof a fabric is based on testing. It has been generally accepted by outdoor communities that water resistant enough for use as a tarp or tent rain fly is around 1,500mm. For this reason, many mainstream, big brand UL tent flies have around 1,200-1,800mm HH. For example, the popular brand <a href="https://www.bigagnes.com/Gear/Tents/Ultralight" target="_blank"><b>Big Agnes</b></a> (used by UL'ers and and more traditional backpackers alike) has several tents with rain flies that have 1,200HH.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Denier </b>is a term used to describe how thick a fabric is (or technically I have read that it refers to the yarn weight), and fabrics will often be described with a number followed by a "D" which is shorthand for this term. For example, when you look at the specifications tab of a tarp or tent online, it might say something like "Fabric: 30D silnylon" or "Fabric: 15D PU coated nylon," etc. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Various types of high and low denier fabric exist, but for this purpose 7-40D are by far the most common--feel free to check various UL cottage companies (<a href="https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/fabric-mojo/" target="_blank"><b>Mountain Laurel Designs</b></a>, for example, which uses 20D or 30D silnylon) to see this in action.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DCF</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is short for Dyneema Composite Fabric (AKA Cuben fiber), which is a waterproof, non-woven composite material made out of Dyneema threads laminated between two sheets of Mylar (plastic). Various thicknesses exist, but for this purpose, the 0.51oz, 0.67oz, and 0.75oz versions are the most common. UL'ers have been using DCF for this purpose since roughly the mid 2000s.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silnylon </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is ripstop nylon fabric that has been impregnated/treated with silicone to make it water resistant or water proof to various degrees. Higher denier for UL (20-40D) silnylon is generally more water resistant than lower denier, and different manufacturers produce different quality fabric. This has caused the water resistance of silnylon to vary wildly depending on both denier and quality, with a HH from under 1,000mm to over 5,000mm. UL'ers have been using silnylon for this purpose since roughly the late 1990s.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silpoly </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">is similar to silnylon in many regards as far as what it is in theory, but uses polyester fabric rather than nylon, and is also coated/impregnated with silicone. And like silnylon, it also comes in various deniers and quality. It is relatively newer on the market compared to silnylon and DCF, with it becoming more common around the mid 2010s. Some silpoly on the market is not ripstop (e.g. <a href="https://ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/waterproof-polyester-fabric/products/membrane-silpoly?variant=21841469185" target="_blank"><b>Membrane silpoly</b></a>), while nearly all silnylon is made with a ripstop.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Pros vs Cons</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DCF Pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> lightest weight of the three, inherently waterproof/very high HH (some <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/44516/page/13/#post-3590648" target="_blank"><b>independent tests</b></a> have it rated at 10,000mm), does not soak up water and is easy to dry off, does not stretch after it is pitched, high tear resistance, easy to repair in the field (with DCF patch or even duct tape)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">DCF Cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> expensive, low abrasion resistance, as of now limited number of companies use it, bulky and not very compressible, does not unfold or unfurl on its own (AKA has a fiddle factor), snow and slush tend to stick to it more than the other two, low UV (i.e. sunlight) resistance, louder when it rains</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silnylon pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> affordable, higher quality versions have high HH (3,000-5,000mm), moderate tear resistance, high abrasion resistance, many companies (including mainstream brands) use it, unfolds/unfurls on its own, less bulky and is compressible, snow and slush don't stick as much, moderate to low UV resistance</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silnylon cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> 20D and up usually have the highest weight of the three, lower denier (under 20D) still not as light as DCF, lower quality and/or lower denier versions have lower HH (under 1,500mm), soaks up water and takes longer to dry off, it stretches after being pitched and pitches often need to be readjusted in the field, more difficult to repair in the field</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silpoly pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> affordable, high quality versions have high HH (3,000-5000mm), high abrasion resistance, unfolds/unfurls on its own, less bulky and is compressible, snow and slush don't stick as much, has very low stretch when pitched, polyester is hydrophobic so it soaks up little to no water and it's easy to dry off, usually lighter than silnylon, high UV resistance</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Silpoly cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> heavier than DCF (similar in weight to silnylon), low tear resistance, more difficult to repair in the field, as of now not many companies (including mainstream brands) use it, less versions of silpoly to choose from in the market as of now (the majority being used are 15-30D)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://yamamountaingear.com/pages/materials" target="_blank"><b>Yama Mountain Gear</b></a> also has a good pros vs cons list that you can also check out that confirm some of the above observations. </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2. UL stoves: what's best for you to cook outdoors?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Before we get to stoves, let's quickly cover what you'll need to cook over them. When it comes to UL pots, they are a less complex discussion than stoves. There are two main UL choices: titanium vs aluminum (hardened or regular). Titanium hands down beats aluminum in nearly all major categories: stronger, higher melting point, and is non-toxic. They have roughly the same or similar weights when compared, so the big difference that separates the two is cost: titanium is more expensive. But note that the price of titanium pots is within the realm of affordable. Decent UL titanium pots can be had for roughly the same price as a case of decent beer.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The following five choices are a pretty comprehensive guide to the UL stove choices, with canister and alcohol generally being the two most popular.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Definitions</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canister stoves</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> use compressed gas as fuel and attach to a can of this fuel to burn the gas. There are a wide variety of these types of stoves, but they have generally two parts: a burner and a regulator. The burner and regulator are often built together into the same unit, which is what attaches to the can of fuel. Some of these stoves have a built in ignition to get the fuel burning, while others require users to ignite the flame themselves (e.g. with a mini-Bic lighter). </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Note that this post will only cover upright canister stove, which are by far the most common UL canister stoves being used. There are other types of canister stoves that have their own pros and cons and distinct features, such as remote canisters, integrated canisters, etc. Many regular canister stove users will weigh their cans of fuel to estimate how much fuel is left in the can, and often will mark the number of times used on the bottom of the can with a Sharpie to keep track of fuel.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alcohol stoves</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> use denatured alcohol (AKA methylated spirits) as fuel. Technically the grand majority of UL backpacking alcohol stoves use denatured alcohol, but there are rare exceptions that use isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol). In the USA a common, more readily available brand popular with UL backpackers that use an alcohol stove are bottles of HEET, which can be found at gas stations and many big shopping centers. Also pretty common in Europe. There are a variety of stoves made specifically to burn alcohol (often made out of titanium), as well as many DIY stoves used by ULers (do a Youtube search), including some of the most well known and used DIY stoves such as the soda-can stove and the cat food can stove.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Esbit stoves</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> use solid fuel tablets made of hexamine, which burns smokelessly, has a high energy density, does not liquefy while burning, and leaves no ashes. While these tablets are essentially concentrated, solid chemicals, they are non-toxic (from the <a href="https://esbit.de/en/" target="_blank"><b>Esbit official website</b></a>): </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"According to Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 Esbit solid fuel is not classified as a toxic product."</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> So they are safe to handle and burn outside or in a well ventilated area. There are a variety of stoves made specifically to burn Esbit (often made out of titanium), as well as many DIY stoves used by ULers, much like alcohol stoves.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wood stoves</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> use wood sourced directly from the field--like sticks, twigs, bark, etc.--and other natural debris such as dried leaves, dried grass, resin, etc. for fuel. There are a variety of stoves made specifically to burn wood (often made out of steel or titanium), as well as many DIY stoves such as the classic hobo stove (often made with a tin can) that has been used for well over a hundred years (hence the name "hobo"--hobos literally invented these stoves).</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No stove</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> simply means not using any kind of stove at all. This means only eating food that is ready to eat (e.g. food bars) or food that can be cold soaked with water (e.g. cooscoos, ramen, etc.) in a waterproof container. Recycled, plastic peanut butter or gelato jars are popular choices of containers.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Pros vs Cons</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canister pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fastest in terms of set up and boiling water, ease of use, wide variety of UL stoves with many options (ignition, simmering, etc.), affordable stove options exist, stoves themselves are often pretty lightweight, fuel is self-contained (e.g. can't be spilled), burns clean (little to no soot on pot), many stoves are small and easy to pack, easiest to extinguish</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Canister cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fuel cans not as readily available, fuel cans can be expensive (especially from one location to another), difficult to measure fuel and know how much you have left (e.g. user should count number of times used and make estimates), fuel cans are the bulkiest and heaviest containers, difficult and potentially dangerous to repair stove or fuel can in the field, complications when used in cold temperatures (weaker flame/heat), stoves not as lightweight as alcohol or Esbit, fuel cans are difficult to dispose of and should be recycled in town, overheated fuel cans can explode (though this is rare)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alcohol pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> usually the lightest stove (roughly tied with Esbit), fuel is the most readily available (aside from wood if you are in a woodland terrain), fuel is usually the cheapest, easy to measure and see how much fuel you have left, DIY stoves are easy to make and practically free, easy to repair in the field, stoves are small and easy to pack, fuel containers for shorter trips are less bulky and are lightweight (e.g. a small, recycled plastic soda bottle weighs around 0.5oz/15g)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Alcohol cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> a good and leak-proof fuel container is required, fuel containers on longer trips are bulky (e.g. bigger plastic bottle), fuel can be spilled/wasted, most stoves difficult to extinguish, difficult to use in colder temps (requires priming or warming up of fuel before it can ignite), leaves little to some soot on pots (depending on what kind of alcohol stove being used, there are many), slower boil times than canisters</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Esbit pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> usually the lightest stove (roughly tied with alcohol), easy to measure and see how much you have left, can't be spilled and difficult to be wasted, DIY stoves are easy to make and practically free, easy to repair in the field, stoves are small and easy to pack, fuel is least bulky (aside from wood sourced in the field), fuel is easy to store and lightest container (e.g. small ziplock bag weighs around 3g), easy to extinguish (just blow it out), easier to use in cold weather</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Esbit cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fuel not as readily available, fuel smells bad, leaves a lot of soot on pots, much slower boil times than canister and usually slower than alcohol, most expensive fuel in the long term, stoves become fairly dirty and a separate container for them is recommended (e.g. another small ziplock bag)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wood pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> free fuel, no fuel bulk if going to woodland area, DIY stoves are easy to make and practically free, easy to repair in the field, easier to use in cold weather</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wood cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> usually the heaviest stove, usually takes the longest to get going and boil water, stove is by far the bulkiest and dirtiest, separate container for stove is pretty much a must (e.g. big ziplock bag), difficult to extinguish, limited application (i.e. only can be used in woodland areas), if it rains it is at best difficult or at worse impossible to get a fire going, may be illegal in certain areas or conditions (e.g. dry seasons, fire banned areas, etc.), most soot on pot of any stove and your hands will probably get dirty handling the pot, wood smoke from stove can irritate eyes and is generally not good for you to inhale (technically carcinogenic)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No stove pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> least amount of weight and bulk (you pretty much just need a spoon and a plastic jar), no fuel to worry about or carry, no need to repair anything, spoons and jars are cheap and easy to replace, more and more no cook foods are available now a days, least amount of time needed to prepare food, cheapest option available as far as gear goes</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No stove cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> no warm food or drinks, less options for meals, it is pretty much universally accepted that it sucks eating cold soaked food in cold temperatures compared to warm food, one less option available to treat hypothermia, some no cook food is expensive (e.g. fancy bars), it takes planning to buy and prepare cheaper no cook meals</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">3. Ground UL sleep systems: what sleep system is best for you to sleep on the ground outside?</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The two main parts of a ground sleep system are: a cover for your body plus a sleeping mat underneath you. You can also sleep above the ground in a hammock, but this involves other complications and gear that would require a separate discussion. For this discussion I will also only go over professionally made choices that one can buy, not any DIY/MYOG projects, which also would require a separate discussion. This discussion will also ignore the ethical/moral issues of using synthetic vs down insulation, which is yet another big complication.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This comparison will go over covers and mats, and obviously it is up to the individual to mix and match the best cover and best mat for your own personal wants and needs. Blankets and sleeping bag liners will be ignored, as their use is far more specific and uncommon compared to bags and quilts. And also keep in mind that you can combine different types of both covers and mats in different situations. For example in extreme cold you may want to consider using a synthetic quilt, a down quilt inside the synth quilt, an air mat, and a foam mat under or over the air mat.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Definitions</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping bags</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are the most well known and most popular outdoor sleeping cover. They generally cover a sleeper's entire body from head to toe, the grand majority of them have zippers to fully enclose sleepers aside from their face. Most sleeping bags for backpacking (UL or otherwise) are "mummy" style, which means they are made with a general outline of the human body covering the head as well. Bags come in a variety of temperature ranges, and most of them have either synthetic or down insulation (more on this later) inside of them for insulation.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping quilts</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are more popular in the UL community compared to other outdoor enthusiasts. Quilts do not have a hood, and instead have a drawstring at the top to cinch the quilt around the sleeper's neck. The majority of quilts also do not have insulation under the sleeper, instead focusing the insulation on the top and sides. Like sleeping bags, the grand majority of quilts have synthetic or down insulation, and they also come in a variety of temperature ratings. Under the sleeper quilts usually have zippers, snaps, straps, or a combination of these features, all of which are intended to keep the quilt securely in place and keep out drafts. Some quilts have a sewn up foot box, some have a zippered foot box, some quilts can be opened up into a rectangular blanket, and a more rare type of quilt is sewn up on the bottom completely (like a big tube). Some quilt users attach their quilt to their sleeping mat, others don't, and still others do one or the other depending on the conditions.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Synthetic insulation</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is made out of various types of plastic fibers, and the most popular synthetic insulation in the UL community is <a href="http://climashield.com/products-apex" target="_blank"><b>Climashield Apex</b></a> (often called just "Apex" for short). UL quilt makers such as Enlightened Equipment and MLD exclusively use Apex as their synthetic insulation choice, for example.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Down insulation</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is made of bird feathers from either goose, duck, or a combination of the two. The most popular down in UL is goose down because it is generally lighter and warmer than duck down. Down is measured in fill power, with the higher the fill number, the more loft it will provide. The more loft you have, the warmer you will be. UL bags or quilts made with down usually range from 750-950 fill power. Covers made with higher fill down will also weigh less in providing the same amount of warmth as lower fill down, e.g. an 800 fill quilt rated at 30F/0C will weigh more than a 950 fill quilt rated at the same temperature (both being the same size, of course). It is now common for down to treated with hydrophobic chemicals, which is called "dry down."</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Air mats</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are sleeping mats that are filled with air. There are generally two types of air mats: inflatable and self inflating. Inflatable mats need to be blown up with air (with your lungs, a mechanical pump, or an electric pump), while self inflating mats fill with air on their own but still need to be topped off with air after they expand fully. Air acts as the insulation, but many air mats also have other types of insulation inside of them to make them warmer. Air mats usually come in either rectangular or mummy shapes.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foam mats</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> are made out of various types of insulating, plastic foam, and come in various thicknesses. Most come in rectangular shape, and some have coatings or layers of aluminum to make them warmer.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">R value</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> is the term used to measure how efficient/effective a sleeping mat is at insulating you, i.e. how well it keeps you warm. It has a more technical, scientific definition, but for the purposes of this text this simple definition is sufficient. Generally the higher the R value, the warmer you will sleep, and higher R values (around 4 and up) are recommended for extreme cold (i.e. below freezing)--but everyone is different, so this takes personal experimentation to find your comfort level, much like a sleeping bag or quilt temperature ratings.</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Pros vs Cons</u>: </span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping bag pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> full body coverage, no drafts, lower learning curve to use compared to quilts</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping bag cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> heavier and bulkier than quilts, active sleepers can roll their face inside the hood of the bag which can cause issues (e.g. discomfort, condensation inside the hood from breath vapor), zippers can get jammed/stuck</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping quilt pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> less weight and bulk than bags, no hood complications, no zipper complications if the quilt has no zipper, more adaptable to temps (e.g. quilts that are rectangular can be opened up and used as blankets to adjust to warmer temps)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sleeping quilt cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> can be drafty (or at the least drafts require more experience to deal with), fiddle factor if strapping to a sleeping mat, requires users to wear hooded clothing or warm hats/hoods to keep head/neck warm, requires user to experiment with different methods of use with a quilt to find their ideal comfort/sweet spot (in short a higher learning curve)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Synthetic insulation pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> cheaper than down, deals with humidity/dampness/condensation/getting wet much better than down, dries off far quicker than down, easier to clean, easier to repair and less potential to lose insulation from severe damage (i.e. a big rip) in the field</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Synthetic insulation cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> much heavier and bulkier, looses loft after repeated use and doesn't maintain temp rating in the long term as well as down</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Down insulation pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> much lighter and far less bulky, looses less loft after repeated use and keeps temp rating better than synthetic (with proper care) in the long term (e.g. down bags can be used for over a decade with nearly the same temp rating)</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Down insulation cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> expensive, untreated down deals with humidity/dampness/condensation/getting wet poorly, dry-down deals with wetness better but still not as good as synthetic, highly recommend that down users have dedicated dry bag and/or waterproof pack liner to keep bag or quilt as dry as possible, difficult to clean, difficult to repair and severe damage (e.g. a big rip) can cause down to literally get blown away/lost for good in the field</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Air mat pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> some decent air mats are affordable (limited to lower R values, however), far less bulky and easier to pack, same size mats (torso vs torso, regular vs regular) usually the air mat weighs slightly less or the same (with the exception of thin foam mats), softer (i.e. you probably won't feel that root under you), highest R value mats are dominated by air mats</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Air mat cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> high quality and higher R value air mats are expensive, difficult to repair, generally fragile, provide little to no warmth/comfort if they are damaged and go flat, difficult to modify (e.g. cut down a mat), require users to inflate and deflate mats as part of camp routines</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foam mat pros:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> affordable to very cheap, very durable, easy to repair, will provide warmth even if damaged, easy to modify/trim, ease of use in camp (just roll/fold or unroll/unfold), if you can sleep comfortably on a thin foam mat this is the lightest choice possible</span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Foam mat cons:</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> very bulky, usually weighs either the same or slightly more unless you really trim them down and/or use thinner mats, firm (i.e. you probably will feel that root under you), lower R values in general, foam mats with higher R values are the heaviest and bulkiest choices, can't compete with high end R values </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(4 and up) </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">of air mats</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Afterword</span></span></b></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hopefully this has given you a better understanding on the pros and cons of common UL gear choices. While this list is not a definitive list that covers all of the many nuances of these choices, and other complications like location, conditions, and personal preference should be taken into account, I think this post does give a good general overview of these hot topics in the UL community. Happy trails! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-69819791124455605412019-12-19T23:42:00.000+01:002019-12-23T10:43:55.626+01:00Best Gear of the Decade and Long Term Reflections on Ultralight Backpacking<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjn2c0ZNu8C06wZpH9vrID3J6vohoKTMOUK3RTWiAQVY5it-eoUWyfhRdKMEWhgptfdJvS2dLg5QSncnDne3ST-LF182X-0Hfg2upal5pdZBGMW4dVPKnMekq8RKbRvJGriVKGUI7UzoV/s1600/20191029_152604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSjn2c0ZNu8C06wZpH9vrID3J6vohoKTMOUK3RTWiAQVY5it-eoUWyfhRdKMEWhgptfdJvS2dLg5QSncnDne3ST-LF182X-0Hfg2upal5pdZBGMW4dVPKnMekq8RKbRvJGriVKGUI7UzoV/s320/20191029_152604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>*First let me get the same old disclaimer I've been giving over and over again this past decade out of the way: I am not sponsored. Never have been. I get no free gear, and never have. There are no ads on this blog, i.e. this blog is not monetized. I am not a Youtube partner, i.e. no ads on my channel and I make/made literally no money off of it.</i> </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction and Reflections</span></u></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The beginning of the 2010's saw me discover and then quickly transition into ultralight backpacking. It was a pretty fast transition because I saw and felt the benefits of UL for myself in practice right away, and I was soon a die-hard UL convert. The problem was that at the same time I went back to university and was a struggling student again, so I didn't have much spare cash to put into my rediscovered hobby. But that didn't stop me, of course. I had been backpacking well before that, and had used a lot of old army gear and traditional and heavy K-Mart camping gear--both of which are pretty cheap. I was determined to go UL.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By 2011 I designed and had my wife help me make my first key piece of UL gear, <a href="https://backpackinglight.com/forums/topic/43449/" target="_blank"><b>a MYOG backpack</b></a> that only weighed 445g/15.7oz. And while of course it had its shortcomings and was pretty minimalist or even a bit crude, it actually worked--and I put it to good use as well. And it only cost around 10 bucks. That same year, and for a few years to come, I rocked a cheap but decent MYOG tarp, and <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-favorite-diymyog-camping-shelter.html" target="_blank"><b>my instructions on how to make this tarp</b></a> still remain one of the most popular posts on my blog. And I was happy with my makeshift but fully functional UL gear, and went on plenty of great overnighters and section hikes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I continued to do a lot more UL experiments with DIY/MYOG, while at the same time I saved up for high quality, cottage made gear. By the mid 2010's I had a very dialed in UL and even SUL set of gear with plenty of fancy UL gear. And I was happy with my improved UL gear, and went on plenty of great overnighters and section hikes. But naturally my evolution as an UL backpacker wouldn't stop there, and there was still a fair amount of fine tuning to be done. I also became less interested in going SUL--maybe I'm getting older and value comfort more now? By the later part of the 2010's I had sold or given away a lot of my hardcore SUL gear, like my Zpacks Hexamid tarp that weighed a mere 150g/5.3oz, and my small Zpacks Zero clocking in at 240g/8.5oz.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yet here I am at the end of the 2010's with my most dialed in set of gear, and I can say hands down that this is the best gear I've ever had. I am the happiest I've ever been in my life when it comes to my gear, and I over the past few years my backpacking trips have never been better. If you're interested in a complete list of my most commonly used gear lists, I recently wrote <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2019/11/2020-updates-and-my-updated-current.html" target="_blank"><b>a post about these five lists</b></a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However this post is about my favorite gear, and will go into detail on specific items that I consider to be the best UL gear for my needs. It wouldn't be possible for me to jump down the rabbit hole on each and every item I have in my gear closet, so I am going to limit this list to my top ten "big" pieces of gear--stuff that makes up the "big 4" categories of gear (shelter, sleep system, pack, and cook kit). And I will also do a shorter write up of my top five "small" items--even though some of them are heavier than some of the "big" items! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But I needed to have some requirements to narrow things down more. So this list also has the pieces of gear that see the most use out in the field as of now, and that I also plan on running into the ground in the future and have no plans or interest in replacing. This eliminated a lot of great gear that has more of a niche or specific use throughout the year. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And speaking of year-round backpacking, I should again highlight that I am a section hiker and random overnight trip taker. I'm not a thru-hiker, though I have been doing this whole backpacking/outdoors thing as a regular hobby for over twenty years. I've used all sorts of different gear over the course of these years, and a lot of it... well, sucked. A fair amount of gear was just not bad or alright. And some that was good, but not great. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But this gear I am going to write about now, is fucking awesome. At least, it's fucking awesome for me here in my neck of the woods. So keep in mind that this gear is also fine tuned for use in the forests and mountains Scandinavia, which is generally a cold, rainy place much of the year. And used by a soon to be 40 year old Chicano, happy and thankful to be able to continue this lovely little passion of walking and sleeping outside.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Honorable Mentions </u></span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First, here are my top five honorable mentions, and also why they didn't make the top ten big or top five small:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Borah Gear down vest</b> - It was a tough to choose between this and another layer, but ultimately for the top ten I chose the one that is used and will be used more. Plus after many years of use, it's finally getting a bit worn out and may be replaced in the future. But it served me well and it packs a big punch of warmth for how little it weighs (105g/3.7oz).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. SOL Escape Lite bivy</b> - It has seen a fair amount use over the years, and if I were to go on a thru-hike in cooler (3 season) temps, I would most likely bring it along. But its job is just too specific to get used regularly, which is to bump up the warmth and also efficiency of my sleep system. It keeps my down quilts drier (and thus puffier and warmer), keeps out drafts, reflects back heat, and is also very breathable. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At only 150g/5.3oz, it's lighter than a lot of single layers of insulated clothing, like say a pair of merino wool bottoms or a light puffy jacket--yet is warmer than any single article of clothing by providing full body coverage and thermal efficiency. I think it's a must have for any regular section hiker or weekender that gets out year round in various seasons/temperatures.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. MLD Silnylon Duomid</b> - I just got it this year, so it wouldn't be fair to put it in my top ten! But I have very strong first impressions and really look forward to putting it to good use, especially up in the fjälls. And fully loaded (paired with a silnylon solo XL inner net, bungee cords, guy lines, drysack, 10 stakes) it clocks in at 970g/34.2oz, which is lighter than a lot of tents, even some UL tents. Considering that this is also a palace for one and adequate for two, it provides such excellent 360 degree protection from the elements, is much less bulky than DCF/Cuben, quick and easy to set up, and it has such a high HH (5,000mm), that's pretty amazing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Lems Boulder Boots</b> - I really like these shoes, and they get a lot of use--I just don't love them. They are not the best hiking shoe, and I think this says more about the state of the market of minimalist/zero drop/barefoot hiking shoes. I've tried various different kinds of these types of shoes that are favorites among us ULers, but there are some deal breakers for shoes that I have that have prevented me from falling in love with any pair of hiking shoes. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I want a pair of high top hiking shoes that are zero drop/barefoot, durable, are very breathable/have little to no insulation, and are not super expensive. These don't exist as far as I am aware. The Boulder boots are high top, zero drop, durable, and are only somewhat expensive. I will have to keep on looking for the perfect hiking shoe for me, but until then the Boulder boots are good enough.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Generic 100% Merino Wool base layer</b> - There is no need to pay big bucks for base layers, if you ask me. When I was a struggling student back when I discovered UL, I used generic polyester base layers, and they worked just fine. Weight was low, warmth was decent, and pretty cheap (20 bucks for a pair) but the stink factor (they get smelly only after a few days) and general comfort (I prefer the feel of merino on my skin) were issues. So after a while I kept my eyes peeled for merino wool base layers from a generic brand and eventually found merino/synthetic blends for a good price (40 bucks for a pair), and switched to those. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then finally I upgraded to 100% merino wool, and it only cost me about 65 bucks total. The top and bottom are from different generic brands, and I got each of them on sale at different stores. And they work great and get lots of use! Decent weight (185g/6.5oz for the top, 165g/5.8oz for the bottoms), great warmth and comfort, and it takes a lot for them to stink (roughly a week). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">They don't make the top ten because they are nothing revolutionary or ground breaking, and in a pinch a generic poly base layer or a blended fabric are not bad as an alternative. But this is one place where most people can spoil themselves a bit and pay the extra bucks and go with a generic brand (or name brand in the bargain bin or on sale) 100% merino wool base layer. And these certainly get used a lot for the majority of the year, and will continue to be used as a key layer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Top Five Small Things</span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP9z9rG9jOfwSprogpH7H6gpbveWhD9Qh7OxVtStM-36HO0cMk8tvHU5EUNTLgJTyNkBsFUeEksytG4QZxaw9rlVrwXsLMvO3JYg0d1n6RPfFXqgbxGt6hKr1I-OL7Dn9JrTtUFmEAIX4/s1600/20191216_202448.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEP9z9rG9jOfwSprogpH7H6gpbveWhD9Qh7OxVtStM-36HO0cMk8tvHU5EUNTLgJTyNkBsFUeEksytG4QZxaw9rlVrwXsLMvO3JYg0d1n6RPfFXqgbxGt6hKr1I-OL7Dn9JrTtUFmEAIX4/s320/20191216_202448.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Going left to right:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Anker II 6700 battery</b> - 145g/5.1oz with charging cable.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's light, it's small, it charges my phone and headlamp. More than enough for weekend trips, which is nice because then I don't have to worry about jamming out to music, taking lots of pictures/video, etc. But on week long section hikes it's enough so long as one is more careful with rationing energy. Yet if you find a nice little cafe or pizzeria in a small town to re-charge it, you're good to go with no worries of energy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. Sawyer Mini water filter</b> - 50g/1.8oz (dry) filter + 30g/1.1oz bladder = 80g/2.8oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yes, it requires maintenance, such as back-flushing and soaking in bleach water and vinegar water (<a href="https://youtu.be/vtmdm9Q0pek" target="_blank"><b>here's a good video</b></a> on the subject for those who don't know), in order to keep a good flow. But if you are willing to put up with this slight inconvenience, I think this is the best option for water purification. If I were a thru-hiker, however, I would go with the regular sized Sawyer filter, which has a better flow rate and is easier to maintain. But for me as a section hiker, I can enjoy the lower bulk and weight of the Mini, and have been doing so for like half a decade now. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Mini also can filter over 375,000 liters of water, so it will likely last a lifetime of section hikes, if you take good care of it. Yet to replace one, it will only set you back like 20 bucks--which is what I would do if/when I need to. Chemical purification requires you to resupply pills or drops--not to mention the questionable issue of adding more chemicals to your body. UV lights need batteries, and are bulky and fragile by comparison. For me the Sawyer filters (both the Mini and regular size) are going to be hard to beat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Sea to Summit Xcup folding, silicone mug</b> - 45g/1.6oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Some more hardcore UL people (especially all you SUL peeps) would scoff at this admitted luxury item of mine. But I love it and it always comes with me. It's just so damn useful, easy to pack, and for what it does it's light and very durable. I use it to fill my water bladder, drink hot drinks, as a container for wild edibles, as a lid for my wife's bowl, even as a paperweight (e.g. maps, train tickets, etc.), etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Opinel No.07 folding knife</b> - 40g/1.4oz with cord and mini s-clip</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am cool with a lot of ULers taking the tiny Swiss Army knife, which seems to be the most popular UL knife of choice. But I find a bigger knife like this much more useful for cutting up food, opening packaging, making simple wooden tools (e.g. chopsticks, skewers for campfire cooking, butter knives, etc.), cleaning up wild mushrooms, making feather sticks to help get a fire going, etc. Yes, the lil' Swiss Army knife comes with tiny scissors, and I can see the appeal of that for thru-hikers to trim nails and such. So for a thru-hike I'd take a tiny pair of nail clipper along with this knife to cover pretty much all the cutting bases.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Nitecore NU25 with Litesmith mod</b> - 35g/1.2oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Best headlamp or flashlight I've used for backpacking, period. Another example that is going to be hard to beat. Good battery life, good brightness when needed (max 360 lumens!), low brightness when you are just chilling in your shelter, also has a red light, etc. What's really impressive is that it only weighs only about 5g more than the headlamp I used for years at the beginning of the 2010's--Petzel E-lite, with a crappy max 30 lumens!--yet is so much better in all regards.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Top 10 Big Gear</u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now on to the main course. They are in no particular order. All have been put to the test and represent what I think are the pinnacle of backpacking gear for my needs.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>1. Mountain Laurel Design DCF Burn backpack, 2018 version</b> - 450g/15.9oz with a few small mods</span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGro7VYpoVMO40k3UFjogO0RAZhD3UDrS6MpsvVCipKIfJdVXzaE4XPNh1TH46nDzlIWlRUjmTCbAIT-6cLeqhHoSQEiQcJM-cV_VPU02VTTYCXacG5mACJV1b3Ud3gngD0GZxFZBIFm9/s1600/20191216_204145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCGro7VYpoVMO40k3UFjogO0RAZhD3UDrS6MpsvVCipKIfJdVXzaE4XPNh1TH46nDzlIWlRUjmTCbAIT-6cLeqhHoSQEiQcJM-cV_VPU02VTTYCXacG5mACJV1b3Ud3gngD0GZxFZBIFm9/s320/20191216_204145.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKj8PhtBP-X03C2cPbrddZOKj6ljJbgxvX-3ORRuw_Mkoaq59xkLCWW-NeqmBT73LCTY2A6XGU7VwsVL_aqZewhwEQcOE4uGhqjznqRz2A0CyHdMVBVU5WXpHhlG4JeRKdA0NXbDCD6ld/s1600/20191216_204255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmKj8PhtBP-X03C2cPbrddZOKj6ljJbgxvX-3ORRuw_Mkoaq59xkLCWW-NeqmBT73LCTY2A6XGU7VwsVL_aqZewhwEQcOE4uGhqjznqRz2A0CyHdMVBVU5WXpHhlG4JeRKdA0NXbDCD6ld/s320/20191216_204255.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What can I say that I've not already said about the Mountain Laurel Designs DCF Burn? I've already done <a href="https://youtu.be/XpNsqmt5384" target="_blank"><b>a video on it,</b></a> and also did a review of it as part of a trip report <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/c9xgqc/glaskogen_nature_reserve_sweden_trip_report_and/" target="_blank"><b>over on Reddit,</b></a> where I wrote:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>"Holy shit. It's finally happened. I've got pretty much the perfect pack: 9.7/10. I love it. Best backpack I've ever used. Sometimes I will walk into my gear closet and just look at it and daydream of the potential trips in the future. I had thought for several years now that if/when I finally get around to doing a longer hike like a thru-hike, I'd go for my Zpacks Arc Haul. I figured for a thru-hike that with the added food and a few luxuries to push my BPW to around 4.5kg (I usually have 2.5-4kg BPW for section hikes 3 season), it would be best to go with my framed pack. My new Burn is now my go-to pack for everything except short SUL summer trips and heavy winter trips, and will be my pack of choice for a future thru.<br /><br />The wider Prophet shoulder straps are amazing, significantly better than my older Burn. The front pocket clip is improved, and the front pocket in general is slightly larger and holds stuff better. My mods on the side pockets and the sternum strap worked great. We packed a bunch of bulky/heavy luxury food and I had no problem with space up top. I am soooooo glad I decided against chopping the hip belt off! Not only is it really comfy, but I discovered something great about having larger padded hip belts on a frameless pack: they double as lumbar pads when not in use! When I didn't need or want to use them, I could fold them behind the pack and against the small of my back, and it was like a little pillow back there! Great while road hiking and sweaty to vent my back, as it also creates a nice gap back there.<br /><br />Yeah, so I have nothing bad to say about this pack. And the mossy green buckles are dope, IDK what the fuck the haters were saying, MLD should bring them back."</i><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>2. UL Enchilada 35F/2C quilt</b> - 455g/16oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Size reg/long, 9oz of 950 fill goose dry down, 2.5oz Apex insulated footbox, 0.75oz Membrane 10 ripstop nylon, plus 4 clips with bungee cord on the bottom</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYx1z-pGkNvEt4fO7157Uh4WYmYNbQWHAhv5WkNg35K4L46sjahAQsRyjxFGaBR6ZSMhB8G_lZBQ_xCeqzfNG0MDjjZrqbtoWL4rtg-X0IjXD80ex-9b0UtF-19Vpw9hLxIDikZTM94v/s1600/20191216_190411.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYx1z-pGkNvEt4fO7157Uh4WYmYNbQWHAhv5WkNg35K4L46sjahAQsRyjxFGaBR6ZSMhB8G_lZBQ_xCeqzfNG0MDjjZrqbtoWL4rtg-X0IjXD80ex-9b0UtF-19Vpw9hLxIDikZTM94v/s320/20191216_190411.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAIRjQJ0yM1tpi323eyMUKJ24nqj4tqBthM14z-SHpUTKstWS4jvIkMKm-2pUhG2BsHV8-IjT2nur0RX-0d5xnHQqJu9nUsO-AkpaTCxVtDSWsnb2ChZpM3W7Gf0YqRiqeU0f7Yu28VuU/s1600/20191216_190628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwAIRjQJ0yM1tpi323eyMUKJ24nqj4tqBthM14z-SHpUTKstWS4jvIkMKm-2pUhG2BsHV8-IjT2nur0RX-0d5xnHQqJu9nUsO-AkpaTCxVtDSWsnb2ChZpM3W7Gf0YqRiqeU0f7Yu28VuU/s320/20191216_190628.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lYrL7CFfa_MeoIW-u5UyjozO9Uyg4YJXciDk4U6bQ35ydAa5iFNSbF9YIbXXy5anWuLMB8rYHpNslagarBUPvVwGrVhDFynkvxxnSDxO_28bwCHG8G1h0dTvndZPZydXBB1Srj5PYv71/s1600/20191216_190528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3lYrL7CFfa_MeoIW-u5UyjozO9Uyg4YJXciDk4U6bQ35ydAa5iFNSbF9YIbXXy5anWuLMB8rYHpNslagarBUPvVwGrVhDFynkvxxnSDxO_28bwCHG8G1h0dTvndZPZydXBB1Srj5PYv71/s320/20191216_190528.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The best quilt I've ever used, and better than any sleeping bag I've used too. I consider myself lucky, as this is a quilt you can't buy anymore. For a short time another UL nut and all around nice guy named Ryan, who goes by ULenchilada on Reddit, made and sold quilts independently as a hobby. Recently he stopped taking orders to focus on getting his Ph.D, which is totally understandable. But wow is he great at making quilts (and lots of other gear)! I love this quilt! I contacted him after seeing his work on Reddit and asked him to make me what is essentially my dream quilt. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He sized it perfectly for my body, and also did custom work like put in a Climashield Apex insulated footbox rather than down. I wanted this because over the years I've noticed that the footbox of my bags or quilts tended to be less puffy in the mornings and even a bit damp, which is due to all the water vapor that feet produce in a night. I had it made with one of the best dry-downs on the market, and we agreed that it should be conservatively rated. After testing it out, it was excellent. On several occasions I've pushed it down to around or slightly below freezing and slept quite well (with proper layers, of course).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is my go-to quilt for the majority of the year. The only time I wouldn't pack this quilt would be the height of summer or in deep winter, or if/when I travel north to colder conditions. Paired with my SOL Escape Lite bivy, this would be an excellent combo for a 3 season thru-hike that I am confident could deal with cold snaps down to around -5C/23F, and would be very efficient at regulating a constant issue here in Scandinavia: humidity. The dry down on its own deals better with moisture, but in a bivy (the SOL or a typical UL bivy) the condensation/vapor is wicked out all the more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks again Ryan. I really do appreciate your talents and wish you all the best. Zpacks and Enlightened Equipment ain't got nothing on you, man. Looking forward to spending plenty of time inside this quilt in the 2020's. Speaking of sleep...</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>3. Thermarest Xlite, size regular</b> - 350g/12.3oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAle7KHZQzMjBW9H-yz8FF9oDSE2_WORSwdNbNUO2bHI1JEv0qn4lcQrtf5ncJnPSBvPRJxAsecTIavvpZJjQ2z6p2TEsyxh5DEEiRknR1yW_xiVCxEKeIb9JTUPTmlmDaHnFO_8JTStZn/s1600/20191216_195156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAle7KHZQzMjBW9H-yz8FF9oDSE2_WORSwdNbNUO2bHI1JEv0qn4lcQrtf5ncJnPSBvPRJxAsecTIavvpZJjQ2z6p2TEsyxh5DEEiRknR1yW_xiVCxEKeIb9JTUPTmlmDaHnFO_8JTStZn/s320/20191216_195156.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I don't really need to write much for this one. It's already been more or less established that this is the gold standard for not just UL backpacking, but backpacking in general, when it comes to inflatable sleeping mats. And with good reason. Odds are you already know about all about this mat and maybe even own one yourself. I have found the criticisms of this pad to be exaggerated as well, like that it is "noisy." Not an issue for me. I sleep great on it and always have. I had one that started to de-laminate and I was sent a new one under the Thermarest warranty, which only makes owning this mat all the more worthwhile.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've been so happy with this mat I wasn't even tempted by the new Uberlite mats that came out somewhat recently. I am fine with having more durability and warmth for a difference of only around 85g/3oz. Let's stick to sleep, shall we?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>4. Exped Ultralight inflatable pillow, size medium</b> - 50g/1.8oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR68IxjhwDIBaXOuNCyRwrBF1LMTPdm4MwaYdySEFgSjsvF49LSAHnmYGSawUohl5XvoUOztrU-zFZY8CB5BBnJCJiTiay9CbwUP1YQj4Fpk-Eb3gcI8OpH4SK863m-QIDM6c_woeOUzx8/s1600/20191216_195424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR68IxjhwDIBaXOuNCyRwrBF1LMTPdm4MwaYdySEFgSjsvF49LSAHnmYGSawUohl5XvoUOztrU-zFZY8CB5BBnJCJiTiay9CbwUP1YQj4Fpk-Eb3gcI8OpH4SK863m-QIDM6c_woeOUzx8/s320/20191216_195424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAdJelPVcXDjH755fgJ9fzl7YWl4Hmaz_xYCy3b624Wr5L_4DevhSSCme668oTFbuVHNYgLa_KWY9pERRKXQGtj4Fi3EPp0tX5qcgSiayvNbNLslThd03ZWIhkld4tP6mKYyodEsFZseP/s1600/20191216_195759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAdJelPVcXDjH755fgJ9fzl7YWl4Hmaz_xYCy3b624Wr5L_4DevhSSCme668oTFbuVHNYgLa_KWY9pERRKXQGtj4Fi3EPp0tX5qcgSiayvNbNLslThd03ZWIhkld4tP6mKYyodEsFZseP/s320/20191216_195759.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've tried so many different pillows and pillow replacements over the years. From foam to other inflatable pillows to stuff sacks full of various gear to no pillow at all. And this is my favorite pillow of them all. It's just as comfortable as other inflatable pillows I've tried that weigh twice as much, and more comfortable than foam or pillow replacements. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Even the SUL crazies are packing pillows more and more now a days compared to the early 2010's. Seriously, if you don't pack a pillow to "save weight," you're doing it wrong. You'll sleep better, and you can find good and very light weight pillows like this one out there. I've put three pieces of gear in my top ten that are related to sleep for a good reason: good sleep is worth it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>5. Borah Gear 7x9 (2.1mx2.7m) silpoly flat tarp</b> - 320g/11.3oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Seam sealed with 2 ridgelines, 6 guylines, and two mini carabiners</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>6. Borah Gear Dimma bivy</b> - 180g/6.3oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Argon 67 and mesh top, silnylon bottom, two guy lines</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrFcKun8egIRkeJefrq0kmpAvVSeJEs8bAbi8gF4jSCg0cWT64DzPyRX3qL6li8MiqYZO3notoDxdK_QqfE9gVm-K9fapDj860nLPrZ8kj-5E8QGKqJ2daeQ8lrK4ltXcJirsAbYAmLum/s1600/20190216_163404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHrFcKun8egIRkeJefrq0kmpAvVSeJEs8bAbi8gF4jSCg0cWT64DzPyRX3qL6li8MiqYZO3notoDxdK_QqfE9gVm-K9fapDj860nLPrZ8kj-5E8QGKqJ2daeQ8lrK4ltXcJirsAbYAmLum/s320/20190216_163404.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUnqd6E6sMFnXotMa0hyphenhyphen_PE_OjLhOm-tzRzhEn1HD-bal1eBjug5N-FY5eu5nF54GnDLH_2TJFDVq8_4fl8KtNrjda3GJGzYf8AqwP8WJ_9gHBfR59FUnlVnKjgEiWVf9vebewpSm_LaI/s1600/20190417_074109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsUnqd6E6sMFnXotMa0hyphenhyphen_PE_OjLhOm-tzRzhEn1HD-bal1eBjug5N-FY5eu5nF54GnDLH_2TJFDVq8_4fl8KtNrjda3GJGzYf8AqwP8WJ_9gHBfR59FUnlVnKjgEiWVf9vebewpSm_LaI/s320/20190417_074109.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTgdbA84Q-dnRpSf3tWGbtl7u4cUYsGCz-opOzDx1ggBH4qOqmy6enzTZVbfOMMhRng0nfNEVAOXNHjxCqmo_GillPRKh8r7sj5cjltA66p3zgVUH_JVmV_ZcrpaiMwu1vkfjPkVDYuwC/s1600/20190216_165018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdTgdbA84Q-dnRpSf3tWGbtl7u4cUYsGCz-opOzDx1ggBH4qOqmy6enzTZVbfOMMhRng0nfNEVAOXNHjxCqmo_GillPRKh8r7sj5cjltA66p3zgVUH_JVmV_ZcrpaiMwu1vkfjPkVDYuwC/s320/20190216_165018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPijW4ol6NDpyW992MbT2QlWhW4gMXKc_vgdyliXQ77iOR6KB3Sxh0CEb6guz1M5drJ1DavTNzwg3WpvD722thdm9GOdfPaMkeeBg1mi2MA4r0z7zE0oR9GyeLbKy9rShkriv5jBzEY6t0/s1600/20190417_065025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPijW4ol6NDpyW992MbT2QlWhW4gMXKc_vgdyliXQ77iOR6KB3Sxh0CEb6guz1M5drJ1DavTNzwg3WpvD722thdm9GOdfPaMkeeBg1mi2MA4r0z7zE0oR9GyeLbKy9rShkriv5jBzEY6t0/s320/20190417_065025.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnheslYV6jNZBFqhuaEaCDofz7ezVCXvYBiBQly592N28Dzqpk4YvR4t4ItG-73t3g6pB_5_i2OGWcaOpuHKXqioAUMhEzDFV3zI1sCyoY-Pec8xBnDc_rb_4x1vdPv6uafyiKSYWa-dU/s1600/20191216_192816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnheslYV6jNZBFqhuaEaCDofz7ezVCXvYBiBQly592N28Dzqpk4YvR4t4ItG-73t3g6pB_5_i2OGWcaOpuHKXqioAUMhEzDFV3zI1sCyoY-Pec8xBnDc_rb_4x1vdPv6uafyiKSYWa-dU/s320/20191216_192816.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BBmHeKyCHwLaa5HzcSFFf9XS6neQksBwYpCxWTM2ANymh_aF_gKX5aew-gyDlglyC7ut2TieAYVk8_OtZTX-J85xPjgdW4xRkb6aVoy4-34fL7aKPUP7Y9huoCLrVPJkCDCXSfZH6hfz/s1600/20191216_193348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4BBmHeKyCHwLaa5HzcSFFf9XS6neQksBwYpCxWTM2ANymh_aF_gKX5aew-gyDlglyC7ut2TieAYVk8_OtZTX-J85xPjgdW4xRkb6aVoy4-34fL7aKPUP7Y9huoCLrVPJkCDCXSfZH6hfz/s320/20191216_193348.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianftEfEf4KGHN0xWaJHsSXrFV38_93Oouf1NNC5XYVO26XnHRtLHZDr4__KFFJnhIiq5gwMwamVLqeqwKIsTGkhJxCKP7ClYW5j1xv-vC2YPSxc5tYkRWwD-mckOx2ofoGeyP1xZpjkZ5/s1600/20191216_193551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEianftEfEf4KGHN0xWaJHsSXrFV38_93Oouf1NNC5XYVO26XnHRtLHZDr4__KFFJnhIiq5gwMwamVLqeqwKIsTGkhJxCKP7ClYW5j1xv-vC2YPSxc5tYkRWwD-mckOx2ofoGeyP1xZpjkZ5/s320/20191216_193551.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have made several videos related to this tarp and this bivy, so be sure to check out my Youtube channel if you haven't already. <a href="https://youtu.be/1xmfILzNxLQ" target="_blank"><b>Here's one</b></a> where you can see both of them in action. I've discussed the pros and cons of the various UL fabrics many times over the years. And at the end of this decade, after testing and trying out several different tarps and bivys, this is my favorite tarp and bivy combo. Yes, they are both slightly heavier than their DCF versions. But weight shouldn't be everything you consider when you go UL. Over the years less bulk, ease of use, and abrasion durability won out over less weight, ease of repair, and tear durability.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also chose these two pieces of gear for their flexibility of use. I can use them year round below tree line with relative ease, and they can be adapted for use with the terrain or trail shelters. This is also something I've written and spoken a lot about over the years: the benefits of a modular shelter system. I only seem to like it all the more as time goes by. Some things reach a certain level of efficient simplicity that it becomes a challenge to improve on it, and this shelter combo is an example of that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But of course this shelter system is not perfect and is not for all occasions. For example, when it is peak bug season here in the summer (July), a bivy would not be my first choice to pair with a flat tarp. That's when a net tent comes in handy so you can have more space to escape the relentless multitude of bloodsucking pests. But the bivy gets far more use when there are less bugs in the spring, early summer, fall, and early winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you paid close attention to a few of the pictures above (or watch the video linked above), you'll see the next piece of gear that makes my top 10:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>7. My Trail Gear silnylon Poncho/Tarp</b> - 200g/7oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWDXpb7p51rH6ixZY7cc2JDW3Hs6e5AZ4IaPj5yD0mQnxSL1nscWsHTMPU-kybwGPUCzMFu_7tZMedOHTipCHGpNhitNMNrQWJHW6ZScsTGvXE3h5Ks-JOUWH2pPm2QwnBpp3g43d6gD/s1600/20191216_194542.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjigWDXpb7p51rH6ixZY7cc2JDW3Hs6e5AZ4IaPj5yD0mQnxSL1nscWsHTMPU-kybwGPUCzMFu_7tZMedOHTipCHGpNhitNMNrQWJHW6ZScsTGvXE3h5Ks-JOUWH2pPm2QwnBpp3g43d6gD/s320/20191216_194542.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpTPdsVgoKOqQdSiuGrm92wEIMtvGuOwHizNXXV8gTv7zVQj_VAbiPbi6uUmKFtMDSOCAeoTbJpvOF6P5w-rjor-keKxbJO6i2yYexrJOT7RTgq8uVFBAX14JwyraC8r1KURYNJ5lIPpu/s1600/20191216_194611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpTPdsVgoKOqQdSiuGrm92wEIMtvGuOwHizNXXV8gTv7zVQj_VAbiPbi6uUmKFtMDSOCAeoTbJpvOF6P5w-rjor-keKxbJO6i2yYexrJOT7RTgq8uVFBAX14JwyraC8r1KURYNJ5lIPpu/s320/20191216_194611.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTFFrmQgH5A4sP10nkIYpWx6PzQZBc3bfPoms6JEHYF3HbHZ0KTM_t10TqSYU0Nvuj5c4silWfbmWCi33gDgoXxt37jj6HKPjhALfnt15-si2wnkEVOiCIGo_jYk7DnJv1P7c4jLBjqk5/s1600/20191216_194636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnTFFrmQgH5A4sP10nkIYpWx6PzQZBc3bfPoms6JEHYF3HbHZ0KTM_t10TqSYU0Nvuj5c4silWfbmWCi33gDgoXxt37jj6HKPjhALfnt15-si2wnkEVOiCIGo_jYk7DnJv1P7c4jLBjqk5/s320/20191216_194636.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKFafXFkdoPVDi7OA1mCMxney0BS4k5uDykM6Sh6mPX0Ro9Nm1uWK4zE9igjV9kRUGzvK2w3zZ7YDJsQHBhA7smQJmxq5ADu6-ZQ_TInJqBwVuLgKdVXCI6UWVhUtmxfbP3d6aWkoYoHs/s1600/20191216_194809.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOKFafXFkdoPVDi7OA1mCMxney0BS4k5uDykM6Sh6mPX0Ro9Nm1uWK4zE9igjV9kRUGzvK2w3zZ7YDJsQHBhA7smQJmxq5ADu6-ZQ_TInJqBwVuLgKdVXCI6UWVhUtmxfbP3d6aWkoYoHs/s320/20191216_194809.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For many years I used a Golite poncho/tarp and loved it. Great rain gear, pack cover, and also a front door/vestibule for my tarp shelters. It got worn out eventually and I replaced it with what is essentially the same company that got rebranded: My Trail Gear. They sell a lot of the same or similar gear, such as this poncho/tarp. But I was pleasantly surprised to see that there were improvements to the poncho/tarp. The seams were taped, as you can see in the picture above, and the hood and neck fit better. I don't know why poncho/tarps are not more popular in the UL community. I've been discussing their advantages for a long time, for example <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/7mv304/rain_ponchos_and_ponchotarps_need_more_attention/" target="_blank"><b>here on Reddit</b></a>, where I go into much more detail if you are interested in the nitty-gritty on everything poncho/tarp.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>8. Custom Mixed Esbit Cook Kit</b>* - 185g/6.5oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Titanium pot, mini Bic lighter, Ti-Wing Esbit stove, titanium wind screen, DIY aluminum ground cover, Sea to Summit hardened aluminum spoon, small rag, and a plastic bag. </span><br />
<br />
<i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">*Yeah I know I am cheating a bit by choosing a set of gear as one choice in my top ten, but it functions as a whole, and I am not about to waste spots on just a pot or a spoon. So I say cook kit counts as one.</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G0bcQzmjNT20sdcm6codp_timyb9wWvUCUQ685qJAuGMafHx60hg__qrr0k9ZvEkTdlNyDWxZAHv_w1sFQ3KGiFX9Q61dvEKIhUElzH6KvnsBkNTISjJETLTSdktR2o3vX-0o6rWxghJ/s1600/20191216_203437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_G0bcQzmjNT20sdcm6codp_timyb9wWvUCUQ685qJAuGMafHx60hg__qrr0k9ZvEkTdlNyDWxZAHv_w1sFQ3KGiFX9Q61dvEKIhUElzH6KvnsBkNTISjJETLTSdktR2o3vX-0o6rWxghJ/s320/20191216_203437.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Most of the year, I'm all about hot meals and drinks, and this kit has been the same for quite a while now. It has served me well, and also my wife and kids on duo and family trips. At times Esbit fuel can be hard to find, but with proper planning/stockpiling, it's not a big deal. And yeah, it does smell a bit funky, so keeping it in a good stink-proof container is essential I'd say.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Just like there is a DCF vs silpoly debate in the UL world, and a down vs synthetic debate, there's also an Esbit vs alcohol vs canister stove debate. But Esbit is easy to use, easy to extinguish (just blow it out), can be counted and measured easier than other fuels, and is easy to store and is very low on bulk. Just right for a minimalist like me. I don't mind waiting a few extra minutes for my water to boil, so it's all good.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>9. Treadlite Gear Hybrid DCF shoulder bag</b>, with strap mod - 55g/1.9oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnReP5QWeZJSq1S16Zi2fMMII3QNaOrQO1s0qqTNcDfH4RO0mQLUG5ysPtRNbHznf1lJF8mWIL1iUkupk5eM2HmO-X2H0RyjJ9tgoxRnFPPiGZJxSedpxMWNDcjCAfqWvtXQdcVn4eQyFS/s1600/20191216_201156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnReP5QWeZJSq1S16Zi2fMMII3QNaOrQO1s0qqTNcDfH4RO0mQLUG5ysPtRNbHznf1lJF8mWIL1iUkupk5eM2HmO-X2H0RyjJ9tgoxRnFPPiGZJxSedpxMWNDcjCAfqWvtXQdcVn4eQyFS/s320/20191216_201156.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluR2FSwXogLePpNuXPJn5DEmBtpCfaJM4nzGx3ICgH1-dA7RXLjUyjUSbANNWbXqwXdJ9TnrjTwRLiuqorwf__t-qaI_wyF4DhIMFOPr3rQvdAj3jhAUTsvpItaHwORQZFSa_lZUSs5RM/s1600/20191216_201423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhluR2FSwXogLePpNuXPJn5DEmBtpCfaJM4nzGx3ICgH1-dA7RXLjUyjUSbANNWbXqwXdJ9TnrjTwRLiuqorwf__t-qaI_wyF4DhIMFOPr3rQvdAj3jhAUTsvpItaHwORQZFSa_lZUSs5RM/s320/20191216_201423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've also done <a href="https://youtu.be/uHMLuXCTFOo" target="_blank"><b>a video on this bag</b></a> a few years ago, but it was more of a first impressions review back then. Since then I've only grown to love this bag even more and have put it through its paces. I replaced the strap and strap buckles with some that I had sitting around to make it more comfortable, as I prefer a slightly thinner strap that stays out of the way more, and as an added bonus it's also a bit lighter. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've always preferred shoulder bags/satchels to other pack accessories like hip belt pockets and fanny packs. This one is by far the best one I've ever used. The three pockets make it easy to store and organize small things I need while I am hiking, and I especially like the net pocket to store my water filter, water bladder, and folding mug. That way I can fill up on water without having to take my backpack off on trail, and when I put it my wet water purification items back they have a place to dry off without getting anything else wet.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can also throw snacks, train/bus tickets, gum, and lots of other small odds and ends in there. But one of the biggest conveniences is having a quick, easy, and practically waterproof place to store my phone/camera and paper maps. These items see the most use, and it's great not having to think about them, always having them literally by my side when I need them with quick and easy access. Other small things that live in this bag are my knife, compass, and headlamp--two of which I covered earlier (see: above). But now on to my final choice.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>10. Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket, size large</b> - 285g/10oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hooded, 20D nylon outer shell, 10D inner</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ixK6hv7AzeMss2LOP8Xtpdk95Hp9P-GRyP0Y1b8vsl8fSbi7B185sfLgOdM9Wju1qXsTvJ9bv7sfPsanfYj52FKJ39bixJKhoV1evPOnSi0vmwOH-ZR6LwQHS6WoaM8wHEXJC1J1nsN/s1600/20191216_205152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo8ixK6hv7AzeMss2LOP8Xtpdk95Hp9P-GRyP0Y1b8vsl8fSbi7B185sfLgOdM9Wju1qXsTvJ9bv7sfPsanfYj52FKJ39bixJKhoV1evPOnSi0vmwOH-ZR6LwQHS6WoaM8wHEXJC1J1nsN/s320/20191216_205152.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXpsB724ePBNNZ3qaPQ30GJ4BrEaeXsg4-IG-I7CAEo4kmUxJcJVGm8Ju-oGdrbJKPb5xM5LSbXUNA9xlxsUS_zLS8sXIQiWWOOaxuTvgZVxHDwZALCmS3Hy0kmFa7O_AG4LwHucdbDly/s1600/20191216_205037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixXpsB724ePBNNZ3qaPQ30GJ4BrEaeXsg4-IG-I7CAEo4kmUxJcJVGm8Ju-oGdrbJKPb5xM5LSbXUNA9xlxsUS_zLS8sXIQiWWOOaxuTvgZVxHDwZALCmS3Hy0kmFa7O_AG4LwHucdbDly/s320/20191216_205037.jpg" width="240" /></a> </div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As is the pattern here, I've done <a href="https://youtu.be/fxWII5_Oiik" target="_blank"><b>a video on this jacket</b></a> before that you can check out. And again with time this has proven to be a stellar addition to my kit. This jacket makes me question if I will ever go back to down puffy jackets. It really does beg the question of how relevant down puffies are now and in the future as insulating layers for backpacking, especially in a humid environment. This synthetic jacket is just as warm as down jackets that I've used, yet for the same or nearly the same weight. This means you get all the pros of synthetic (e.g. warmer when damp/wet, easier to wash and repair) without the con of it being heavier than down puffy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's comfortable and fits me well (I am 183cm and around 84kg), and is the layer I am most thankful to put on when I am taking a lunch break and a cold breeze is blowing, or sitting around camp when the temps are dropping, or there's a cold snap at night and I need to bundle up in my quilt. Much like my favorite quilt (see: above), this layer also sees quite a lot of use year round. In the summer I will swap it for my Borah vest, and in deep winter I will switch it for my big, winter down puffy. This would surely be a packed insulation layer I would take on a thru hike here in Scandinavia.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Conclusion</span></u></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So there you have it, what I think is the best UL gear of the decade. While this list may come as no surprise for anyone that has followed my blog or Youtube channel, I thought it would be nice to have this also serve as a big follow up or long term review of several key pieces of gear. It's also good to reflect on one's choices and evolution. Doing this, what I can say in summary is that my time spent walking and sleeping out in nature is easier, simpler, more comfortable, warmer, drier, and overall just a better experience for me. If only I could get out there more! But more trips are on the horizon, and I look forward to writing a best gear of the 2020's, and continuing to evolve and reflect on it all again in the future.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ten years. Hundreds of pieces of gear. Thousands of stars in the sky. Millions of footsteps. Billions of leaves. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been a good decade. I wish anyone reading this happy trails where ever you may hike, and may you have better decades to come.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Peace.</span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-16427873674000015752019-11-03T16:21:00.000+01:002019-11-04T21:11:08.667+01:002020 Updates and My Updated, Current Gear Lists<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Introduction and General Updates</u></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another winter is just around the corner, and a new year soon after. So I thought I'd give some quick updates as well as show off my new and improved gear lists. These gear lists I don't see changing very much for the next few years at least, and that's how my gear lists have been for the past few years, with a few exceptions. Overall I am very happy and confident in my dialed in kits, and hope to continue to get good use out of them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I still go out backpacking about as much as I have been doing the past half decade or so, which is not as much as I would like. But this is changing, as most of the reason I had to cut back on my time spent on trail has been due to being a proud father of two. Well the kids are growing up and slowly but surely I'm getting more free time back, so more solo trips are in the works for the future. But of course my family and I all love nature, so we also spend a fair amount of time out there together, doing car camping, day hikes, and shorter backpacking trips. All in all, I can't complain much.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But because I've had less free time due to family and work obligations, combined with the fact that my gear hasn't seen as many changes or experimentation due to being pretty contented with my kits, this has resulted in much less content here on my lil' old blog. But there will still be trail guides and trip reports to come, and the occasional gear ramblings, some of which I will get to shortly. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will continue to slowly but surely chip away at <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html"><b>The Troll Trail</b></a>, which was/is a big project to undertake. I am looking at this project as a long term commitment. After I finish hiking and documenting the whole thing, the next step will be to spread the word and raise awareness. This will probably take another half a decade at least, and perhaps more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Below are all five of my solo wilderness backpacking gear lists, in order of lightest to heaviest base pack weight (BPW). I will give context and some reflections on key choices and details, and of course the obligatory link to a LighterPack spreadsheet. Please note that the conditions (such as average low temperatures), locations, and other extra info (like clothing worn) can be found on the LighterPack links. Of course these gear lists are not set in stone, and there are other trips I take that require different choices, but these are the ones that I will use about 90% of the time. And as always, I am still not sponsored or get any gear for free or any of that. Okay, now let's get down to it.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>One </u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My lightest BPW at 3045g/6.7lbs goes to my summer kit, which should come as no surprise: <a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/18v7dk"><b>https://lighterpack.com/r/18v7dk</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This setup is for the classic, random trip at the height of summer. Maybe just an overnight trip down to a lake I like to swim at, maybe a short section hike of local trails, this kit is pretty straight forward. But there have been some recent improvements. I got a custom made net tent that is both lighter weight (260g/9.2oz vs 330g/11.6oz) and much larger than my previous net tent. Inside I am able to sit up with ease with plenty of headspace. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the past few years I have been using my MLD Burn, and I liked it so much I got another one, only in DCF rather than Dyneema X. The Dyneema X is slightly lighter (395g/13.9oz vs 450g/15.9oz) than the DCF version, and is more durable. I tend to do a lot of bushwhacking/off trail adventuring, especially in the summer in familiar areas, so the added durability of Dyneema X is nice to have. The lighter weight is due in part to smaller shoulder pads, so heavier loads are not as comfy with this pack--but this is not an issue in the summer when both my BPW and consumables (due to shorter trips) are lower.</span><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up at 4130g/9.1lbs is my fall and spring season kit. My BPW during this season is at times lighter (~3.8kg/8.4lbs) if the temperatures are not as cold, like in the early fall and late spring, but this gear list good for the colder temps on average for these two seasons: <a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/itkrqq"><b>https://lighterpack.com/r/itkrqq</b></a> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Again, pretty straightforward--but one important detail to highlight is that this is for trips well below treeline, in the relative comfort of thick Swedish woods. I've tested my custom UL Enchilada quilt down to around -2C with my sleep layers, my Borah down vest, and in my bivy. I slept well, but to be on the safe side when pushing the temperature rating I opt for my Torrid puffy jacket to compliment both my sleep system and for sitting around camp. I also am a huge fan of using my backpack frame foam pad in my foot box for added warmth to my feet and legs.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Three</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now to quite a specialized gear list for summer trips above tree line to the alpine mountains of Sweden and Norway--the 4260g/9.4lb fjäll kit: <a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/f6l2hf"><b>https://lighterpack.com/r/f6l2hf</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It is a bit of a mix of gear from different seasons. For example, my clothing worn is my summer outfit, but I pack my spring/fall sleeping bag, my wool leggings rather than my silk ones, a warmer sit pad that I can use to bump up my sleep setup, etc. This is due to the chaotic nature of hiking in the fjäll. Even in the summer it can go from 20C and sunny to frosty -1C nights. I also swap out my go-to shelter combo of tarp and bivy or net tent for my newest addition to my kit, which is the MLD Duomid plus a matching MLD solo XL inner net. This will not only be my shelter for solo trips to the fjäll, but also when my wife and I go together.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As mentioned weather can be crazy up there in the mountains, with not only big shifts in temperature, but also wind and storms created by the micro-climate at higher elevations. Combined with the fact that often you're above treeline hiking there, there is little to no cover, so a solid 360 degrees of protection from the elements is good to have. One can rock a tarp up there, but with the lack of trees you have to rely on sticks and/or trekking poles, which is an added complication, not to mention not as much cover from harsh weather. While hiking in the fjäll I will be taking with me a simple wooden hiking staff. This is a cheap and easy solution for now, but in the future I will most likely upgrade to a carbon fiber or titanium hiking staff. I've tried trekking poles in the past and they are just not for me. I much prefer either hiking without any, or using only one staff.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I could arguably leave my water filter at home for fjäll trips, as the quality of water is often excellent--indeed, some of the purest wild sources of water on earth--but this is mostly for peace of mind around campsites with more people around. The summers here draw lots of not just backpackers, but other tourists that take day hikes into the fjäll. Plus this also opens up less than ideal water sources to re-fill my bottles, such as rain puddles and bogs, so I don't have to hike out of the way to pristine tarns and springs all the time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Four</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This gear list is for a specific trip I have coming up next spring that is further up north in Sweden on The High Coast Trail (Höga Kusten), clocking in at 4490g/9.9lbs: <a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/fr0pcz"><b>https://lighterpack.com/r/fr0pcz</b></a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'd describe it as a "winter-lite" type of kit, with days being mild (around 2-5C) but nights going below freezing--plus if there are any cold snaps, conditions can get really damn cold. So I have extra layers, a much warmer sleeping quilt that also deals exceptionally well with humid conditions (synthetic and down insulation hybrid), a dedicated pair of toasty warm sleep socks, etc. However there are a few things that get left behind, which is nice. For instance no head net because it's not bug season, and no water filter due to the cold. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Water filters can freeze and get ruined in the cold, but it's easy to manage without it because I'll either be boiling water for drinks and meals or drinking from clean sources. As I mentioned earlier, in the summers more people can make water sources dirty or tainted, but in the other seasons there are far less people around, which in turn leaves water sources cleaner/safer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Really looking forward to this trip! I've read and heard a lot of good things about this trail, and it's a shorter one that I will be able to finish in one go.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>Five</u></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally on to my heaviest gear list at 5345g/11.8lbs, which is for fair weather summer packrafting trips: <a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/dz94ne"><b>https://lighterpack.com/r/dz94ne</b></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Obviously the packrafting gear is what makes this the heaviest BPW, but overall my pack remains pretty light because these trips are only 2-3 days tops. So less food to worry about. I could go lighter by swapping out my inflatable sleeping mat for a foam one (like I use in my regular summer kit), but there are quite a lot of trail shelters on rivers and lakes for other paddlers. Canoeing and kayaking is popular here, which makes for plenty of water trails to follow, which often have nice campsites on the shores to take advantage of. Sleeping on hard wooden floors is much nicer with an air mat than a foam one. Another added benefit of inflatable pads is less bulk, which is convenient when you strap your pack to your packraft and want it to take up as little space as possible.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u><b>Conclusion </b></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And those are all of my UL gear lists for solo wilderness backpacking. I don't see all that much changing anytime soon, but only time will tell. Everything has been put to the test with one exception, my new MLD pyramid shelter. But it's one of the most positively reviewed shelters in the UL community, and my initial impressions are very positive after playing around with it in my backyard. I'm really looking forward to getting it out there. So I'm really happy with my gear and life as an UL backpacker. If only I could take more trips! Everything is dialed in and ready for future thru-hikes that I dream about. Soon enough things will move from the dream stage to the planning stage for these longer adventures.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hope this was helpful and/or interesting for you to read. Peace!</span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-1230043213042907312019-07-06T19:47:00.001+02:002019-07-06T21:31:15.089+02:00Cesar's Guide to Glaskogen Nature Reserve<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlR0PLkKlacYv7F1tYqNx7ipi97n2KjbvBa7ObbZSZqLVEawtKoIGnK24Qia99e7WrpbUlCFJMjcP8le3nd7wtoht5CWMXVTcM6shlK6odDa92mZ4p7zD_k8AZp-uDoJU1-conuyQBpjQ/s1600/20190624_183152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWlR0PLkKlacYv7F1tYqNx7ipi97n2KjbvBa7ObbZSZqLVEawtKoIGnK24Qia99e7WrpbUlCFJMjcP8le3nd7wtoht5CWMXVTcM6shlK6odDa92mZ4p7zD_k8AZp-uDoJU1-conuyQBpjQ/s320/20190624_183152.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb5PMDv5QHKTebQSEZz9t-oDGAyWw1nF6fKpZRtfhfSur_ZUHHtcDN6ctGuhiDeJ0sFeVeXn95jpYFL_5_PXjd0OBNIWg0NOCGhg7kgAEtnEVZR18CjIqYCzO8FrZKdHdBXYrIQs2LnAs/s1600/20190626_122928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMb5PMDv5QHKTebQSEZz9t-oDGAyWw1nF6fKpZRtfhfSur_ZUHHtcDN6ctGuhiDeJ0sFeVeXn95jpYFL_5_PXjd0OBNIWg0NOCGhg7kgAEtnEVZR18CjIqYCzO8FrZKdHdBXYrIQs2LnAs/s320/20190626_122928.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Glaskogen </i>is a large (240 square km) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">nature reserve in Sweden's Värmland county. The reserve has a variety of marked and unmarked hiking trails throughout its wilderness, as well as many backwoods dirt and/or gravel roads, lumber roads, and some normal roads as well. The reserve is also a popular destination for canoeing/kayaking and car camping due to its many lakes/ponds and rivers/streams. There are a variety of ways hikers can choose to get to Glaskogen, and the best way to think of hiking this nature reserve is to treat it as a "choose your own adventure" type experience due to its many options.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's its <b><a href="http://glaskogen.se/en/" target="_blank">official website (in English)</a></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This reserve is a part of my alternate Swedish E1 trail system I call The Troll Trail, which <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html">you can learn more about here</a></b>. Hiking northbound, the next section is the northern part of <i>Pilgrimsleden Värmland</i>, which takes you to the Norwegian border and a short connection hike to <i>Finnskogsleden</i> (near the town of Charlottenberg). Hiking southbound, the next section is made up of various trails across Dalsland province.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are possible connections to several towns (Årjäng, Arvika, Säffle) and even the city (and capital/largest city of Värmland) of Karlstad. The easiest way to connect to civilization is to catch a bus from highway E18 (south of the reserve) or highway 175 (east of the reserve). Be aware however that due to the relatively isolated area that this reserve is in that bus connections are few and far between and may not run on the weekends/holidays, especially along the less traveled highway 175. Hitchhiking is always an option of course, and I had good luck getting a ride all the way to Karlstad from highway E18 on a previous section hike.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BgwlWUTblaeOTX3Lmlm60s0KQIZyIQ0LJ5ZHrPmFKFgZEvRG9SGScxFmc79qvE-YvEXCilL_chqGzb8W1kPmRxJ6e03lvHP5NR7dt6IjY0CAC8vIgJck_yGnfEimbewE0m5awwROVy5P/s1600/20190624_095253.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BgwlWUTblaeOTX3Lmlm60s0KQIZyIQ0LJ5ZHrPmFKFgZEvRG9SGScxFmc79qvE-YvEXCilL_chqGzb8W1kPmRxJ6e03lvHP5NR7dt6IjY0CAC8vIgJck_yGnfEimbewE0m5awwROVy5P/s320/20190624_095253.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The trip report that follows covers a hike from the village of Stömne--which is about 10km east outside of the reserve--to the village of Älgå, roughly 5km northeast from the reserve. This covers a total of around 80-85km (according to measurements on our smartphone's pedometers) following a mix of trails and roads, nearly hiking the whole reserve east to west, then hiking north to northeast through the northern part of the reserve. We took a bus from the town of Säffle to Stömne to enter the reserve, and ended our trip by hiking to Älgå and catching a bus to Arvika.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regardless of how one chooses to hike Glaskogen, continuing a thru-hike on the alternate E1 is more straightforward. Going north there are two options that I would recommend, depending on whether or not you need to resupply. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you need to resupply, hike to Älgå and then take the bus to Arvika. After resupplying and maybe taking a zero or nero day (it's a cozy little town with hotels, restaurants, etc.), you can then either take a bus back to Älgå and backtrack to the trail, or skip ahead by taking a bus to the town of Koppum. If you don't need to resupply--for example, maybe you resupplied at one of the villages on the E18 highway--then ignore Älgå and continue hiking north to the key location of the northern tip of lake Övre Gla. From this key point you can hike north on a backwoods road to exit the reserve, and conveniently this road also connects to Pilgrimsleden Värmland only 3km after leaving Glaskogen. I plan on continuing to hike northbound on this trail in the future, and will link to my guide to this section soon after.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hiking southbound, simply find the section of Pilgrimsleden Värmland at the southern end of Glaskogen that exits the reserve and then crosses the E18 highway. You can read about<b> <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2018/05/cesars-guide-to-pilgrimsleden-varmland.html">my guide to this section here</a></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trip Report</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My wife and I hiked Glaskogen at the end of June 2019, and we agreed that it was a wonderful nature reserve that is kind of a hidden gem as far as backpacking goes. We expected not to see a ton of backpackers, but did expect to see at least a few. But we literally saw none in the four days we spent in the park. We saw more backpackers way out in the mountains further up north! We hardly saw anyone aside from the occasional car campers and canoers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So if you are looking for a lovely hike off the beaten path that flows through a vast patch of forested hills full of lakes, rivers, streams, and springs, then Glaskogan's got it. There were times that the marked trails could have been marked better, but due to the various options of backwoods roads and unmarked trails, if you get off track it's not a big deal. We pretty much covered the full range of routes you can follow while hiking: bushwhacking, marked and unmarked trails, grassy abandoned backwoods roads, gravel/dirt roads, etc. But luckily there was very little asphalt on the path we took. If you like having lots of options and routes, this is an added bonus of hiking this reserve. If not, well then just pick a marked trail and try and stick with it, but have map and compass handy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Close to the bus stop at Strömne there was a marked trail that we took west into Glaskogen. It was a very pleasant start to our trip, with the trail following along a river, a few lakes, and had three trail shelters before entering the reserve. Several great spots to take a swim as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAp2woxDXdwHOYmVXxvtWlQQW3nEjkj9O06NtTOUKxpyJGhyphenhyphen6q2AZOlkRiownxuM7NDEhmthptvjQAHX35EuttKwrL8dkpT05fJblSOiR1I1NAGZbl4Eymf8FgXrj0RKfK2tjF9pkYNr3/s1600/20190624_115203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAp2woxDXdwHOYmVXxvtWlQQW3nEjkj9O06NtTOUKxpyJGhyphenhyphen6q2AZOlkRiownxuM7NDEhmthptvjQAHX35EuttKwrL8dkpT05fJblSOiR1I1NAGZbl4Eymf8FgXrj0RKfK2tjF9pkYNr3/s320/20190624_115203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxz6j8GvxdhS3SrTcf6fUX1ayJSxdE_YD2EOSvk8nSY0eS7SHc_IeSV_H9I8Ws9xAJLqfpS_c3RnPHUFr9l3mcilo_hHBwRH-A2Ucay1rgFgwjV3emtUhLKk2ktBUuporQb9SdIQJMQ8r/s1600/20190624_115215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxz6j8GvxdhS3SrTcf6fUX1ayJSxdE_YD2EOSvk8nSY0eS7SHc_IeSV_H9I8Ws9xAJLqfpS_c3RnPHUFr9l3mcilo_hHBwRH-A2Ucay1rgFgwjV3emtUhLKk2ktBUuporQb9SdIQJMQ8r/s320/20190624_115215.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS7dNhQTIf6TFtDJuhWeno1eMMLcD28eOdWl7NW5J2wPwGjSzMBd5Ax6odSlKxpqILGHnO9H3vt4OCiIyWtmmCLshnR5T0_Hw5OUS1iGO3lT6u5wS2lKC_S_bhResK2JdTQbwHPArwFlm/s1600/20190624_115357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwS7dNhQTIf6TFtDJuhWeno1eMMLcD28eOdWl7NW5J2wPwGjSzMBd5Ax6odSlKxpqILGHnO9H3vt4OCiIyWtmmCLshnR5T0_Hw5OUS1iGO3lT6u5wS2lKC_S_bhResK2JdTQbwHPArwFlm/s320/20190624_115357.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQkPRRGF-rQEAxMwIDvIA_tnTcPOEE4gLFGVF3f_3PwH90LCpo1iDfrYFGsuPpA66_-m1-RCsnyDCT6ZDmpdem2ZCYZWOQBGr3tr71p9tJus1BrIQwKyGrx_F-zienvqlqWCoxckjNCe8/s1600/20190624_122547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQkPRRGF-rQEAxMwIDvIA_tnTcPOEE4gLFGVF3f_3PwH90LCpo1iDfrYFGsuPpA66_-m1-RCsnyDCT6ZDmpdem2ZCYZWOQBGr3tr71p9tJus1BrIQwKyGrx_F-zienvqlqWCoxckjNCe8/s320/20190624_122547.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP95MoCoysA3wzuvwT23i2ACL7PL6A8K1bYAVCaReWJSDMe1fhf5pk7n36gBd5NxU6hHFhKFBhOqVM3dTkD_tgvOSLRA87vBneFlOdTGHLJ1l9U5fQYX163tH4i7Kqm3TVKuONfJt8BVk/s1600/20190624_123041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeP95MoCoysA3wzuvwT23i2ACL7PL6A8K1bYAVCaReWJSDMe1fhf5pk7n36gBd5NxU6hHFhKFBhOqVM3dTkD_tgvOSLRA87vBneFlOdTGHLJ1l9U5fQYX163tH4i7Kqm3TVKuONfJt8BVk/s320/20190624_123041.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVN8zCnWH0ei_AWqpbbLSr3gwb4EG2mPv0647l06HP9ScyJgmGQQyU_kMu7Pv8Olkx6Tl5PcecgHFwjepOP_W_2DizVlMaLH0yTLrIrkSGakwz0z_jFcYgu3Ay0ZN6GzGY-m080dp7Z47/s1600/20190624_124759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVN8zCnWH0ei_AWqpbbLSr3gwb4EG2mPv0647l06HP9ScyJgmGQQyU_kMu7Pv8Olkx6Tl5PcecgHFwjepOP_W_2DizVlMaLH0yTLrIrkSGakwz0z_jFcYgu3Ay0ZN6GzGY-m080dp7Z47/s320/20190624_124759.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93CvnslOm8QcUlYILmphEKBDsMG138FbW7pT6eU5t2LRyd3EjL-eouhzMrLYASML1DRwglp-tsaG7PYDQo_PzCkAaFpxwAhynm3J_y9sF_L9RCq7biLKGFcOOYNGdszqlWqT3GcvyT4ye/s1600/20190624_133252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93CvnslOm8QcUlYILmphEKBDsMG138FbW7pT6eU5t2LRyd3EjL-eouhzMrLYASML1DRwglp-tsaG7PYDQo_PzCkAaFpxwAhynm3J_y9sF_L9RCq7biLKGFcOOYNGdszqlWqT3GcvyT4ye/s320/20190624_133252.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aVY7VOqnPgxZPLhh5ETn24qVmUCp-jqsaQt6eP3NarGZb9t8m8jePuVHr1L7WYas_PJ4xDcw1qj0iasoyJFxPV-pFJL3jvZB7UI0UEV9auN6YkOWw0EBklKr1opxm6iT5M3J-zVDZQ6F/s1600/20190624_133953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aVY7VOqnPgxZPLhh5ETn24qVmUCp-jqsaQt6eP3NarGZb9t8m8jePuVHr1L7WYas_PJ4xDcw1qj0iasoyJFxPV-pFJL3jvZB7UI0UEV9auN6YkOWw0EBklKr1opxm6iT5M3J-zVDZQ6F/s320/20190624_133953.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYdk5KyqnHbsm2bcVZSezdLfcSRfk48Zn0Oy_rmwFBwFKtWN90y5f0aneBgUQBfqgVOOZEZkd96oE2DSiDbW_RF7MsU96G993HCJgS9W8S0a06YGKVfaWAPVb_lg878kyteDDg_UxCpmj/s1600/20190624_142550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeYdk5KyqnHbsm2bcVZSezdLfcSRfk48Zn0Oy_rmwFBwFKtWN90y5f0aneBgUQBfqgVOOZEZkd96oE2DSiDbW_RF7MsU96G993HCJgS9W8S0a06YGKVfaWAPVb_lg878kyteDDg_UxCpmj/s320/20190624_142550.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMLhCa2cHjM5mxh62Y4gdWc4aycRb0dfxox4MJ2I1Rz9Xl_5lRlPyveHUneRnqBF1O4RDeWmZLuPo-A85kPUhFRcOLBIvwhl1c_iCk6bIV83kJFV9W8To5vLE7mzvwvf6SEbrykZ2S_Jf/s1600/20190624_144825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMLhCa2cHjM5mxh62Y4gdWc4aycRb0dfxox4MJ2I1Rz9Xl_5lRlPyveHUneRnqBF1O4RDeWmZLuPo-A85kPUhFRcOLBIvwhl1c_iCk6bIV83kJFV9W8To5vLE7mzvwvf6SEbrykZ2S_Jf/s320/20190624_144825.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdY_IEQLrlOdS7xm4U5FWV49KCrX9kq7VgJcACp2Lbxh2i1tLAiWQ_mEudDipnpOWV5riCHqGk4QVqNIVStORxCsaU_tnf5KcdbBCzZo3kG-foqRBh5syM9c0dniDQoJIJXT9_04RdXWq/s1600/20190624_161745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYdY_IEQLrlOdS7xm4U5FWV49KCrX9kq7VgJcACp2Lbxh2i1tLAiWQ_mEudDipnpOWV5riCHqGk4QVqNIVStORxCsaU_tnf5KcdbBCzZo3kG-foqRBh5syM9c0dniDQoJIJXT9_04RdXWq/s320/20190624_161745.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPOWfSpWz7HxtJQtEuIAtSCj5AAhVRL3NxUotR2CGtlOpjbem7OhhHgMv2JanuYJqlB-qo5Qje4NGkw4Go6MimzWi-Fiwu_NltlZ0Cyhki3mk9cjJ6z0M_wk2xD0Q_mah7kMBtKzebw3A/s1600/20190624_162209.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPOWfSpWz7HxtJQtEuIAtSCj5AAhVRL3NxUotR2CGtlOpjbem7OhhHgMv2JanuYJqlB-qo5Qje4NGkw4Go6MimzWi-Fiwu_NltlZ0Cyhki3mk9cjJ6z0M_wk2xD0Q_mah7kMBtKzebw3A/s320/20190624_162209.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaBwgD7VG1C4pxjLnR__KwIWG_kvdUbQ90uQ4xndWXrMGK07Vtfnt4UDUIxPc2VRfbL6fvSwSVgFs4W4fzUt5LMYV8-NpHMEz4uE0gbZbrMyQshtnq6BRzhY1hLEXL4GKfG5Pxr5pNAl2/s1600/20190624_183213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaBwgD7VG1C4pxjLnR__KwIWG_kvdUbQ90uQ4xndWXrMGK07Vtfnt4UDUIxPc2VRfbL6fvSwSVgFs4W4fzUt5LMYV8-NpHMEz4uE0gbZbrMyQshtnq6BRzhY1hLEXL4GKfG5Pxr5pNAl2/s320/20190624_183213.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After getting into the reserve, as mentioned before, we hiked kind of all over the place. But we stuck to our plan of generally going west to the edge of the reserve, then headed north to north by northeast. So rather than go into all the painstaking details of how we hiked through the reserve and each twist and turn, I'm going to show off a photo essay of highlights from our trip instead. Enjoy! And if you get around to hiking Glaskogen, we hope you will enjoy it as much as we did.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hJWfwVD73slbz-JR7k9iaTGc8rx88Lh-wtqsxCiyLaVBgt5JH5L3WYxfBehMvJlDKSJGcpkPdJE2UNujgmT19kbZodo5K9nLnSrCPZy1NtOxMFjcKvc6Jpsq8CMizNkpxErGitqHrAFy/s1600/20190625_092714.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2hJWfwVD73slbz-JR7k9iaTGc8rx88Lh-wtqsxCiyLaVBgt5JH5L3WYxfBehMvJlDKSJGcpkPdJE2UNujgmT19kbZodo5K9nLnSrCPZy1NtOxMFjcKvc6Jpsq8CMizNkpxErGitqHrAFy/s320/20190625_092714.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk2nELzp9glCpxiasluHvIyrn2wm9XeGSv7HFDow1GGDzvfJ9KXmDeoueHQNTcppcOjF8OSARuE7p-dl1k95CSlZhGqmdFGtD1mlSdCqxINJHHpnNYiS68oZHz_W4keVOwTQ-SrJ2H23K/s1600/20190625_092709.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIk2nELzp9glCpxiasluHvIyrn2wm9XeGSv7HFDow1GGDzvfJ9KXmDeoueHQNTcppcOjF8OSARuE7p-dl1k95CSlZhGqmdFGtD1mlSdCqxINJHHpnNYiS68oZHz_W4keVOwTQ-SrJ2H23K/s320/20190625_092709.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafler6DwPWDQlemW2ua5PVbhwZ5Lf7qv4Z1ulen6tsnMr7n7kZPM4_uBX4cDDwRmnkP1ZbOOUiIhfHRrNQhA4KqUdqUE25aisbVk_4usV5m4iAUHi1zj2o1YevstuZwW3sch7S96K3bg6/s1600/20190625_105338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafler6DwPWDQlemW2ua5PVbhwZ5Lf7qv4Z1ulen6tsnMr7n7kZPM4_uBX4cDDwRmnkP1ZbOOUiIhfHRrNQhA4KqUdqUE25aisbVk_4usV5m4iAUHi1zj2o1YevstuZwW3sch7S96K3bg6/s320/20190625_105338.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpUDhTRpzewtLz1btrJ9lDe6uzvMq7p6NhyphenhyphenuuL_HiUIT8alKq6qCfF7TGAWXiL7vGQMN9cnLfyuxz6-4_YHSK0fKjSvaFS5lvM9UA3vJJb7SY7iPKt_l-cn_cLHHAhiJloanLZYQPdD0Y/s1600/20190625_123501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZpUDhTRpzewtLz1btrJ9lDe6uzvMq7p6NhyphenhyphenuuL_HiUIT8alKq6qCfF7TGAWXiL7vGQMN9cnLfyuxz6-4_YHSK0fKjSvaFS5lvM9UA3vJJb7SY7iPKt_l-cn_cLHHAhiJloanLZYQPdD0Y/s320/20190625_123501.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxPWnLQxsjrVz02OBJ67u2FQak7M-O23sVdUo7W3bk7WR8tr83BplwR4cHhNO5Jsxpc0YUXfzQ21Lw1UrreLlMgGpSJifNi8Bm-XBeWMch9O8RJdA2uKWlCVE7h1QgSSiLmtZXrBdZGjf/s1600/20190625_125652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGxPWnLQxsjrVz02OBJ67u2FQak7M-O23sVdUo7W3bk7WR8tr83BplwR4cHhNO5Jsxpc0YUXfzQ21Lw1UrreLlMgGpSJifNi8Bm-XBeWMch9O8RJdA2uKWlCVE7h1QgSSiLmtZXrBdZGjf/s320/20190625_125652.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrPn0yC-HFG_C_Q76iuQiXqhGlQwToCBCHpWB5nt4eZ0h46rEIfIQf768eOLuO91az2ocfXUlS4McMtOS_3RkAhL9hO48V3DJw9UYQljHg-rYpkjeziv_eJtBnVYxYERJpKUO6PogA6Rm/s1600/20190625_131006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizrPn0yC-HFG_C_Q76iuQiXqhGlQwToCBCHpWB5nt4eZ0h46rEIfIQf768eOLuO91az2ocfXUlS4McMtOS_3RkAhL9hO48V3DJw9UYQljHg-rYpkjeziv_eJtBnVYxYERJpKUO6PogA6Rm/s320/20190625_131006.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YqMAJxPR-TiqldKOJoaa98-_tE9FxesdXRT_BPHHTgimlmecV85xV3ykrZkFxpA0NRcUlow8Qu60Rbwv6I4SZCmkefA0vc25iOjy7jfo7P7vwbfg5MY417jbaRmiIVIlRuNz35C0ytqa/s1600/20190625_143958.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3YqMAJxPR-TiqldKOJoaa98-_tE9FxesdXRT_BPHHTgimlmecV85xV3ykrZkFxpA0NRcUlow8Qu60Rbwv6I4SZCmkefA0vc25iOjy7jfo7P7vwbfg5MY417jbaRmiIVIlRuNz35C0ytqa/s320/20190625_143958.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VcIoN-V6AxxVKr01I5oQ6zo71LBLMhIqn0P8pqAe93dDEa37PkIbVC453AGXH-WLV48COXbP0P-NE3Glau9p0IOONfXH5o94IrSkKukaYS56QFx_PAwBHIP01nqjN4DURefhIsb80Cp9/s1600/20190626_091145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VcIoN-V6AxxVKr01I5oQ6zo71LBLMhIqn0P8pqAe93dDEa37PkIbVC453AGXH-WLV48COXbP0P-NE3Glau9p0IOONfXH5o94IrSkKukaYS56QFx_PAwBHIP01nqjN4DURefhIsb80Cp9/s320/20190626_091145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nb8P0yyLQEyi4YZO1r9XryGgDflp5ec0XR4LLr6RiyYLHylYiha52QVf_dr73cXL-aslhay9fp-Sjwb6g4xJ7n9FKXwxZKIeqYfgJ51VNM05eUd5Xk9ccKV5MQ1HKcs1XHbzIeMx8jOD/s1600/20190626_113222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7nb8P0yyLQEyi4YZO1r9XryGgDflp5ec0XR4LLr6RiyYLHylYiha52QVf_dr73cXL-aslhay9fp-Sjwb6g4xJ7n9FKXwxZKIeqYfgJ51VNM05eUd5Xk9ccKV5MQ1HKcs1XHbzIeMx8jOD/s320/20190626_113222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXnpW4-7mgid4MzUY3xppinPzNIoZ981ctEIUwLf7PtUU_KesniBgadr9U9toG002RB0M2LbagOZE_mOe_6loZwW9ZrfZRw39oG0AIxwmiD-HXozCo-zn4IQ2XEnFpYu3UKD_-Q7eFtwX/s1600/20190626_122921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhXnpW4-7mgid4MzUY3xppinPzNIoZ981ctEIUwLf7PtUU_KesniBgadr9U9toG002RB0M2LbagOZE_mOe_6loZwW9ZrfZRw39oG0AIxwmiD-HXozCo-zn4IQ2XEnFpYu3UKD_-Q7eFtwX/s320/20190626_122921.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBFgsDhEcQ4fe1Njqar7oa3cZgQ7EwdQZDIDWtAd8YIEkS93oTogKcTut7Tdt8a4DX8C85YlM3qRgHmO3h1PYAQNFfB3x4hXq5ki5IZH73HaqHidyNX398DiuNtU6QcEqApzJVz0n1Jmm/s1600/20190626_130018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYBFgsDhEcQ4fe1Njqar7oa3cZgQ7EwdQZDIDWtAd8YIEkS93oTogKcTut7Tdt8a4DX8C85YlM3qRgHmO3h1PYAQNFfB3x4hXq5ki5IZH73HaqHidyNX398DiuNtU6QcEqApzJVz0n1Jmm/s320/20190626_130018.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FKfmj8TWB1DTNRM2TO7cGK9jCBP_J45sLyHeNLYe72cVpKx0M08KOCRcYmhO9VOPKmr4JpSLXDEBnCkzv-U-wImKbRjgQp5Ad5j0icR-T8wF7tGHDW5UZeu-aPMTXXUnmhiu2c9aAAdR/s1600/20190626_130834.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-FKfmj8TWB1DTNRM2TO7cGK9jCBP_J45sLyHeNLYe72cVpKx0M08KOCRcYmhO9VOPKmr4JpSLXDEBnCkzv-U-wImKbRjgQp5Ad5j0icR-T8wF7tGHDW5UZeu-aPMTXXUnmhiu2c9aAAdR/s320/20190626_130834.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B53Fd3V4jm2NHRtczlljAiQINiyAx5WD47PTUXXiBp4nat0FcsT0Ogl686jPY4jHc9DCTrM9Ht6IpiE6xetxCiqPNGJZ3x3619dL5qRYXb9w46uQk23HwjZJ2YNPjiSXjjBxMDAOsVOC/s1600/20190626_131711.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B53Fd3V4jm2NHRtczlljAiQINiyAx5WD47PTUXXiBp4nat0FcsT0Ogl686jPY4jHc9DCTrM9Ht6IpiE6xetxCiqPNGJZ3x3619dL5qRYXb9w46uQk23HwjZJ2YNPjiSXjjBxMDAOsVOC/s320/20190626_131711.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKb6TPCvHfsGNHVHpJ313wrOU5vaFizgd1YoE3af9PzDPChkDaAIhVoJ9IWI3C8SL4yKg01DzULDj7YR4VpTCa5hkPxbDctSJooZhbjrUclyOdPxkbh9YnU-oBoqrB75JOUle-EunOlKJ/s1600/20190626_150048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRKb6TPCvHfsGNHVHpJ313wrOU5vaFizgd1YoE3af9PzDPChkDaAIhVoJ9IWI3C8SL4yKg01DzULDj7YR4VpTCa5hkPxbDctSJooZhbjrUclyOdPxkbh9YnU-oBoqrB75JOUle-EunOlKJ/s320/20190626_150048.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELOsaRj8jUdnX7t2cB_1PQHHRzAmoiKPTKm5QXXXLZ32dtS808CdXJK9xlMz3uMEM73zPBxavihcHL1IOLDi9lgk9TtmGrOe9DYyW_80lOuH11VAfMXfqsXrssrIpxgMhcxlvPxD8Evd/s1600/20190626_162811.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZELOsaRj8jUdnX7t2cB_1PQHHRzAmoiKPTKm5QXXXLZ32dtS808CdXJK9xlMz3uMEM73zPBxavihcHL1IOLDi9lgk9TtmGrOe9DYyW_80lOuH11VAfMXfqsXrssrIpxgMhcxlvPxD8Evd/s320/20190626_162811.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYNZe1xzR9saRD6LxcKUnB0kPaMMGa7d-hkWU5LwGvaXrAiNqdQIjdCDtbfGfPN_uWdtZRkHIW-2gAaIthrt8fV8SZ6PBPgbqXX-gmhaB-OnhF4e9GskB4S5TRfvI9dacLRQTadhhQECU/s1600/20190626_173707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPYNZe1xzR9saRD6LxcKUnB0kPaMMGa7d-hkWU5LwGvaXrAiNqdQIjdCDtbfGfPN_uWdtZRkHIW-2gAaIthrt8fV8SZ6PBPgbqXX-gmhaB-OnhF4e9GskB4S5TRfvI9dacLRQTadhhQECU/s320/20190626_173707.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5FoTRE7AMtORwMWHQdE3qC7ADPwm2IWCHwDhzjQ06FDBD-fqg0vUWPIfLiYl8p5TePqidolxexDW0Zbhqq1iKKwP2LNYB-9zU-Kd8gP344tMa9S-TnN4IOImbZQPAN_dYwlwF0QohukR/s1600/20190626_184635.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp5FoTRE7AMtORwMWHQdE3qC7ADPwm2IWCHwDhzjQ06FDBD-fqg0vUWPIfLiYl8p5TePqidolxexDW0Zbhqq1iKKwP2LNYB-9zU-Kd8gP344tMa9S-TnN4IOImbZQPAN_dYwlwF0QohukR/s320/20190626_184635.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAiHXmciDJyL8zXGn1xEw-M21-tsd6tq0eOkZg3Hh6xyUopG-W-wSPd-clgu961Lw-_teaUJQlTJu9tSrufzJAA3ue5oaWQKYtAEhxxjRgeBEDDNpwdHx9dqGBnGfYc7kso-hE_4CoDvR/s1600/20190626_185826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsAiHXmciDJyL8zXGn1xEw-M21-tsd6tq0eOkZg3Hh6xyUopG-W-wSPd-clgu961Lw-_teaUJQlTJu9tSrufzJAA3ue5oaWQKYtAEhxxjRgeBEDDNpwdHx9dqGBnGfYc7kso-hE_4CoDvR/s320/20190626_185826.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pqo7AiomQy-zizzQyOL0kZtl9OnCuMANyYXOnvlaGUFHUjt352BpxTjmjmWs1PBlEnYEEBWABftuhLMg-ceCSh9pQGd0CjHhUC7FF5nqsuBlx_6o4RPI0BMVWUP9cBX0subjPNrZtCep/s1600/20190626_191502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pqo7AiomQy-zizzQyOL0kZtl9OnCuMANyYXOnvlaGUFHUjt352BpxTjmjmWs1PBlEnYEEBWABftuhLMg-ceCSh9pQGd0CjHhUC7FF5nqsuBlx_6o4RPI0BMVWUP9cBX0subjPNrZtCep/s320/20190626_191502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqvL0W9PmDk0d4Wyzab3IOZgAj992IEuMNzTj9C5BR4LItJxMN4w9Gpi33ywBv-lxB-JIjMMKz8-vQQtHTSBQEByNDlecDR7BNTiTV7j8djy6sEPi5_KD9nzidlsf5K1vdfR4u3ggSYRa/s1600/20190627_100311.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNqvL0W9PmDk0d4Wyzab3IOZgAj992IEuMNzTj9C5BR4LItJxMN4w9Gpi33ywBv-lxB-JIjMMKz8-vQQtHTSBQEByNDlecDR7BNTiTV7j8djy6sEPi5_KD9nzidlsf5K1vdfR4u3ggSYRa/s320/20190627_100311.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjZRPTaoXRiLXFBkRvc7rRgMmxCERambMBnlDmlDHoH10xvs3XxbMcWxx5m5SQNhbWf3w4CWkLpe93WH0osTN_MgwL1Sr9r87VLJr3S3v_BSpAvcQfAhzoZXfqdqtkGqyG-ikae81HAdL/s1600/20190627_111114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdjZRPTaoXRiLXFBkRvc7rRgMmxCERambMBnlDmlDHoH10xvs3XxbMcWxx5m5SQNhbWf3w4CWkLpe93WH0osTN_MgwL1Sr9r87VLJr3S3v_BSpAvcQfAhzoZXfqdqtkGqyG-ikae81HAdL/s320/20190627_111114.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMu0iLAADXIesB9Vk4LfSo9Cf5WxuxBUxw5_H1XVCbrCwIdMqV81yu_MtBft1a32f-TL3sBsqKF5fS_ID_rHdLCrXi9XwY1zpWKnbELSg2lXQ189t6-b8zG2t0VJ6ULrjjlR5Yc51jRyf/s1600/20190627_123900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMu0iLAADXIesB9Vk4LfSo9Cf5WxuxBUxw5_H1XVCbrCwIdMqV81yu_MtBft1a32f-TL3sBsqKF5fS_ID_rHdLCrXi9XwY1zpWKnbELSg2lXQ189t6-b8zG2t0VJ6ULrjjlR5Yc51jRyf/s320/20190627_123900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMYJleiKPJB-yEDiLteffL-TfYiVkQxn90XgFiC27J2-A91etfN4zxp__sJInfe9dUDex3a9nJwnyrecYpYa-DlvdDRJXt-X3H31mz9zxdcdg1F-P4KuE-QbY5wzo21pSIMMmPxuTwl_N/s1600/20190627_125849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtMYJleiKPJB-yEDiLteffL-TfYiVkQxn90XgFiC27J2-A91etfN4zxp__sJInfe9dUDex3a9nJwnyrecYpYa-DlvdDRJXt-X3H31mz9zxdcdg1F-P4KuE-QbY5wzo21pSIMMmPxuTwl_N/s320/20190627_125849.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-43826388926109609582018-07-10T19:13:00.000+02:002018-07-10T19:17:23.687+02:00Our Ultralight and Deluxe Cook Kit for Two<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EN_Y0NI8GfUxr27Ib1lQogaJrOuI3o7MdQ8kHrkgfc5qOy-OmgWTjZjdRY-j1rTT_ESP_bh0JiuYqwOAjxW-f9xxxK_KTUs7mKDskwAcS2wHkokGcZuCfB2sVt2iQscYCP4L1XW8-vVX/s1600/20180710_164917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8EN_Y0NI8GfUxr27Ib1lQogaJrOuI3o7MdQ8kHrkgfc5qOy-OmgWTjZjdRY-j1rTT_ESP_bh0JiuYqwOAjxW-f9xxxK_KTUs7mKDskwAcS2wHkokGcZuCfB2sVt2iQscYCP4L1XW8-vVX/s320/20180710_164917.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5topNgMLPRb1ewg4I8Y1Le-0l_oF8TRYz41Fv3UJgVjpXkSL3eO9SCbhfyJPu2_zWTfASJQp_3gkqpXl5o__5Dh6sc7fyatD2hQLExUEO5d1kwVwGjT3PD6IMLw_j76DIhzV1a7_Eaqjp/s1600/20180710_000300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5topNgMLPRb1ewg4I8Y1Le-0l_oF8TRYz41Fv3UJgVjpXkSL3eO9SCbhfyJPu2_zWTfASJQp_3gkqpXl5o__5Dh6sc7fyatD2hQLExUEO5d1kwVwGjT3PD6IMLw_j76DIhzV1a7_Eaqjp/s320/20180710_000300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My wife and I are getting ready for another section hike, putting the finishing touches on our gear and food. One kit we've been quite happy with over the years has been our cooking set-up, and we recently added a small but amazing upgrade to it: the option to drink fresh-brewed, real coffee! So I'll break down all the items in the kit and offer some brief commentary as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are 13 items total, and the total weight is 325g/11.5oz. My wife carries her own bowl and spoon (72g/2.5oz), and I carry the rest (252g/9oz).</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">DIY ground cover (recycled aluminum pie pan), 3g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Titanium wind screen, 20g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mini-Bic lighter, 12g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Half a Light Load towel, 7g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Titanium pot, 83g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pot lid, 30g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ebit Ti-Wing stove and mini-plastic baggie, 16g </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Recycled plastic bag for pot, 8g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sea to Summit Xcup, 45g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My spoon: Sea to Summit hardened aluminum, long-handle: 12g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her spoon: Esbit titanium, long handle: 20g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Her bowl (DIY recycled plastic bottle and beer cozy), 52g</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finum Permanent Filter (size M), 18g</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our cooking routines go roughly as follows:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Breakfast: boil water for coffee, pour into wife's bowl (which is about 600ml), then each of us enjoy a nice cuppa while we eat a few granola bars and such.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lunch: either eat no cook (especially if it's raining), or boil up water for a simple trail meal like ramen.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dinner: boil up water for a slightly more involved trail meal like a stew, then if we want boil up a cup of tea to have with some chocolate (especially if there is a cold snap).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">During longer breaks we also have random cups of coffee or tea if we want.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">And that's about it, this one need only be short and sweet. But if you haven't already, check out this video I shot as a compliment this post. I go into a bit more detail and also pack up my pot to show off how compact and easy it is. And as always, short disclaimer: Still not sponsored, still no adds on my blog, still not a Youtube partner. Peace!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/YOcVX2kChcU/default.jpg?sqp=COjQk9oF&rs=AOn4CLD798xbNze58OLUqPU84Xra60y2vg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YOcVX2kChcU?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
<br />Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-41645702133121210802018-06-24T12:33:00.004+02:002018-06-24T22:55:01.354+02:00How I Pitch Tarp Shelters<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A few weeks ago I watched <a href="https://youtu.be/1hWUNzvMvYk" target="_blank">a great how-to video</a> on pitching a tarp by Joe Brewer that inspired me to finally get around to making my own take on this type of video, which we'll get to soon. But first some context can be helpful. I mean, if there's already one good video on this subject, why bother making another one? Well, there are all sorts of different versions of this video on Youtube, because if you ask 10 different outdoor enthusiasts how they pitch a tarp, you'll likely get 10 different answers. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are a lot of details and nuances that go into setting up this kind of shelter. For example, there are all sorts of different kinds of tarps, from a wide variety of fabric, to what size they are, and then down to nitty-gritty details like number of tie out points, flat or cat-cut, weight, etc. Adding location and application to the mix, and one can see just how complicated this can be, especially for someone who is inexperienced with the outdoors. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFNFoUlErLaOrZh1Jj1_m2C5UBMMPNwGp_5EhpplEYkv7PJz3ny6YMcjAlOZfg3ImtfUxRy8DSSY8zATkQvpLbMb5oxXHtLJtusSHfxnIjh1iHMHfVe_njrIseeQxvGBJcnoNjIQlEsAU/s1600/tarp+set+up+pic.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFNFoUlErLaOrZh1Jj1_m2C5UBMMPNwGp_5EhpplEYkv7PJz3ny6YMcjAlOZfg3ImtfUxRy8DSSY8zATkQvpLbMb5oxXHtLJtusSHfxnIjh1iHMHfVe_njrIseeQxvGBJcnoNjIQlEsAU/s320/tarp+set+up+pic.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I often find myself explaining to people just how I can sleep under what is essentially a big piece of waterproof fabric. Many people think of tents when they think camping, and tents certainly have their place. For instance, when I take trips where I am mostly hiking above treeline, I will opt for a tent rather than a tarp for pragmatic reasons. Without any trees around, and because I don't use trekking poles, I find it easier and more convenient to pop up a tent--but it is worth noting that a lot of hardcore tarp users pitch tarps all over the place, even above the treeline in the mountains.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">However for trips below treeline, my go-to shelter is a tarp plus a bivy or a net tent. And seeing as where I live and hike here in Scandinavia is roughly 70% forested terrain, this is where most of my hiking and camping is done, so my tarps get a lot of good use. But the question I then get from people not-in-the-know is: how do you set it up without any poles? I have even had fellow UL backpackers on forums ask me how I set up my tarp without any trekking poles on occasion. The short answer is trees, or more specifically two trees with some flat or flat enough ground between them. Well, most of the time, that is.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Often it's much easier to show someone what you mean rather than tell them, so for a while now I've been meaning to shoot a video showing off how I pitch my tarp. And in a great kill-two-birds-with-one-stone moment, I've also been meaning to teach my oldest son how it's done as well. So we went on a lovely day hike, taking a break in the middle of it to pitch a few different tarp shelters, and also pick blueberries, of course. Here's some pictures of our hike:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrH_kpY24j7XeAgaTvP9hedjNhI3Uyg7bjxsWfUHRIhyjBsKDCAMhaj6zq6r_VGV80eVdyPQKXaOtMNyB0I5_fuW8EoerInYLmtpRMsylIyD8u4bxovvYmElWq4LKqBwOHhUN2t_giA8Z/s1600/20180623_140147.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUrH_kpY24j7XeAgaTvP9hedjNhI3Uyg7bjxsWfUHRIhyjBsKDCAMhaj6zq6r_VGV80eVdyPQKXaOtMNyB0I5_fuW8EoerInYLmtpRMsylIyD8u4bxovvYmElWq4LKqBwOHhUN2t_giA8Z/s320/20180623_140147.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQupK8-iniGofsyLRFQePHMW7MoCsNNCRnE_7kgSWBH-8oWeKs8Y8-EqrmrPkSfjXQpeJzcmpxo3ZkpK_qTSzHuczveYy_7K0rUlvipTecIEa-_kD4LIiEVvbGoI0UajAFqtXSAnnRwd2/s1600/20180623_131946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkQupK8-iniGofsyLRFQePHMW7MoCsNNCRnE_7kgSWBH-8oWeKs8Y8-EqrmrPkSfjXQpeJzcmpxo3ZkpK_qTSzHuczveYy_7K0rUlvipTecIEa-_kD4LIiEVvbGoI0UajAFqtXSAnnRwd2/s320/20180623_131946.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TanWvdidnXLI2Xf3OsdTzujRexVIlhGSgppZqHbUIZp4KmUxMuoWavZVjR7zL9Bm9GoKmmeeRZBo_YEkJZyJvMQP7RTR15W9jwQMhIZopZvxay1s7pbAoOGUbLvdxu3BWt9yfBLvqxOm/s1600/20180623_131126.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TanWvdidnXLI2Xf3OsdTzujRexVIlhGSgppZqHbUIZp4KmUxMuoWavZVjR7zL9Bm9GoKmmeeRZBo_YEkJZyJvMQP7RTR15W9jwQMhIZopZvxay1s7pbAoOGUbLvdxu3BWt9yfBLvqxOm/s320/20180623_131126.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Here's the specs in detail on the gear in question:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Zpacks 6x9ft / 180x270cm flat tarp, 1.0oz Cuben fiber, 6 tie-out points, 230g/8.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6 guy lines (attached to the tarp), 2mm Dyneema Z-Line, each 1m/3ft in length, 90kg/200lb breaking strength, 10g/0.4oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Stuff sack for the tarp, silnylon, 10g/0.4oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 Ridge lines, 2.3mm Dyneema reflective Z-Line, each 3m/9ft in length, 108kg/240lb breaking strength, 25g/0.9oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 mini-carabiners, 6g/0.2oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2 extra guy lines (same as above), 3g/0.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 regular shepard's hook titanium stakes (for tarp sides and vestibule), 24g/0.8oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4 thick shepard's hook titanium stakes (for tarp corners), 32g/1.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD Cuben fiber large stake sack, 6g/0.2oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ground cover, trimmed SOL emergency blanket, 70x210cm / 2.3x7ft, 40g/1.4oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">GoLite poncho/tarp, 4.5x8.5ft / 135x255cm, 15D silnylon, 6 tie-out points, 200g/7oz</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Missing from this shelter to make it complete is either a good bivy or net tent, of course. I generally take a bivy in the spring and the fall, and a net tent in the summer and winter. The three pitches I use are <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_b8-hBesaRKTZeR7K_jdiY2lkobOl02BU5xyRj1zBfJclGb-r8YMd5cwzVaDKOSPyEB-b_TP9tpTcFg69L-FbAp3sQTCVD5ql0vfJfhZp18WvoCGF3JKMX7jmCzfvjrCqXR0BnqZw2X8Q/s1600/4.JPG">the lean-to</a>, the A-frame, and the "storm mode" A-frame. Below in the video you can see the two A-frame pitches in detail, along with the various nuances of my pitching methods. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My version of the storm mode A-frame I have yet to see on Youtube, but it's something I've been doing for many years, and have <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2014/12/cesars-2015-shelter-systems-for-solo.html">posted about it here</a> before. I don't get why this vestibule addition to the tarp shelter is not more common. It has performed quite well for me in more inclement conditions, keeping both me and my gear more dry and protected.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alright, that's quite a bit of context, info, specs, and more. So now here's the video if you haven't seen it already. Hope it will be helpful. Now get out there and sleep under a tarp. Peace out!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i9.ytimg.com/vi/cHux6CY1614/default.jpg?sqp=CKjlvdkF&rs=AOn4CLAQ0GLAw3XEza7WG0g0MpUETDlzyg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cHux6CY1614?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-46108527993279906232018-05-27T16:19:00.001+02:002018-05-28T23:52:40.909+02:00My 2018 Updated Clothing Worn and Packed for Summer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD83EGzRal6Yj6ioVBEL4Hdnn_dZ-jI841aeLebX-HvJpm7pINQEqX9jylabism5wSHqeQ5R34qnqp6ppNwhQls23tMTM3C8AT44m_Qo_gkkFhIMKZiGRc-REeRU_azGl6i-WG_oOvp62s/s1600/20180527_144216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD83EGzRal6Yj6ioVBEL4Hdnn_dZ-jI841aeLebX-HvJpm7pINQEqX9jylabism5wSHqeQ5R34qnqp6ppNwhQls23tMTM3C8AT44m_Qo_gkkFhIMKZiGRc-REeRU_azGl6i-WG_oOvp62s/s320/20180527_144216.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Several months ago I posted <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2018/02/my-2018-winter-and-spring-complete.html">a big breakdown</a></b> of my updated winter, spring, and fall outfits for wilderness backpacking. Well it's also been a while since I posted about my summer outfits, and I recently came back from <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2018/05/cesars-guide-to-pilgrimsleden-varmland.html">a great section hike</a></b> where I was really happy with how my clothing performed, so let's do this.</span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By "summer" what I really mean is when low temperatures at night are generally warmer than around 5C/41F, so here in Scandinavia that means from </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">roughly </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">early May to mid September. But I've mentioned before several times here on my blog, and in videos, and on forums that there are quite a lot of cold snaps in Scandinavia. So I need clothing combinations that are very flexible. Throughout the day and into the evening I am regularly fine-tuning what clothing I am wearing, at times wearing all my clothing worn tops (early morning and in the evening/night), and other times I will just wear a t-shirt on top, or maybe my windshirt too (during the day). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There have been trips when during the day it's a mild 20C/68F, only to drop down to nearly freezing at night. I can recall hot July trips at the peak of summer spent swimming for hours in the warm sun during the day, only for it to drop down to 8C/46F at night. So this clothing can handle temps from 25C/77F+ to just above freezing if needed, and I have two different outfits: one for trips that involve going <i>above</i> treeline in the mountains, and one for <i>below</i> treeline down in the forests. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The difference in the two outfits is made only by swapping out one top layer for two others, so I won't breakdown two separate lists, but highlight what gets swapped. Why I swap is pretty straight forward: two layers swapped for one is much warmer, and for only a 105g/3.7oz penalty. Cold snaps in the mountains are more hardcore, duh.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I am not going to get into either shoes or rain gear, those are stories for another time. But I generally prefer barefoot/minimalist high-top shoes below treeline, and Merrell Trail Gloves above treeline. And for rain gear I always use a poncho/tarp for my rain top and pack cover--either my MLD simple P/T (290g/10.2oz) or my Golite P/T (200g/7oz)--and usually a pair of silnylon rain pants (100g/3.5oz).</span><br />
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Clothing worn, from head to toe:</span></u><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trucker cap, polyester and mesh, 60g/2.1oz</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Smartwool medium merino wool buff, 50g/1.8oz</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool t-shirt, size large, 140g/4.9oz</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nike polyester hoody, size large, 330g/11.6oz (below treeline)<br />Or<br />Puma polyester long sleeve shirt, size large, 185g/6.5oz <br />+ Merino wool hoody, size large, 250g/8.8oz (above treeline)</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Zpacks windshirt, size large, 60g/2.1oz</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin synthetic work gloves, 40g/1.4oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool boxers, 65g/2.3oz</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Puma nylon running pants with mesh liner, size large, 250g/8.8oz</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool socks, 45g/1.6oz</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD eVent gaiters, 60g/2.1oz<br /></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total CW weight: <b>1100g/38.8oz</b> (below treeline) or <b>1205g/42.5oz</b> (above treeline)</span></span></span></span></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Packed clothing</span></span></span></span></span></u><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Borah Gear down vest, size large, 105g/3.7oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thin merino hat, 30g/1.1oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">REI silk tights, size large, 100g/3.5oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spare </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">thin merino wool socks, 45g/1.6oz<br /></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><i><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total packed: <b>280g/9.9oz</b><br /><b></b></span></span></span></span></i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are interested in seeing my base pack weight, I recently put together a gear list of it from my last section hike, which you can <b><a href="https://lighterpack.com/r/85798w" target="_blank">check out here</a></b>.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I also recently shot and uploaded a video to compliment this text, where I show off all the above clothing and talk about them in more detail, as well as discuss cheaper alternatives to some of the fancier UL pieces of clothing. But overall I think my clothing choices are fairly affordable, especially if you consider how many years I have been using some of them, and that I often buy clothing on sale or from the bargain bin. You can watch the video down below. </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But otherwise, that wraps up another breakdown for the current evolution of my summertime (or rather, May-September) clothing combos. Really looking forward to more great trips this summer, and happy trails to all of you!</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Kgot6uocmk4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kgot6uocmk4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-68313194862553567342018-05-25T12:02:00.002+02:002018-06-07T10:02:26.013+02:00Cesar's Guide to Pilgrimsleden Värmland, part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn5Pjv79nPFmzifvUTewAXOiLcZlqn22VWmKNDBqDEm6uCF9sH9EV2tbBFR4t-cOLgW55IKRLx6fNHDkfn5T-1iDGj7Q5SLpvJQLNMO4oPcNH_znSnQ0yZHIDkbBrv8XnGF1RdL1yn6Dd/s1600/20180509_155458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQn5Pjv79nPFmzifvUTewAXOiLcZlqn22VWmKNDBqDEm6uCF9sH9EV2tbBFR4t-cOLgW55IKRLx6fNHDkfn5T-1iDGj7Q5SLpvJQLNMO4oPcNH_znSnQ0yZHIDkbBrv8XnGF1RdL1yn6Dd/s320/20180509_155458.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWqD-35pssk0vML6-tiTrYKRXSM7wtQgY5TjTOJODy_QyGW000c-vC8TIfYdMlRK7wGi7F-YxLKaJWSTg9lgTFsVH87tZEi3IaGLXuro7Bj9ZItBSC-v9xoU0Ydn3Hm4fbKCzsv6DrDQY/s1600/20180511_121356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWqD-35pssk0vML6-tiTrYKRXSM7wtQgY5TjTOJODy_QyGW000c-vC8TIfYdMlRK7wGi7F-YxLKaJWSTg9lgTFsVH87tZEi3IaGLXuro7Bj9ZItBSC-v9xoU0Ydn3Hm4fbKCzsv6DrDQY/s320/20180511_121356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY02UI0aC1DKLD-FARBYkUwzscthPA0Z_9pstk8smV5os4qDgMVTTu5N3Z932McUzYQKm3KNQ73c9ryrZ0RUgs41J_yydiyrpKSZFG0H8VEqd4ZPDTJS6SIiDZq8yHAzGWNE1WyoHDbnGk/s1600/20180511_212913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY02UI0aC1DKLD-FARBYkUwzscthPA0Z_9pstk8smV5os4qDgMVTTu5N3Z932McUzYQKm3KNQ73c9ryrZ0RUgs41J_yydiyrpKSZFG0H8VEqd4ZPDTJS6SIiDZq8yHAzGWNE1WyoHDbnGk/s320/20180511_212913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>Pilgrimsleden Värmland</i> is a trail that runs from the border of Västra Götaland in the south, goes across Värmland, and ends at the Norwegian border in the north. This trail is also part of my alternative E1 trail system, <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-troll-trailtrollleden.html">The Troll Trail</a></b>. This guide covers the section from the Edsleskog Loop to the southern end of the <i>Glaskogens</i> nature reserve, hiking northbound. This section is about 50km long--from the first trail shelter to the last one of this trip--but can vary depending on how you hike it. There are areas that are not marked or poorly marked, and much of the trail markers are very old and rundown. In general this is a trail less taken, and this can offer certain benefits, but the trail itself at times is in dire need of trail maintenance. But overall it was quite a nice hike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Researching Pilgrimsleden Värmland presented some challenges, as there are different versions of the trail, along with side trails, and all of this can be confusing if you try and Google up info. My advice is to stick with maps and compass and be prepared for occasional bushwhacking and a few surprises along the way. There are plenty of roads around--from abandoned lumber roads, to dirt, to gravel--but thankfully not much pounding on asphalt. So while there is a fair amount of road walks, much of it is pleasant and woodsy, and there's also a good amount of hiking on forest trails.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToT-wx9MsZOi418m6FBDFmHfn1V3Js1k_fiog3Csigb2AEkJVNH-6Ka5fN8HPaADrX2YiJLI7yyW57Zpn1KoVwD-NKya8Zrr9sz0dczhDg-cRuubQ3g6CiJVZNNveL43dQX6hGPq3IXFP/s1600/20180510_131312.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjToT-wx9MsZOi418m6FBDFmHfn1V3Js1k_fiog3Csigb2AEkJVNH-6Ka5fN8HPaADrX2YiJLI7yyW57Zpn1KoVwD-NKya8Zrr9sz0dczhDg-cRuubQ3g6CiJVZNNveL43dQX6hGPq3IXFP/s320/20180510_131312.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Water is plentiful, with several ideal sources around, such as cold, clear springs flowing straight out of the ground or the side of a hill. There is also a convenient entry/exit point close to the southern end of the Glaskogens nature reserve, which is the E18 highway that has bus or hitchhiking connections to the town of Årjäng in the west and the city (and capital of Värmland) of Karlstad in the east. Check out <b><a href="http://www.varmlandstrafik.se/in-english/" target="_blank">Värmlandstrafik</a></b> for more info. But if it's just food you need to resupply on, there are villages </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">west (Sillerud) and</span> east (Hillerström) with small supermarkets that you can walk or hitchhike to. These two supermarkets are nearly equidistance in either direction from where you cross the E18, about 12km.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Continuing northbound, the Pilgrimsleden trail goes deeper into Glaskogens nature reserve, where it splits into one trail going north and one that goes west. However, there are other trails that intersect and overlap with these trails. Glaskogen is crisscrossed with many hiking trails, lumber roads, and dirt/gravel roads, which makes for a "choose your own adventure" situation if you are doing a longer section hike or thru hike. There are many trail shelters in Glaskogen, and in this section we also discovered a few unmarked and good quality trail shelters on the way to the reserve. There are also some ruins of ancient churches along the way, which makes me wonder just how long people have been hiking this trail, and how old this trail could be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trip Report</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">My friend Ryan and I set off on a four day trip to hike this section during a particularly beautiful time in May. We really hit the hiking jackpot as far as conditions go, with sunny days, low amounts of bugs, and wildflowers in bloom. We were not as lucky with the conditions of the trail at various points, but we were able to deal with it. This required a bit of rough bushwhacking at times, but some of this can be avoided, however, as I will explain later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We spent our first night at the lovely little cabin at the north-west end of the Edsleskog Loop, and the next day continued north to a gravel road that wraps around the north and west parts of the big lake <i>Ömmeln</i>. At the hamlet of Bollsbyn one can continue to hike east to rejoin with Pilgrimsleden, or turn onto a dirt road going north which also intersects with the trail after about 2km. We choose the north road and soon found the trail, and immediately noticed how old and unmaintained the trail was. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb2sclsVUqWCqjEVXqYoYLFv7hFhMUy7jYLNv5jptiMcK2I3-4rMET4_BHts3ICJCxNbHGU7b2JReiWioO5KtQJgyl9lSvXbl0Gy40osdn7yvd5KgGd9V4uRR2lBrWIpliz3d5ebMcC3Q/s1600/20180510_080042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrb2sclsVUqWCqjEVXqYoYLFv7hFhMUy7jYLNv5jptiMcK2I3-4rMET4_BHts3ICJCxNbHGU7b2JReiWioO5KtQJgyl9lSvXbl0Gy40osdn7yvd5KgGd9V4uRR2lBrWIpliz3d5ebMcC3Q/s320/20180510_080042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq927QHmmyF_R_1BBoJeXN9yoyFLnMfRFI6grTUSMlkOautXDW98lPmxJJnsXJISHRfWC8IAvHW5LkW2m24243gw6Mo1s9Gex4TXnWJ5o1VThRIyATgEMPnWuFcEaAVZmEZaloz8m_hRv5/s1600/20180510_081156.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq927QHmmyF_R_1BBoJeXN9yoyFLnMfRFI6grTUSMlkOautXDW98lPmxJJnsXJISHRfWC8IAvHW5LkW2m24243gw6Mo1s9Gex4TXnWJ5o1VThRIyATgEMPnWuFcEaAVZmEZaloz8m_hRv5/s320/20180510_081156.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPZKftPmXMEgDYqOyy0W36XXXwosE419YY0-ieIla7hiuNwa24Iuf3JN_8yY2N16p1wQdCajRrUDerP4K5XEgTgIlx44YKrQ1kYl-0jCz-wyw87Qak1r-ZNgMehUPGAGxWMksUurCti8d/s1600/20180510_084139.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmPZKftPmXMEgDYqOyy0W36XXXwosE419YY0-ieIla7hiuNwa24Iuf3JN_8yY2N16p1wQdCajRrUDerP4K5XEgTgIlx44YKrQ1kYl-0jCz-wyw87Qak1r-ZNgMehUPGAGxWMksUurCti8d/s320/20180510_084139.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ_M9R4j1VjksepY8sz2H0ObHusqP6LiGJarQj-lONXcBGOVG846civQ8omWS7xIvOKPm1DYfhHVeecWBOav_Js120KTRSPM1pLE5DxtIwIaaj2o1IYxf8otwmjEUjoegmLA_eBaVxH7b/s1600/20180510_085913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQ_M9R4j1VjksepY8sz2H0ObHusqP6LiGJarQj-lONXcBGOVG846civQ8omWS7xIvOKPm1DYfhHVeecWBOav_Js120KTRSPM1pLE5DxtIwIaaj2o1IYxf8otwmjEUjoegmLA_eBaVxH7b/s320/20180510_085913.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HeTNw7UtyjvQyaU75zWV5aeBkIKow5_1yellfRb8hEK7AkuNevvVuZk-s7Ulajdmfvl-svX_CnIl27wiBWNjHItgmIDJBfthbbEWf7LyX1UTsOF7q0LIGX2yBChtRctNPFsaCM56utX5/s1600/20180510_100129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3HeTNw7UtyjvQyaU75zWV5aeBkIKow5_1yellfRb8hEK7AkuNevvVuZk-s7Ulajdmfvl-svX_CnIl27wiBWNjHItgmIDJBfthbbEWf7LyX1UTsOF7q0LIGX2yBChtRctNPFsaCM56utX5/s320/20180510_100129.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA50cNiOSzzspWkNUXSX9hkSthCYCn38fMqRhxLiHleKcL2l1-BDyXLH0iCPZ6Gj_LBsEgPsGsM98lvyG9-w1gxEHTzAL9g4xT5etVTE2LfeIwnDB-veRr5htuNzeJYvuc_OoAtSwesh38/s1600/20180510_100830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA50cNiOSzzspWkNUXSX9hkSthCYCn38fMqRhxLiHleKcL2l1-BDyXLH0iCPZ6Gj_LBsEgPsGsM98lvyG9-w1gxEHTzAL9g4xT5etVTE2LfeIwnDB-veRr5htuNzeJYvuc_OoAtSwesh38/s320/20180510_100830.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxV4T2UGgEYZ2dBChQTuvh3-kpAFslNqV2hyphenhyphenxUA3l1943F3EkgDT2sVoFWAiYAUywBmGq60UCEuAbcuGTOFqzwrb8Tz16Gkl0x5QifWRkRYBY8mtJPMp12RvHrNxWd2hoDahEjfUTnA8f/s1600/20180510_102617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNxV4T2UGgEYZ2dBChQTuvh3-kpAFslNqV2hyphenhyphenxUA3l1943F3EkgDT2sVoFWAiYAUywBmGq60UCEuAbcuGTOFqzwrb8Tz16Gkl0x5QifWRkRYBY8mtJPMp12RvHrNxWd2hoDahEjfUTnA8f/s320/20180510_102617.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwgZ-aUAS_kAukP631aEfglo_nvmEwQQettXbZlb8uo83XR_hbVarYoyHKXGgS8ghTy4OGNsGU0isyGyl6Ikp3xCMWhdKrokKMeDwu4yeb0WyNzHS7Hhj0YI8lYtFiWoQ7ZXDnxFVfueN/s1600/20180510_103838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwgZ-aUAS_kAukP631aEfglo_nvmEwQQettXbZlb8uo83XR_hbVarYoyHKXGgS8ghTy4OGNsGU0isyGyl6Ikp3xCMWhdKrokKMeDwu4yeb0WyNzHS7Hhj0YI8lYtFiWoQ7ZXDnxFVfueN/s320/20180510_103838.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q2MsRezTL84Cs5IoV56ZquZcfZ4YDtwsfCKX_8XTMP8Txd9EcoLtZbeAQ3LAOZZ4iGa6z-Q587jsbgqAH-0BzhXw9QbmghLwt9Xsa56t717Ei1hkFxOPNRRyvhNcoZsoviogXgaRyy5_/s1600/20180510_104118.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7q2MsRezTL84Cs5IoV56ZquZcfZ4YDtwsfCKX_8XTMP8Txd9EcoLtZbeAQ3LAOZZ4iGa6z-Q587jsbgqAH-0BzhXw9QbmghLwt9Xsa56t717Ei1hkFxOPNRRyvhNcoZsoviogXgaRyy5_/s320/20180510_104118.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqzmsDkTG7WD9lk-ibNFhWxJAfzJMnJShLnt8VpB6kXWHUzzvqYUfRjQyCLYUryfXUlRj-_JxZJRrvZxj9nzYZdqRQtiuRBQmUDBghSwYg20KaZGKeaGwbfauhrMGR0_VB9tfeuTwhNgy/s1600/20180510_104624.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOqzmsDkTG7WD9lk-ibNFhWxJAfzJMnJShLnt8VpB6kXWHUzzvqYUfRjQyCLYUryfXUlRj-_JxZJRrvZxj9nzYZdqRQtiuRBQmUDBghSwYg20KaZGKeaGwbfauhrMGR0_VB9tfeuTwhNgy/s320/20180510_104624.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We considered following the dirt road north, but we were itching to get into some deep troll woods. In retrospect, we agreed we should have taken the dirt road instead, as eventually trail markers disappeared altogether and we had to do a bit of rough bushwhacking to get back on track. So I would recommend just sticking to the dirt road going north running more or less perpendicular to the trail But eventually we made our way to the farm of Norane, and lovely woodland trails finally awaited us, followed by another gravel road north. This road passed a few farms and a few rivers, and trail markers are few and far between (if there at all). But it's a straight shot north towards the highway, and 5km from the highway we found a pleasant surprise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVQf2859ys03hd1hFbOuqA4_gRQbwS8gTFJBoh2AD3wSxJbnar4s8IZJFD14vWB_wJkInN964CmUd_3Lui5vTjk2v4EEYrkZ6Q2fGgtNdCoXK2RBnHOXNnV3IMcPrssj15i11N9wzHOfR/s1600/20180510_112240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlVQf2859ys03hd1hFbOuqA4_gRQbwS8gTFJBoh2AD3wSxJbnar4s8IZJFD14vWB_wJkInN964CmUd_3Lui5vTjk2v4EEYrkZ6Q2fGgtNdCoXK2RBnHOXNnV3IMcPrssj15i11N9wzHOfR/s320/20180510_112240.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFDnnrcRO7seBniuT3StQ-2WFzZmWL-zfTPdn67hvWkdRRTQ6FJVgBO4_vMTbzAYwDLD4cyk_UiascFOEfJH0OyiEw1ZncDF5-Ii4XAkLcEkJwtk665k4f85esqmE0rzX5f8BRPEhfDOW/s1600/20180510_112455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgFDnnrcRO7seBniuT3StQ-2WFzZmWL-zfTPdn67hvWkdRRTQ6FJVgBO4_vMTbzAYwDLD4cyk_UiascFOEfJH0OyiEw1ZncDF5-Ii4XAkLcEkJwtk665k4f85esqmE0rzX5f8BRPEhfDOW/s320/20180510_112455.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoumeWhivEcoHY04DCgimChiMwWaZpl6awC9w7rI2asmJhyphenhyphenYHIhmQV5KyuDfbZ9whrnuDJr-8c0fHHputJt3KO0-aRUNI7MO2nufK9XQXG7j5ZwPCZ15qx-ccmKE7sS7HGoLHsjBvzezfs/s1600/20180510_114124.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoumeWhivEcoHY04DCgimChiMwWaZpl6awC9w7rI2asmJhyphenhyphenYHIhmQV5KyuDfbZ9whrnuDJr-8c0fHHputJt3KO0-aRUNI7MO2nufK9XQXG7j5ZwPCZ15qx-ccmKE7sS7HGoLHsjBvzezfs/s320/20180510_114124.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGFEsP1c5LCglmP03RPmQFsl703N0dD_HDKJEZOXnxcwiv_Xnuq004wBp5wU6eFl-Bdwg5cow8DT3bYjBr6G1zMRbunUzDa24wIps0JeybZ8R16Glr33AExEqGZHXQLg709JoxREBIoRj/s1600/20180510_130355.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGFEsP1c5LCglmP03RPmQFsl703N0dD_HDKJEZOXnxcwiv_Xnuq004wBp5wU6eFl-Bdwg5cow8DT3bYjBr6G1zMRbunUzDa24wIps0JeybZ8R16Glr33AExEqGZHXQLg709JoxREBIoRj/s320/20180510_130355.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqq69HL78mPHbPK2pmUv2xZk31xst0sJZ5zQ1NF2SrfRd_2MlrNYrDdwn5ZKEKq8rHT_SWstNDhck3OjNTtCxY5zClkIAelmnUUzm_Tx5v9aHHfqb-cl6nAp131BO-c0bMUkCUaRnzJyB/s1600/20180510_130614.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyqq69HL78mPHbPK2pmUv2xZk31xst0sJZ5zQ1NF2SrfRd_2MlrNYrDdwn5ZKEKq8rHT_SWstNDhck3OjNTtCxY5zClkIAelmnUUzm_Tx5v9aHHfqb-cl6nAp131BO-c0bMUkCUaRnzJyB/s320/20180510_130614.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCjiVzBGiKzqYhwmJ15G4rqEvmG1rtOIKqCDOlEoZiugvtgw7mCxmbp2NYQzP7gmxOJrJHIJsNjdVn4MixhYDVIw6MUn9z2B0hxF0aE_mblzLwr-f70XCOWV9aY-olL3f4VG9kT7euGGx/s1600/20180510_135928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggCjiVzBGiKzqYhwmJ15G4rqEvmG1rtOIKqCDOlEoZiugvtgw7mCxmbp2NYQzP7gmxOJrJHIJsNjdVn4MixhYDVIw6MUn9z2B0hxF0aE_mblzLwr-f70XCOWV9aY-olL3f4VG9kT7euGGx/s320/20180510_135928.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AIJswfnCV-CdRk8eZLjf0r-dCFOlyw_Ny38tNtGZRDHU3QI_L1_8kwLnrU31WDjtYcEsxb-I0qnqTchjIhxCaCoDTzdaLOIzofgp_ynjtVikqE5Cq7f6XVGGog1_6m9Yjy81WrgGcS5F/s1600/20180510_150222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7AIJswfnCV-CdRk8eZLjf0r-dCFOlyw_Ny38tNtGZRDHU3QI_L1_8kwLnrU31WDjtYcEsxb-I0qnqTchjIhxCaCoDTzdaLOIzofgp_ynjtVikqE5Cq7f6XVGGog1_6m9Yjy81WrgGcS5F/s320/20180510_150222.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtUj-EoHOfUFibunf4GFSqqoAqn2zhh839ZZm8fp2R-4ZLPR1iOVxYvncBrqFYAo9FiDXuHGfTTphyH8rcDMd5yEjpB-Bni6PI2lH1-daAp0Z2SMqS3Q9H9nTp4Tu4igGSYeJfDfJqzYI/s1600/20180510_151336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijtUj-EoHOfUFibunf4GFSqqoAqn2zhh839ZZm8fp2R-4ZLPR1iOVxYvncBrqFYAo9FiDXuHGfTTphyH8rcDMd5yEjpB-Bni6PI2lH1-daAp0Z2SMqS3Q9H9nTp4Tu4igGSYeJfDfJqzYI/s320/20180510_151336.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There was an excellent campsite at <i>Kyrkudden</i> that had a cabin with an indoor fireplace, an outhouse, and picnic benches. Also at the campsite were the ruins of a very old church. All this overlooks the large and beautiful lake of <i>Ämmeskogsjön</i>, and there is a path to the shore that would make for a good swimming spot or to fill up on water. However just 500m south of this campsite there is a stream that flows into the lake, if you're a water snob and want <i>even fresher</i> water to drink.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We spent the night in the cabin and agreed that this was one of the better campsites we've slept at before finally crossing the highway and making our way into Glaskogen. Be warned that yet again trail markers are going to be an issue, as there are parts of the trail leading up to Glaskogen that are quite poorly marked and maintained. Specifically past the hamlet of Berga, where the trail goes up the beautiful hill <i>Korpberget</i>. After more bushwhacking, we eventually found another unmarked trail shelter near the hamlet of Lönnskog. This shelter was very similar to the one we just slept at, but it's hard to beat the last one's location. There were also more church ruins. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsozJn2lf316_KwXcOrK8zQ4WdzCZngGihVmDPp0STW3-FmZjyX4VagobBfIzBpPwcaUa0mp55Hh9F_YJgQaMKJ6KIJQ91bkWxKhOnWRR9VjtFVf5qheRb4BXKzZPAZ1iT85GeGMlREEEr/s1600/20180510_151427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsozJn2lf316_KwXcOrK8zQ4WdzCZngGihVmDPp0STW3-FmZjyX4VagobBfIzBpPwcaUa0mp55Hh9F_YJgQaMKJ6KIJQ91bkWxKhOnWRR9VjtFVf5qheRb4BXKzZPAZ1iT85GeGMlREEEr/s320/20180510_151427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEProJg0C0NExEFOEm5Syk-FRZaBmVPClkPClDKbMSsCqzj1_k7i7JK-MN9fOoR5gQXgP1VUD1y-nDfOBMQ21z-gQAoBc3YNuVGPXhT3hF-ugerwFCam5VabdIXGap2cyI1zxkfbgj2F9/s1600/20180510_151446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsEProJg0C0NExEFOEm5Syk-FRZaBmVPClkPClDKbMSsCqzj1_k7i7JK-MN9fOoR5gQXgP1VUD1y-nDfOBMQ21z-gQAoBc3YNuVGPXhT3hF-ugerwFCam5VabdIXGap2cyI1zxkfbgj2F9/s320/20180510_151446.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTjhI8jK0_Xnl_1V2fGsXu2GeaAqPi3WSaU_M9F0WEGl9PokUlDFPBYzYLyEf898sf7Rdpd483BvGoeSmhp-PANmOnNc0iMW9F6xFKktH5YAHELZ43_u4SxoxHAFw31An4ROTyo5JLctO/s1600/20180511_075835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsTjhI8jK0_Xnl_1V2fGsXu2GeaAqPi3WSaU_M9F0WEGl9PokUlDFPBYzYLyEf898sf7Rdpd483BvGoeSmhp-PANmOnNc0iMW9F6xFKktH5YAHELZ43_u4SxoxHAFw31An4ROTyo5JLctO/s320/20180511_075835.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlk2a6wRToBw3kb2A8VwtnEorKbEbRsMB_ijoPW9_g18QwDm_5G2000hefKpf6TQGG8WMVODMpQihpr-cNXGNvDWTKYKG0myrQ97KiZVYdybXbktsoKezxGo0Tq0HYueVLwcfDwSkPxfG/s1600/20180511_081042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlk2a6wRToBw3kb2A8VwtnEorKbEbRsMB_ijoPW9_g18QwDm_5G2000hefKpf6TQGG8WMVODMpQihpr-cNXGNvDWTKYKG0myrQ97KiZVYdybXbktsoKezxGo0Tq0HYueVLwcfDwSkPxfG/s320/20180511_081042.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhA9EGnJzcWgdtizbdlQDHNice1fEh88W9ITKtSleDdrqD7yyChnI9vElq8jTEBipJqZqIRuhOHFW6DUu1QjRZmm5WBZlse2WxhpJYgVQjgVUByNgKOUy101XB442cLwyA936dmdmTUAl/s1600/20180511_085741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIhA9EGnJzcWgdtizbdlQDHNice1fEh88W9ITKtSleDdrqD7yyChnI9vElq8jTEBipJqZqIRuhOHFW6DUu1QjRZmm5WBZlse2WxhpJYgVQjgVUByNgKOUy101XB442cLwyA936dmdmTUAl/s320/20180511_085741.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3dF7go8GJqRaytC0kwCCdYAmZgVN8IdaZQ5kLava0viSs-CIk2MMSQUeVxow1-f1AZ0NFbpFzhwi1Th236I5uFlFFBOQRg4PmTtBcArFc5o2DtPWJAXkHMawDqpJPgyz5rumNPF8mIyo/s1600/20180511_085755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK3dF7go8GJqRaytC0kwCCdYAmZgVN8IdaZQ5kLava0viSs-CIk2MMSQUeVxow1-f1AZ0NFbpFzhwi1Th236I5uFlFFBOQRg4PmTtBcArFc5o2DtPWJAXkHMawDqpJPgyz5rumNPF8mIyo/s320/20180511_085755.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1oi5Tc-GTzV_wKelDoiWWtYl59hZf5gsNO2Wu4ArjDRcXc4QySdD9XwjM7RTQE_vN7-lU_CU29eYjQAsrkOw-ulS61bfO0XQ-cJKWDc5bEgPsjth6iRq0ZYv3qaEuOV9domxJoYu82FK/s1600/20180511_091405.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo1oi5Tc-GTzV_wKelDoiWWtYl59hZf5gsNO2Wu4ArjDRcXc4QySdD9XwjM7RTQE_vN7-lU_CU29eYjQAsrkOw-ulS61bfO0XQ-cJKWDc5bEgPsjth6iRq0ZYv3qaEuOV9domxJoYu82FK/s320/20180511_091405.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1g2-zBEGoz5LHJuC7C8WT5b4kYFVFtNKkEo3fTLCF7EBIcyHO5lEouK5JgFkSpQgGE5qnCQ2X4cLvQJ_RE_ptkN9tHZyWbr_h_0HKHmIdRNjMueRBdlk63m0owjR5AJp-5t1N3mS267g/s1600/20180511_091402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiT1g2-zBEGoz5LHJuC7C8WT5b4kYFVFtNKkEo3fTLCF7EBIcyHO5lEouK5JgFkSpQgGE5qnCQ2X4cLvQJ_RE_ptkN9tHZyWbr_h_0HKHmIdRNjMueRBdlk63m0owjR5AJp-5t1N3mS267g/s320/20180511_091402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39XtWqgZcLg__DbORJqlDhpwJKLEe7EfwZvmDR62AoIOowNC8lo8v4UvNSQFY2xVi89nJg5DhyphenhyphenV1XKjC7_C7g_4oBeKpQbS1Af_Mdr66qR7l8fXZAgBNiBxDyKZR8UFuV29dDQOjXr-rk/s1600/20180511_092424.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg39XtWqgZcLg__DbORJqlDhpwJKLEe7EfwZvmDR62AoIOowNC8lo8v4UvNSQFY2xVi89nJg5DhyphenhyphenV1XKjC7_C7g_4oBeKpQbS1Af_Mdr66qR7l8fXZAgBNiBxDyKZR8UFuV29dDQOjXr-rk/s320/20180511_092424.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2tONhF3NQ7lsBV2bFbCRNjy1Lva_6wg5uU5hEJGTs0ds-M93bYMal9JINx0EhjHp_k4BaTxxkpaRuNYV4v_kCFoypwEUZF-ozj9kTrqQpdZE8trTtsHYb8TXndGLqj7e_T0Ev9hLvUWh/s1600/20180511_102300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS2tONhF3NQ7lsBV2bFbCRNjy1Lva_6wg5uU5hEJGTs0ds-M93bYMal9JINx0EhjHp_k4BaTxxkpaRuNYV4v_kCFoypwEUZF-ozj9kTrqQpdZE8trTtsHYb8TXndGLqj7e_T0Ev9hLvUWh/s320/20180511_102300.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BML_kjqJJouEEy6Knujrdc8LklUJqbDlYojMMKHroUtnpCk98fW3FWFpwOddgnVhGTp-akK2zOQbwnqexOkGTcmYHA_R_93InYJnaCR2lBRFA1PJltjStnaucLbwkmYCLemb0CSp8bta/s1600/20180511_103855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0BML_kjqJJouEEy6Knujrdc8LklUJqbDlYojMMKHroUtnpCk98fW3FWFpwOddgnVhGTp-akK2zOQbwnqexOkGTcmYHA_R_93InYJnaCR2lBRFA1PJltjStnaucLbwkmYCLemb0CSp8bta/s320/20180511_103855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkturJqoXp8abqkC1tHAyeOXntPHtFPVhihE6oQJPLSxBIjxB0l1SeAb6dvtPbQVV9IZKE0M2dCs9HAMlSmlBisWuawg2yrixmQq0vlyiQxEbU-JOUIBKhj6t_OOMR4yrPPH4GNqER-_eL/s1600/20180511_121350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkturJqoXp8abqkC1tHAyeOXntPHtFPVhihE6oQJPLSxBIjxB0l1SeAb6dvtPbQVV9IZKE0M2dCs9HAMlSmlBisWuawg2yrixmQq0vlyiQxEbU-JOUIBKhj6t_OOMR4yrPPH4GNqER-_eL/s320/20180511_121350.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmz6jY2E1Q3X5UMDs4bpaKi0ZTZijrFZ-_2tRvJ1y6k7T9KdCvYPrAejYtfhOq7KQ3rTeDNPNIs_E8YHWPbfQjZKHPxR115CVm4XYNcDOGdzXT0ZIHlQxo_GE9sYslqX6nFl-Yt8C29ZZ/s1600/20180511_122750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrmz6jY2E1Q3X5UMDs4bpaKi0ZTZijrFZ-_2tRvJ1y6k7T9KdCvYPrAejYtfhOq7KQ3rTeDNPNIs_E8YHWPbfQjZKHPxR115CVm4XYNcDOGdzXT0ZIHlQxo_GE9sYslqX6nFl-Yt8C29ZZ/s320/20180511_122750.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBq9awJVzIXo2mXTD0fLoYxrogvVj-Ymqj3TFIptUS0ua1zQ2BwZ6ZaLeoqK7u_XVveHWBnD951z5hVoe2Ida4tPYWbdBCX7xpZcNvEeRwzyK6t4tgOTMx4K57QNG7Bpo80mo25RDHOJD/s1600/20180511_124250.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBq9awJVzIXo2mXTD0fLoYxrogvVj-Ymqj3TFIptUS0ua1zQ2BwZ6ZaLeoqK7u_XVveHWBnD951z5hVoe2Ida4tPYWbdBCX7xpZcNvEeRwzyK6t4tgOTMx4K57QNG7Bpo80mo25RDHOJD/s320/20180511_124250.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQLJL6K03La1uvwUd8WCuZWFhMjynyXFERPdmkSTq3VE-5yu3oEohV7yfdtUUuig9Ct3jm-a1_ENqh-fcSInT2F0MinNGgFi05TED0YEyBdkSxjLf2CTjAFaKnxBPk9u4ozbjuWNBV5gN/s1600/20180511_131610.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsQLJL6K03La1uvwUd8WCuZWFhMjynyXFERPdmkSTq3VE-5yu3oEohV7yfdtUUuig9Ct3jm-a1_ENqh-fcSInT2F0MinNGgFi05TED0YEyBdkSxjLf2CTjAFaKnxBPk9u4ozbjuWNBV5gN/s320/20180511_131610.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VbBAkDz_3DwGyR_bVdVi-0Ovn8WhjDOZx9_S590WkTbwTikdwXW8mQxEfdQXhPxA1mIId6dPGH2DwfjhsdMOYomyH33jOHSgofVIdM4khMxLDmbQ8jW8VrtLf9n8AITFxOuLUa3ojANM/s1600/20180511_150445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1VbBAkDz_3DwGyR_bVdVi-0Ovn8WhjDOZx9_S590WkTbwTikdwXW8mQxEfdQXhPxA1mIId6dPGH2DwfjhsdMOYomyH33jOHSgofVIdM4khMxLDmbQ8jW8VrtLf9n8AITFxOuLUa3ojANM/s320/20180511_150445.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9C6w5e1FDLsCZwbDbSbWKgJYM3Ho_qi8z_dxixZwXHeuBiZKlLXyhw2KLC1WsMyJCYlM7gAM5osI54HAMJTIANsYyoFJZM77O0S6NAskdpBuXkvhMgYBms3t8iOhliF9mFSIuYl7E5sX/s1600/20180511_150858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW9C6w5e1FDLsCZwbDbSbWKgJYM3Ho_qi8z_dxixZwXHeuBiZKlLXyhw2KLC1WsMyJCYlM7gAM5osI54HAMJTIANsYyoFJZM77O0S6NAskdpBuXkvhMgYBms3t8iOhliF9mFSIuYl7E5sX/s320/20180511_150858.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HJObavBH-6wIewDxWEr1DNE4tGjuGVXisuhMTHGsIG2WdLtPh6q9azLvxrkJ8KO6vgsUygap7I6eXwCXSxj-Jp08N4me7Y4UaK149oKkRkI15EF6FUXb2H6RwNhrEjTnh2cHww0OcWrm/s1600/20180511_151717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6HJObavBH-6wIewDxWEr1DNE4tGjuGVXisuhMTHGsIG2WdLtPh6q9azLvxrkJ8KO6vgsUygap7I6eXwCXSxj-Jp08N4me7Y4UaK149oKkRkI15EF6FUXb2H6RwNhrEjTnh2cHww0OcWrm/s320/20180511_151717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSSVoxABut9i85MxXsVEA4v0mqGhkVaGJ3l7R0DnbnXjiKSbZQGGWDTe75gur_unXdOdMlCAnydRE46BP4zeeBXTC7SxadMzw7gHoFDtyoCENiFZ_e6X44yCagrkV90YMyANp7eGD1KoP/s1600/20180511_160619.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSSVoxABut9i85MxXsVEA4v0mqGhkVaGJ3l7R0DnbnXjiKSbZQGGWDTe75gur_unXdOdMlCAnydRE46BP4zeeBXTC7SxadMzw7gHoFDtyoCENiFZ_e6X44yCagrkV90YMyANp7eGD1KoP/s320/20180511_160619.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBa785CPHV1up64Y_B4hT1wotfDJ1mbGYAnb6O9dgAk1XMNrC81FJNBeYFWqTuGAhrBq7Uyd8Jre1VFXOFh6SBN7fdVW19HD6j856L_S4dgI_btFIwZGofRYlNoMHp3EnxiNBfPmOl3OY/s1600/20180511_161002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfBa785CPHV1up64Y_B4hT1wotfDJ1mbGYAnb6O9dgAk1XMNrC81FJNBeYFWqTuGAhrBq7Uyd8Jre1VFXOFh6SBN7fdVW19HD6j856L_S4dgI_btFIwZGofRYlNoMHp3EnxiNBfPmOl3OY/s320/20180511_161002.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDCyfcr6Eer-AZVGg1dXlec2N9AOjC7OKZJuyiD4lcE1AulezqkhmoD1c591PeP4jGPBrdAp352u-D8c-FOXp9untgZwA-w8BChIme3dUpZnX6AwNOHnnTfaHpgF6K933P8P2N7SLv0kN/s1600/20180511_161102.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwDCyfcr6Eer-AZVGg1dXlec2N9AOjC7OKZJuyiD4lcE1AulezqkhmoD1c591PeP4jGPBrdAp352u-D8c-FOXp9untgZwA-w8BChIme3dUpZnX6AwNOHnnTfaHpgF6K933P8P2N7SLv0kN/s320/20180511_161102.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7rmqRRrKHBlhRgDuaQOYv67OZaVnf_vWXOyBwNpp-sqvW1Ly39ta4FwqyMcHXnb3y1h-kpDxfxJjjrzPqURrol0PemL974ruiNLeHSqhrGkw73fO4irV5rPREPQVYAFZVMqWb38zT06y/s1600/20180511_161136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit7rmqRRrKHBlhRgDuaQOYv67OZaVnf_vWXOyBwNpp-sqvW1Ly39ta4FwqyMcHXnb3y1h-kpDxfxJjjrzPqURrol0PemL974ruiNLeHSqhrGkw73fO4irV5rPREPQVYAFZVMqWb38zT06y/s320/20180511_161136.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ls0-FbzEKF_Pt3-c9fti-VnNLSzH97teitExYKgGe-FTElO1L3Lq6W6w6rsy6EQwegLGgkgzhvn9fuekP87TsvNTxMbu3Nrh1wHjubKYVLPHqFPeY5_riMDB2p3FYIG2ulXAKZmP-hxG/s1600/20180511_161512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Ls0-FbzEKF_Pt3-c9fti-VnNLSzH97teitExYKgGe-FTElO1L3Lq6W6w6rsy6EQwegLGgkgzhvn9fuekP87TsvNTxMbu3Nrh1wHjubKYVLPHqFPeY5_riMDB2p3FYIG2ulXAKZmP-hxG/s320/20180511_161512.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After we got closer to entering Glaskogen, we decided our goal would be the trail shelter at the small lake <i>Sandtjärnet</i> for our last night of the trip. It was a nice lean-to shelter overlooking the lake and had a nice fireplace as well as an outhouse. The lake was quite shallow and full of very slippery, algae-covered stones near the campsite, which didn't make for a very good swimming spot. But there are plenty of other lakes around for that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv57fxhq0re9Zj9RucXjvOuEl3aDVtTIxJuH1mUp9DCVGUleyk1efqU6H9EDv8WcWOZFpbORYqCI2JLTyjeGj2SwX8crCG2zfBzRrNdjMkIK-yXfPVoGTDIUD9P-Ak_pB1wdIyA_7BOA9/s1600/20180511_164601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjv57fxhq0re9Zj9RucXjvOuEl3aDVtTIxJuH1mUp9DCVGUleyk1efqU6H9EDv8WcWOZFpbORYqCI2JLTyjeGj2SwX8crCG2zfBzRrNdjMkIK-yXfPVoGTDIUD9P-Ak_pB1wdIyA_7BOA9/s320/20180511_164601.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhW-GW9NPsLLtO473npvW4II1-rTLsEdhZYVObPShRezf0dFEa0Iw4PnMEXinpYFKBjnoODAMnOnMpIPrtTuQFX6UD1l_tdZXBjQm4dDkZWKgn9bSbS6MkbFqYDLmRF_gsD7sC38sbyDs/s1600/20180511_172046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOhW-GW9NPsLLtO473npvW4II1-rTLsEdhZYVObPShRezf0dFEa0Iw4PnMEXinpYFKBjnoODAMnOnMpIPrtTuQFX6UD1l_tdZXBjQm4dDkZWKgn9bSbS6MkbFqYDLmRF_gsD7sC38sbyDs/s320/20180511_172046.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFbKcEn9QmmpUhyYbyr9KsnEUx3hedxzKpfkBMmeNBVbeJXPFYF5ZQ6bqePL59IwHjtwcC9EPxE3gSqHQGmnSNnai2E-JBwgLeIWiqf24lqUY4jh7fdkjI8ATUjiNuSHQA5Wce3WLf0Nv/s1600/20180511_191554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiFbKcEn9QmmpUhyYbyr9KsnEUx3hedxzKpfkBMmeNBVbeJXPFYF5ZQ6bqePL59IwHjtwcC9EPxE3gSqHQGmnSNnai2E-JBwgLeIWiqf24lqUY4jh7fdkjI8ATUjiNuSHQA5Wce3WLf0Nv/s320/20180511_191554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJCxUus9asayGTHlkPo0pr4EOa4O6CMUHl2A_45lWVUCDeiydfUHAkLe4Grt4tYBAzwvFJKAl_qD5fu7q1X9AJKOq2IbhtXWHIjkeOTBjacCJDRoYCpCBU0sPCfds0NewoeTn0N-uCyu4/s1600/20180511_200415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJCxUus9asayGTHlkPo0pr4EOa4O6CMUHl2A_45lWVUCDeiydfUHAkLe4Grt4tYBAzwvFJKAl_qD5fu7q1X9AJKOq2IbhtXWHIjkeOTBjacCJDRoYCpCBU0sPCfds0NewoeTn0N-uCyu4/s320/20180511_200415.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbObMo5y8DHVlmavPNnEEnq4nAB99AGxNZ6v5QdwOo0N7S-fRYDVvXWpShsU_vjFeXDmRm2bMYCf5v41i-nrRjSs3aUbl9fUBBJOBiR4uqOsJKOdsAd-c7ZG0qPbk2h7PS6g8SDhm7uzni/s1600/20180511_200402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbObMo5y8DHVlmavPNnEEnq4nAB99AGxNZ6v5QdwOo0N7S-fRYDVvXWpShsU_vjFeXDmRm2bMYCf5v41i-nrRjSs3aUbl9fUBBJOBiR4uqOsJKOdsAd-c7ZG0qPbk2h7PS6g8SDhm7uzni/s320/20180511_200402.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OTyjgS1iab7yLE9nWxqUhTVQYNAp-dn7wOpwjfMDQYO8rgih5Z7zJOmL3eosYFyTIpeRUZulJ-YVbngN3m5v1FxYjHwjQu28SHEQ5PdED08Efpv6ksvmDxN4D_jbmLW5JhmO0RPQe1qQ/s1600/20180511_202419.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OTyjgS1iab7yLE9nWxqUhTVQYNAp-dn7wOpwjfMDQYO8rgih5Z7zJOmL3eosYFyTIpeRUZulJ-YVbngN3m5v1FxYjHwjQu28SHEQ5PdED08Efpv6ksvmDxN4D_jbmLW5JhmO0RPQe1qQ/s320/20180511_202419.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7pWzUy9GP3I89_KnSLU_I_8cuOLK-J8jiiz4lXFBC6JLD48Mpliwc8k49n_YV6Leha_Zif5u2S6a6sG9NHWwhVQvduWWpNHmwZ0L7fb7Ys2KndUu2mIZ1Jhc7kDFbRPiKSYx281QO8fT/s1600/20180512_112141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7pWzUy9GP3I89_KnSLU_I_8cuOLK-J8jiiz4lXFBC6JLD48Mpliwc8k49n_YV6Leha_Zif5u2S6a6sG9NHWwhVQvduWWpNHmwZ0L7fb7Ys2KndUu2mIZ1Jhc7kDFbRPiKSYx281QO8fT/s320/20180512_112141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next morning after breaking camp we hiked back down to the highway and then to the supermarket at Sillerud for some snacks. The buses were not running very often (it was a weekend by this point), but lucky for us we were able to hitch a ride to Karlstad. Karlstad has connections to many other cities such as Stockholm or Göteborg, and it seems like a nice little city.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Ryan and I agreed to come back and continue to explore Glaskogen. The little bit of exploration we did of this nature reserve proved to be quite nice, so we're looking forward to spending more time there. The place is pretty big (280 sq km), and as I mentioned in the introduction, there are all sorts of trails and shelters within the reserve. The tentative plan for the next section hike here will be to hike across the reserve from the eastern side to the western side, picking up where we left off at the shelter we stayed at. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-89021127919652124272018-02-11T17:08:00.001+01:002018-06-01T08:58:00.338+02:00My 2018 Winter and Spring Complete Clothing Breakdown<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Introduction </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So I finally have a few section hikes coming up! I will most likely do a gear list breakdown for my spring base pack weight (BPW), but I don't think I will have the time to do one for my winter kit for the trip coming up soon. However, it has been a while since I've gone over my clothing combos for all the different seasons I encounter (my older one you can <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/01/cesars-complete-gear-combinations-for.html"><b>check out here</b></a>, also includes BPW), so figured I should at least update my current clothing choices. Not to mention that I still get plenty of questions from friends, family, and sometimes online about what my clothing choices are for hiking. Later on in the year I'll do another breakdown like this for my two summer outfits (one for the mountains, one for the woods), so stay tuned for that.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Two years ago I showed off my winter gear list <a href="https://youtu.be/NiefFL4OdNE" target="_blank"><b>in a video</b></a>, and not too much has changed since then as far as gear goes. But there have been some significant changes to my clothing, in spite of still using some garments for about half a decade or so. Some of the more hardcore UL backpackers may cringe and/or scoff at some of the relatively heavy choices of clothing I have. But everyone has their limits, and when it comes to clothing worn I am more likely to shrug and say "good enough" with slightly heavier choices. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I think because I obsess so much over my BPW down to every little detail, I just don't have the energy to really dial in my clothing combos to be lighter and (this is key) just as warm. I'm also just not into clothing in general, as say a fashion or social statement, so it's hard for me to get excited about buying say, a pair of pants or a shirt. But I've spent plenty of time drooling over packs, shelters, quilts, and other BPW gear, and have literally had my pulse rise after getting a package slip in my mailbox for new gear. Not to say that clothing is any less important for backpacking, it should almost go without saying! And also note that quite a lot of this gear gets used in my day-to-day life to work and on day hikes, so it's not just collecting dust in the closet when I'm not on section hikes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So let's get down to the breakdown of my full winter and spring outfits. First up is some context:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<ul>
<li>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Both trips will be in south-west Sweden to woodland areas below treeline.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The winter trip has expected average temperatures of a high of 0C/32F and low of -4C/25F, but with possible cold snaps and wind chill down to -10C/14F.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The spring trip has expected average temperatures of a high of 10C/50F and low of -2C/28F, but with possible cold snaps and wind chill down to -5C/23F.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm a man in my late 30's that is about 183cm/6ft tall and of average build.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Winter </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Let's begin with winter clothing, starting with the tops:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3js9Ju8IA94vUP3EMwonOcxYK0_GbfuBW9WpS3D2RU5wISFS0IEZobRbBew1p3nad2zoGFt35-gJIs4aITdrzI15kh0ci8DXKNFCL1yO3HVt323dMR7XM7OsKWOPf5CUKERG6bWwG2osc/s1600/20180210_220812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3js9Ju8IA94vUP3EMwonOcxYK0_GbfuBW9WpS3D2RU5wISFS0IEZobRbBew1p3nad2zoGFt35-gJIs4aITdrzI15kh0ci8DXKNFCL1yO3HVt323dMR7XM7OsKWOPf5CUKERG6bWwG2osc/s320/20180210_220812.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Left to right:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The North Face "waterproof breathable" rain jacket, size x-large, 490g/17.3oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Montbell Alpine Light down parka (2015 version), size large, 410g/14.5oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic gridded, medium polyester hoody, size x-large, 415g/14.6oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Handmade, 100% silk shirt, size large, 220g/7.8oz </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool base layer, size large, 225g/7.9oz </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">First the jacket. Most experienced backpackers will tell you that "waterproof breathable" doesn't really exist, and that such garments are really just buying you some time before they wet out. I don't recommend WPB for much, but one place where it shines from my experiences is in colder (i.e. below freezing) temps as a hard shell--and also works well as rain gear on day hikes or to work. There are expensive and heavier WPB fabrics out there that will extend the amount of time you have before wetting out, such as Gortex and the like. But in addition to the cons of costing more in terms of both money and weight, they are also really hard to dry out once they inevitably wet out, and I've read many people complain on forums (and a few in person) that Gortex also gets really stinky and gross after getting soaked.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I'm a huge fan of rain ponchos, but in the winter when temps are below freezing, it will be snow and not rain. Snow doesn't usually soak my pack (as long as it's cold enough for it to be powdery, naturally), so the added benefit of a pack cover that a poncho has is made pointless. A light WPB jacket will also keep you warmer and block wind better than a poncho, so this is my go-to outer layer in the winter.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The down jacket is kept in my pack until I make camp, and also doubles as added warmth to my sleep system. Great jacket! Nothing but good things to say about it, really. Very warm and comfy, and fits nicely under my hard shell jacket, which I bought one size larger to accommodate all my layers.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Then comes my medium thickness poly-grid hoody, which is a great mid layer that is also quite affordable and durable. This one cost me one-third of the price as some of the name brand hoodies that are nearly identical as far as fabric and design go. Tho this one is a bit heavier than some of those name brand ones, for example the super-popular Melly hoodies over on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight" target="_blank"><b>/r/ultralight</b></a> are listed as 346g/12.2oz for a men's size large--but in fairness, this generic hoody of mine is size x-large.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up is a 100% silk button-up, short sleeve shirt that I got as a gift from a family member. They picked it up in Thailand while they were on vacation, and it's a great shirt for colder trips for added warmth and to wick moisture as well. Silk, like merino, is also great at not stinking for a while. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally for winter tops is ye olde merino base layer. I've had this top and its matching bottom for around 5 or 6 years now, and they have both served me well. Slightly heavier than some other base layers, but then again, also slightly warmer than thinner ones too. Warm and much less stink than synth base layers, so I prefer wool for most of the year as a base layer, especially when it becomes more or less like a second skin on colder trips, when swimming and washing are much less common (for me at least).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now on to bottoms and extra clothing:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiG57uND0XTUk95KtKAxaStrzQxyqikt5epnwhPD5Fp7K_r_G0UHPHwPO7GYJeF61y6kPTawzdR_LoU1-3P3snP_OKER93OUZ2vBl4ifhZ9eYU2UREEDbrQ4s7Vq_QIDkkSfOU4VqLml1/s1600/20180210_224406.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjiG57uND0XTUk95KtKAxaStrzQxyqikt5epnwhPD5Fp7K_r_G0UHPHwPO7GYJeF61y6kPTawzdR_LoU1-3P3snP_OKER93OUZ2vBl4ifhZ9eYU2UREEDbrQ4s7Vq_QIDkkSfOU4VqLml1/s320/20180210_224406.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Left to right:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic WPB rain pants, 310g/10.9</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD eVent gaiters, 60g/2.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Swedemount medium nylon hiking pants, 410g/14.5oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Joe Nimble Cuddletoes, wool-lined, barefoot sneaker boot, EU size 45, 775g/27.3oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool base layer, 195g/6.9oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool boxers, 65g/2.3oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thick ski socks, wool/nylon blend, 95g/3.4oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool glove liners, 35g/1.2oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool liner socks, 30g/1oz (x2, other pair not pictured)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trucker cap, poly and mesh, 60g/2.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Smartwool medium merino wool buff, 50g/1.8oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Blackrock down hat, 35g/1.2oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thick synthetic mittens, 120g/4.2oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enlightened Equipment Sidekicks, 2oz Climashield Apex, 10D/10D nylon, size x-large, 45g/1.6oz</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've already explained the whole WPB use in winter above, so I would only note that for rain pants I suggest you save your money and go for something cheaper--especially if you like to go off-trail and/or bushwhacking, like I do. From my experiences pants seem to get more wear-and-tear than other garments, so no need to blow your dough on fancy pants. And the performance of the newer generations of generic WPB are pretty close to the name brand versions. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That being said, because you sweat more from your torso (especially arm pits for many people), you might want to invest a bit more cash in a nicer WPB top with an emphasis on the "breathable" part. If a hard shell doesn't breath well, water vapor that is trapped in say down insulation layers will not only make things clammy and uncomfortable, but will also decrease loft, and thus you will be less warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Next up are some medium thick nylon hiking pants for warmth and to wick moisture, followed by ye olde merino wool base layer, which depending on how cold it is may be packed as a sleep/camp layer. Also don't miss my winter hiking shoes of choice (kind of hidden on my pants in the picture above), which are warm and super comfy. Only problem with them is that they are so warm I can only wear them when it's really cold out, otherwise they are too warm.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The rest of the extras are fairly self-explanatory. The cap may seem strange to some people for use in the winter, but after years of using an alpaca or wool hat while hiking in the winter, I've found more utility and comfort in using a trucker or baseball cap, so long as you have hooded tops. Trucker/baseball caps block sun, helps to keep snow out of your face, and also helps to keep hoods out of the way of your field of vision. The hoods negate the problem of cold ears, and if it gets really windy and/or cold, then the buff can be pulled up over the ears if needed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Total weight of all my winter clothing: <b>4075g/9lbs</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Not bad if you ask me, considering that includes all clothing worn (including boots!) and packed garments too, and that this will mos def keep me toasty down to -10C/14F. I'd be warm enough with everything on down to around -15C/5F, perhaps even a bit colder.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Spring (and Fall/Early Winter)</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now on to my spring outfit, which I'd also use in the fall and even into early winter if it is mild enough. As before, first the tops:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqmM4msTUYE2n3cc9gOa_y0RrAKowHfhpvpZdPC79L0ApA-iM5g1uL01oPtVnOO6vebl5uuSYKommI3HC5VkHKRBc06vECczuDAR7WRk_l0fDeEGQhnTyPl90xbEIKNZNnummt7INJGKN/s1600/20180210_225822.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNqmM4msTUYE2n3cc9gOa_y0RrAKowHfhpvpZdPC79L0ApA-iM5g1uL01oPtVnOO6vebl5uuSYKommI3HC5VkHKRBc06vECczuDAR7WRk_l0fDeEGQhnTyPl90xbEIKNZNnummt7INJGKN/s320/20180210_225822.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Left to right:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Golite poncho/tarp, 200g/7oz (or my MLD poncho tarp, 300g/10.6oz, depending on what shelter system I am using)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enlightened Equipment Torrid jacket, size large, 20D/10D nylon, 285g/10.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Borah Gear down vest, size large, 105g/3.7oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium polyester hoody, size large, 385g/13.6oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino wool base layer, 185g/6.5oz</span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For the trip I have planned in the spring I'll be taking another tarp and use the Golite tarp as the front door/vestibule of my shelter system. And of course it's rain gear and a pack cover too. Other trips with different conditions and I will take my other poncho/tarp listed above. This Golite poncho is another piece of gear that I've had for about half a decade, and it has had a lot of good use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Torrid is a new addition to my lineup, and so far I've been very impressed with it. Warmer than I expected--slightly warmer than my circa 2013 version Montbell UL down jacket--and comfortable, it has been a pleasure to test out on day hikes and to work. I want to take it out on a few trips before I do a full review, but so far so good. I added a pull-tab on the zipper to make it easier to open and close. One minor complaint is that the zipper is pretty tiny and a bit tricky to use on its own, but it's an easy fix.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Borah vest is another personal favorite that's served me quite well over the past four years I've owned it. For it's low weight, it really packs a punch of warmth, and it's normally tucked away in my pack for sleep/camp/cold snap use.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Found a slightly lighter weight (non-gridded) poly hoody in the bargain bin at a sporting goods store and couldn't resist. It's nearly as warm as the grid poly hoody I have, and fits better under the Torrid as a mid layer, so glad I scored it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Finally a newer, thinner wool base layer for warmer temps. I'm a big fan of merino wool, you may have noticed.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On to the bottoms and extras:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7ST35UZHlov_ix8AkwMEI1Brz0hPo8ttBSYzvcEQpLe0ydhGn6cF0riD9U4LNAxXJp-le1snKYGY8sqAUzdHUvRM6XP1EwezRllsTIA2tDeQts5S2UiVI0eGcKK2Kl9FigA8NHpwUQRY/s1600/20180210_231340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq7ST35UZHlov_ix8AkwMEI1Brz0hPo8ttBSYzvcEQpLe0ydhGn6cF0riD9U4LNAxXJp-le1snKYGY8sqAUzdHUvRM6XP1EwezRllsTIA2tDeQts5S2UiVI0eGcKK2Kl9FigA8NHpwUQRY/s320/20180210_231340.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Left to right:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Silnylon rain pants, 80g/2.8oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD eVent gaiters, 60g/2.1oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin nylon hiking pants with DIY silnylon knee patches, 380g/13.4oz</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool base layer, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">195g/6.9oz</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Lems Boulder Boot in leather, 750g/26.5oz</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin merino boxers, </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">65g/2.3oz</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool glove liners, 35g/1.2oz</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, thin synthetic work gloves, 40g/1.4oz</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic, medium merino wool hiking socks, 70g/2.5oz (x2)</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trucker cap, poly and mesh, 60g/2.1oz</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Custom made thin merino hat, 30g/1.1oz</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Smartwool medium merino wool buff, 50g/1.8oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Enlightened Equipment Sidekicks, 2oz Climashield Apex, 10D/10D nylon, size x-large, 45g/1.6oz</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">As before, most of these items are pretty self explanatory and/or have been commented on already. So I won't go into too much detail here. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hiking pants are yet another garment that I've been using for about half a decade, and they have been remarkably durable, especially from a generic brand. I've put a few small patches of Zpack's nylon tape on a few small holes, but it was not until recently that I got the idea to sew--or rather, my awesome wife was kind enough to sew for me!--some knee patches of some silnylon I had laying around. This will keep my knees dryer while kneeling, no more soggy knees after staking out my tarp in damp moss!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This spring combo of clothing will keep me toasty down to -2C/28F, and warm enough down to about -6C/21F and perhaps a bit more. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The grand total weight of my spring clothing: <b>3090g/6.8lbs</b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>El Fin </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That brings this big clothing breakdown to an end. If you've enjoyed it or found it useful, as I mentioned earlier, my two summer outfits will also get broken down in a future post. As always, feel free to ask questions or give feedback. And same old disclaimer: I'm still not sponsored, still never got any free gear, and still no ads on my blog.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Happy trails to you this winter and spring seasons, and make sure to keep warm out there!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*Update 18/02/2017:</b> Fixed up some minor typos and formatting errors. Also just came back from a short section hike, and wanted to report that my winter clothing line up worked out great! I was very comfy hiking in roughly -2C/28F temps in moderate snowfall, and never had to layer up all the way. The down puffy stayed in my pack until camp, and at camp I had no need to put the hard shell over the down puffy. So I'm confident that I would be toasty to my given limit of -10C/14F and would survive beyond it to around -15C/5F.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>*Update 27/05/2018:</b> I recently did a breakdown of my summer clothing, which also includes a video where I talk about my clothing choices (and possible alternatives) in detail. <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2018/05/my-2018-updated-clothing-worn-and.html">Check it out here!</a> </b></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-3350831636075194792017-11-30T11:00:00.001+01:002017-11-30T11:48:57.172+01:00A Response to 20 Viewers' Backpacking Tips<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A month ago I announced a give-away contest on my Youtube channel, the winner getting their choice of either a tarp or a bug bivy from <a href="http://borahgear.com/" target="_blank">Borah Gear</a>. Thanks again to Borah Gear who were nice enough to put up the prize for this contest! They make great gear and have a well-earned good reputation in the online UL community, for instance on <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/" target="_blank">Reddit's UL forum</a>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So the contest was pretty straight forward: to enter just leave a comment with a favorite backpacking tip on my <a href="https://youtu.be/ysUTfNOlUi8" target="_blank">1000 subscriber video special</a>, and I would take 20 of them and pick one at random. I also wanted to share all 20 of these tips here on my blog and also give some feedback on each tip, so here we go! I will make a short video picking the winner at random shortly after publishing this post. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Thanks to all my readers, Youtube subscribers, and special thanks to everyone that left a tip and entered the contest. These are good tips, and I've been looking forward to responding to them as they collected over the past month.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1. Susan Hornbuckle<i><br />My tip: I use my pack liner/trash compactor bag inside my sleeping bag to help warm up my feet on a really cold night. :) Thanks for all the product reviews and information.</i><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nice multi-use out of your pack liner! A vapor barrier will warm you up, but the down side is of course having whatever part of your body covered by a vapor barrier get clammy/damp/wet. I've actually resorted to using a garbage bag as a torso vapor barrier in situations when I was younger and less experienced to get some sleep on nights with harsh cold snaps, and while it worked, it was not very pleasant. So make sure to try this out on casual trips (like say car camping) to see if it is for you. But great tip to keep in mind if you're in a cold snap and need an extra bit of warmth.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Alex Guerra<br /><i>My tip is bringing bread bags when backpacking, especially in rainy or wild weather. They can be used as a VBL in the cold or at the end of the day, when you put on dry socks you can slip those over and put your sweaty/wet shoes back on and keep them clean. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />Similar to Susan's tip, but another good version of it. Bread bags are essentially free, don't weigh much, and have other utility apart from VBL use. I used to take two bread bags with me just like Alex and for the same reasons, actually. But now and for the past few years I've switched to just having warmer/higher quality socks and good routines with them. I generally take three pair: two for hiking and one pair of sleep socks.<br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3. Brandon Smith<br /><i>My tip would be to adopt "one-piece-trash" to make packing out garbage a bit simpler. For instance, if you're opening up something like a Starbucks Via or Justin's packet, don't rip the top piece all the way off of the larger section. Simply leave it attached at the end. This makes managing your trash way easier and helps reduce the amounts of small, sometimes unseeable pieces of garbage on the trail.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wish more people would do this! At camp sites it's more common to see scraps of trash rather than full-on litter (at least here in Scandinavia). Both suck, but odds are some of these scraps are just simple mistakes rather than intending on littering. So yes, be mindful of trash and pack it all out!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />4. James Edge<br /><i>my tip is carry everything you could possibly use in the day( food, poo kit, rain shell, water purification, ext.) either in hipbelt pockets or my zpacks multi bag so I don’t take my pack off at all while hiking it’s crazy how many more miles you can get in when you can get to everything you need without stopping walking . I don’t take my pack off till I’m ready to set up camp. Not for everyone but works great for me !</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I carry a satchel and one shoulder pouch, and also find it convenient to have most of what I need in there for my hikes. There is plenty of space in my satchel, but the shoulder strap has my water filter (Sawyer mini usually) and water bladder so it doesn't get other gear wet. One thing I've grown to like over the years is not taking off my pack as often. It cuts down on the annoying process of having to put the pack back on and then get all the straps back to the way you like them. It's not a big deal if you do this a few times, but back when I tried hiking without any pockets at all (on very minimalist SUL trips, for example), I was stopping every time I wanted to fill water, get out bug spray, put on sun block, take out a snack, read maps, etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">One thing I do take my pack off is to put on rain gear or use the bathroom, though. But cool that it works great for you James!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5. Kerry Fristo<br /><i>Two fav tips: #1) for anyone using a bivy who doesn’t like finding bugs in their boots/shoes in the morning, put each shoe in a zip-lock bag overnight. And zip-lock can also be used as a dry seat in camp; #2) for women, use a bandana as a “pee rag” (instead of paper or fairly non-absorbent leaves) and hang on top of pack during day to dry. It’s kinda weird at first, but great LNT practice!</i><br /><br />1. You know, I often use a bivy as part of my shelter system, and never had problems with bugs in my shoes. But I think if I lived in Australia I'd mos def cover my shoes! I've seen people (and read of others doing this online as well) put their shoes into a stuff sack, but I never liked that idea, as then your stuff sack could get all wet and/or dirty. But a big Ziplock or plastic bag would work great, plus I dig the multi-use dry seat aspect!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. I actually have tried to get my wife to do this, but she didn't like the idea. I like the idea, tho as a man I pee LNT anyhow. But if I were a woman I wouldn't have any problem doing this.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6. Martin Dohnal<br /><i>My tips: Look critically at your gear, ultralight doesn't have to be expensive, if you want to reduce pack weight, invest into ''big free'', but other things you can buy usually cheap, moreover items like clothing can be found in thriftstore for almost nothing, make a rain skirt/bivi from tyvek,, use socks as a gloves when needed with cheap grocery bags as a mittens.</i><br /><br />Yeah, you don't have to have an expensive solution to everything, nor do you need to spend that much money to go UL, which me and many other UL nerds have written about in great detail before. But it's worth repeating to traditional and/or new backpackers who have the misconception that UL is all about a price tag. For example, I recently found a great micro-grid, polyester hoody at a sporting goods store that's literally less than half the price (even a third of the price in some cases) of fancier, big-brand tops that are pretty much the same. Nearly the same weight, the same fabric content (100% polyester), just as warm and comfy.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7. Cameron's Ultralight Backpacking<br /><i>My tip would be to use as much multiple use gear as possible to reduce pack weight. Hiking poles to support your tent, drinking cup as food pot, poncho tarp for shelter and rainwear, use tent stakes as pot support for cooking, etc. Saves weight and money just by bringing less to do the same things.</i><br /><br />Hell yeah! I love poncho/tarps, this is a piece of gear I recommend quite a lot. All it takes is a bit of experience and practice and it's an amazing piece of gear for a good range of hiking trips. I always eat out of my pot and honestly don't understand what the hell I was thinking bringing a whole big cook kit years ago. Less to clean, less to worry about, less weight, it's just such an advantage with certain things going minimalist that it's hard to deny or justify full cook kits for long distance trips. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8. Márcio Floripa<br /><i>My tip is to roll some gorilla tape or duck tape in the trekking pole to save weight and space in the backpack. Always useful and ready to use.</i><br /><br />Just be careful where you put it! I used to do this back when I used trekking poles, but I put the tape too close to the hand grips. Over time my hands would at times slip down the pole and grab/bump/rub the tape, which eventually messed up the tape, and also got glue on my hands.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">When going without poles, you can wrap tape around a pen (which is what I do) or an old library/bus card. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">9. Robert Shine<br /><i>If its rainy out and your pack gets soaked, this can be problematic when you are using it in conjunction with a torso length sleeping pad. To avoid getting your sleeping bag and the inside of your tent wet turn your pack liner inside out and put your backpack in it. In the morning, just take the pack out and put your liner back in the bag. (make sure the wet side of your pack liner is facing your bag)</i><br /> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Yeah, this is great for people that regularly sleep on their packs. I will do this if there is a cold snap, but my pack is nearly always quite dry, because I use a poncho as rain gear/pack cover. Most of the time my pack is under my vestibule, and I put my foam sit pad under my legs while using a torso pad. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10. remmirath42<br /><i>My tip: You can mix a lot of lightweight powdered stuff into your oatmeal. Protein powder for keeping you full longer. Matcha powder for a caffeine kick. Cocoa powder for chocolate cravings. Psyllium husk powder if you want to use less toilet paper, if you know what I mean (it makes for a nice and smooth consistency).</i><br /><br />I also like using chia seeds, almond flour, sesame seeds, and spices like cinnamon and sometimes even cayenne for a spicy kick! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">11. Jack Nolan<br /><i>My tip is to load up on mystery podcasts to listen with the wife, who's just getting into backpacking, in the tent at night. Has made for very memorable - read: scary and exciting - adventures in the woods.</i><br /><br />I love scary stories! My friends and I will often tell them or just discuss hypotheticals that are frightening or dangerous. Fun but also a good mental exercise to think about what you'd actually do if say, a rabid wolf or a crazed junkie attacked you. Odds are none of these scary things will happen, but a "just in case" plan in your mind weighs nothing and if anything flexes your critical thinking skills.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">12. Stu Minnis<br /><i>2 tips: If you’re going somewhere hot with lots of sun exposure, a good umbrella is totally worth it. And if you have a cold trip planned and have cold feet like me, down booties are the best.</i><br /><br />1. I am not on team umbrella, but if I lived in a sunny place like where I was born (what up Los Angeles, California!?), I'd mos def have one of them chrome-dome umbrellas. In rainy weather I prefer a poncho.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. I recently ordered a pair of EE synthetic booties, and I'm excited to try them out! I don't get cold feet, but it's good to keep fingers and toes warm to boost over all core temperature. Also good to put on sleep socks over hiking socks if there is a cold snap or if you want to dry out a pair overnight that you just washed at camp. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">13. Markus Ulfberg<br /><i>Here's my best advice that I've heard, but sadly didn't heed quite as much as I should have: Practice setting up your tarp (or anything else new to you) at home before going into the woods. Getting a nice taut tarp is a lot harder than it looks and something you don't want to have to deal with when you're far from home. </i><br /><br />So many backpacking noobs need to do this, so it's one I often repeat and recommend. I hardly think about setting up my tarp when I make camp, and usually takes me less than 10 minutes to have both my tarp pitched and my ground cover and bivy sorted out as well. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">14. Raphaël Verstraeten<br /><i>My tip when packing toilet paper is to remove the inner cardboard roll. This diminishes the volume taken in your pack, and allows you to take paper from the inside of the roll, making it possible to leave it in a ziplock bag at all times and avoid wet TP.</i><br /><br />It's okay to steal other good tips! This is especially good for hiking in groups, but when I go solo I take little packets of tissues. Each pack only weighs like 20g and has 10 tissues, which works out to around 5 days of pooping for me, because I supplement my wiping with natural materials like moss and leaves. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">15. dinosaur304<br /><i>Two tips: 1. the best creamiest creamer for your on the trail coffee ! Starbucks VIA and Alpine Start are my favorite trail coffees. 2. baby wipes to get you clean as a whistle down there. helps stop chafing. But you have to pack them back out with you - just put them in a dedicated ziplock bag. you can sandwich them between drier-scent sheets to cover th em and add fresh springtime scent. </i><br /><br />1. Never tried those coffees, so I'll have to look out for them. I love a good cup of coffee and/or tea. When I go solo I tend to stick to tea bags, but my wife is a coffee fan, so she takes fancy powdered coffee that's not bad. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2. Speaking of my wife, she is also a big fan of baby wipes. Moss will also get you clean as a whistle down there, especially with a bit of morning dew on it, but to each their own! ;)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">16. RESTLESS OUTDOORS<br /><i>One of my favorite tips I use is to repackage my Mountain House meals... I dump them in freezer bags, and save one package to eat out of... easier to pack, save weight and space especially on a mult-day trip!</i> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While I usually make my own backpacking meals, I do at times spoil myself with ready-made trail meals, and family members will buy them for me as gifts too. The packages can be quite bulky, and especially if you eat out of your pot anyhow, you don't need em. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">17. Eric Klein<br /><i>My tip is to try your backpacking pad thai recipe. One of favorites.</i><br /><br />Glad you like it! I'm working on another noodle recipe and will try and do a video on it in the future. If you ever get sick of my Pad Thai, you can always switch up ingredients. Try different kinds of noodles, for example, or hot sauces, even fruit to give it a sweet/spice kick like dates or date puree. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">18. OperatorOneSix<br /><i>Tip: For great area lighting while doing things around camp after dark (or just to keep the light out of fellow hikers eyes when navigating in the dark), turn your headlamp upside down and hang it around your neck. Use the articulation in the head (that usually angles down) to position the light so it’s focused in your work or walking area but out of other people’s eyes.</i><br /><br />Also make sure to take advantage of white colored things to reflect light around your campsite or shelter. For example you can strap your headlamp to a white or translucent/white-ish water bottle, or hang your headlamp inside the trail shelter or tent with a piece of TP wrapped around it. I've rigged all sorts of DIY lanterns! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">19. kryzzet<br /><i>My favourite is the simple thing of bringing parmesan, it surprises many people that I meet on the trail. Simply because it's such a great flavor enhancer for all kinds of meals, and because it's so dry and salty it lasts a lot longer than people expect. And most important, it's rather weight efficient at around 430kcal per 100g</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br />I did this a lot when I used to eat dairy, but now that I'm vegan a nice replacement is either nutritional yeast or vegan mac n' cheese mix you can buy in powdered form. Add a heaping spoon of either of those to pasta, plus a splash of olive oil, and it's so good! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">20. Michael Molloy<br /><i>Take all your food out of the packaging and put it in ziplocks.</i></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Similar to the tip about re-packaging meals, another tip I'd also give about Ziplock food organizing is to combine foods into less bags to save on waste/bulk/weight. For example, rather than pack one bag of polenta, one bag of almond flour, one bag of sugar, one of salt, etc.--mix your breakfast grits into one bag. Saves time in the morning too, just dump in your pot and get cooking.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i> </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Alright, that wraps up my response to all 20 of these good backpacking tips. I hope some of these tips and/or my feedback can help you to have happier trails out there. The winner of the give-away will be announced shortly in a short video, which I'll add below once it's uploaded. Peace out!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><i></i></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/0mQHfpM8zTk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0mQHfpM8zTk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /><i></i></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-86655361877420296552017-10-22T22:06:00.016+02:002022-01-05T12:04:52.556+01:00Cesar's Guide to The Troll Trail/Trolleden: Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtFdP3KPUjNtrIR7WZZ-oaXZ1GEaYcRtBVBFI2QnNR6JxSe7NRC3d7eL4I_8tRFOcMUjFv0R95SDgkOBNATDtobZ1xNTGdLcSEOec9Uhyphenhyphens00b2gPL20xFgxgnlykiAH-iHeZJt3IHKxBt/s1600/20170716_093502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMtFdP3KPUjNtrIR7WZZ-oaXZ1GEaYcRtBVBFI2QnNR6JxSe7NRC3d7eL4I_8tRFOcMUjFv0R95SDgkOBNATDtobZ1xNTGdLcSEOec9Uhyphenhyphens00b2gPL20xFgxgnlykiAH-iHeZJt3IHKxBt/s320/20170716_093502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i><b>Note</b>: If you want a condensed but full guide to the Troll Trail, <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2021/07/the-troll-trail-in-nutshell-full-guide.html"><b>you can find that here</b></a>. This shorter guide was written with the intention of providing an on-trail reference for hikers of this trail, and also as a complement to the longer guides and trip reports you will find below.</i> </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> <br /></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u><b>Introduction </b></u><br /></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The Troll Trail (or TT for short, or <i>Trolleden</i> in Swedish) is a long distance hiking route I created that goes from city of Göteborg in the south, to lake <i>Grövelsjön</i> in the north on the Swedish-Norwegian border. It passes through mostly southwest Sweden, but at times goes into southeast Norway or follows along close to (or even right on) the border. However the entire trail can be hiked entirely in Sweden.</span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">It is approximately <b>1,135km/705mi</b> long, and there are several side trails, loops, and optional parts of the route that are not included in that total.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The TT can be hiked as an alternative section of the E1 European long distance path in Sweden, rather than the official Swedish E1 route. You can read more about the official E1 route in<b> <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/01/cesars-guide-to-e1-trails-in-sweden.html">my guide to it here</a></b>. I created the TT as a direct result of hiking the Swedish E1. While I enjoyed this path overall, there were some problems with several sections, such as lack of trail maintenance, very little information/documentation, very isolated areas (making it difficult to resupply or have access to public transportation), and some sections had quite a bit of walking on asphalt and/or gravel roads.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">But the shortcomings of the official Swedish E1 trail were not my only motivation in putting together this trail. After many years hiking in the areas that the TT goes through, I really fell in love with the nature and terrain of places like Bohuslän and Dalsland. I discovered more obscure nature reserves and woodland trails that not as many hikers travel to, or even know exist. Yet other established and well known hiking trails were not that far away. The more I hiked, the more a new route made sense, and I had a great time in the process as well.</span><br />
</p><a name='more'></a><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">A few new trails would have to be made to connect certain areas, so I decided to do just that around 2015 with some initial exploration trips. While there are some new paths to walk, the majority of the TT is made up of marked and generally well maintained long distance hiking paths here in south-west and central Sweden. In fact, further up north--at The South King's Trail (<i>Södra Kungsleden</i>) near the village of Sälen--the TT merges with the official Swedish E1. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">But my new route needed a name, and "alternative route to the official Swedish E1 trail" doesn't really sound as cool or roll off the tongue. So I came up with the name "Troll Trail" because:</span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">1. Trolls (the mythological monsters) are both cool and of Scandinavian origin.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">2. In Swedish the word "troll" can also be used as a verb to express creating something out nothing (i.e. magically). For example: "<i>Jag kan inte trolla fram det.</i>" meaning "I can't make it out of thin air." And in a way I am creating a trail out of nothing.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">3. The route goes through quite a lot of woodland that is considered "<i>trollskog</i>," meaning roughly "dark, still, and spooky woods" that is traditionally associated with where mythological trolls would live or be found in folklore.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The TT is made up of seven different sections, and below is a list of the these sections with links to their respective trail guide and trip report. When possible I will also provide links to official websites of trails and nature reserves that are a part of the TT. </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">If you plan on hiking in Sweden and have never done so before, please check out my crash course to <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/02/general-tips-and-information-on.html">backpacking in Sweden here</a></b> with lots of good but general info.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_Mg-L8Td4kQgdqGhFkhhELA_9HotmW-x/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>Click here for a general overview of the trail</b></a> in the form of six maps, in order of south to north, and feel free to download the PDF file. The trail is highlighted in pink, but please keep in mind that it is a very rough sketch of where the trail is, it's not a perfect match of the trail, and there are various alternate routes, side trails, and loops that are not included. So these maps are <b><i>not </i></b>intended for navigation, but instead general planning and information. Highlighted with red circles are resupply points (i.e. supermarkets).</span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">And if you want a large overview map in one picture that shows roughly where the trail is located in relation to Scandinavia, you can check out the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MyAUw5RRhcKM30TvIByr5HBggh6wwSbq/view?usp=sharing"><b>Sweden overview map here</b></a>.<br /></span></p>There are also some great navigation/map apps you can download to use on your phone for the entire TT, and I highly recommend that you do. <p>I use two free apps: <b><a href="https://www.lantmateriet.se/en/self-service/lantmateriets-appar/">Landmäteriets My Maps</a></b>, and the “Lokalsinne” app (search for it in your app store of choice). <br /> <br /> Please feel free to offer feedback or <span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">ask questions via email (you can find my email on my blog profile).</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The Troll Trail Sections (from south to north):</span></b></u><br />
<br />
<b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">1. The City of Gothenberg/Göteborg, 0km</span></b><br />
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZ_HXCxWDWPjD5C1hknk7mfDTnfUGkVAmUiLu5zrZOca5x3Ly_de7HXeqQCyykjj12y-Bh5pUWfw1dFY971B3IwWbAXb4LsqOwYXvWbqOHCrHUB9WoU0qOMVOtmN5XzDWydAUCBCw2Aq/s1600/20171013_161425.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEZ_HXCxWDWPjD5C1hknk7mfDTnfUGkVAmUiLu5zrZOca5x3Ly_de7HXeqQCyykjj12y-Bh5pUWfw1dFY971B3IwWbAXb4LsqOwYXvWbqOHCrHUB9WoU0qOMVOtmN5XzDWydAUCBCw2Aq/s320/20171013_161425.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiwhIjdCoTQr_9pEhXnxoOUqopEFqHTdJ4Sseaqxv_u0gFiSLE_7PQ_5gMhGe1q3XVGEKrGY0qtcBG2XBt7-GQ2qPG0TRsRsJq6IYsPMp0onL6zAhyo5jqtB-TRVFAguER-rvEqtwqHr_/s1600/20170925_181052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiwhIjdCoTQr_9pEhXnxoOUqopEFqHTdJ4Sseaqxv_u0gFiSLE_7PQ_5gMhGe1q3XVGEKrGY0qtcBG2XBt7-GQ2qPG0TRsRsJq6IYsPMp0onL6zAhyo5jqtB-TRVFAguER-rvEqtwqHr_/s320/20170925_181052.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">I love this city! It's Sweden's second biggest city, and it's a really cool place. There are lots of good aspects to this city, but I will stick to the ones that are the most relevant for backpackers. Though it is worth mentioning that it often rates high on lists for travelers/tourists, like being one of <b><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/travel/2017/feb/22/party-gothenburg-voted-worlds-most-sociable-city-hostelworld-stockholm-new-york" target="_blank">the most social cities</a></b> in the world. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">And of course you can also check out the <b><a href="https://www.lonelyplanet.com/sweden/gotaland/goteborg" target="_blank">Lonely Planet guide</a></b> for more touristy or urban backpacking type stuff to do. If you have traveled from outside of Sweden, like say the USA, I'd suggest that you might as well see some sights while you are all the way over here.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">The official E1 starts in the small city of Varberg to the south. And honestly, having hiked the trail from Varberg to Göteborg, I wasn't very impressed with that stretch of trail. Which is why I skipped them entirely in planning the TT. Not to mention that if you are doing a thru-hike of the E1 trails (going north or southbound), it's probably more convenient and fun to have Göteborg as your first or last stop in Sweden. </span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Göteborg has two airports, a big train station with connections all over Scandinavia, and you can also <b><a href="https://www.stenaline.nl/en-GB-nl/scandinavia" target="_blank">catch a ferry</a></b> over to or from Denmark (as well as other places). So if you are thru-hiking the entire European E1, rather than taking the ferry from Varberg to or from Grenå, Denmark, you sail to or from Frederikshavn, Denmark--and hey, you get to see a bit more of Denmark in the process. Highly recommend taking a zero day or two in Göteborg before you leave, though!</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Back to useful stops for backpackers. Right in center city there are camping and sporting goods stores, just ask around or Google. <i>Naturkomaniet</i> is going to be more expensive, high end gear that is mostly traditional backpacking kit. However UL has recently started to catch on here in Sweden, but most backpackers are of the more traditional, heavy hauler types. </span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">There is at least one niche UL gear shop that sells a fair amount of USA UL brand gear (e.g. Gossamer Gear, Six Moon Designs, Thermarest, MSR, etc.), which is <i>Fjällsport</i>, and it's <b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/tKM5r9GVFJiXDpWN7" target="_blank">located in the city center</a></b>. There are cheaper places to buy gear, especially clothing, like at <i>Intersport</i> or <i>Stadium </i>sporting goods stores. But if you are just looking for food and fuel, well there are plenty of supermarkets, but you can find Esbit, gas canisters, and alcohol at Naturkomaniet and Fjällsport, or at a hardware stores called <i>Clas Ohlson</i> (and usually cheaper there, but not all stores carry Esbit). And finally, there are lots of nice pubs around, and some of my favorites you'll find around <i>Järntorget</i> down the side street of <i>Andra Långgatan</i>. Some of these pubs have after work specials with all you can eat buffets so long as you buy a drink.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Finding the TT in Göteborg is easy! An entry point to start northbound on <i>Bohusleden</i> can be found at various parts of the city and its suburbs, but the <i>Skatås</i> trailhead is perhaps the most accessible (close to Kjellberg park, <b><a href="https://goo.gl/maps/XM66UZtx7e23Z5pK9" target="_blank">which you can find here</a></b>), which is why I chose it as the southern terminus for the TT. It's about 5km from the Centralstation train station and makes for a nice city walk, with parks and canals along the way. Or you can catch the number 5 tram just outside of the central train station and get off at the <i>Welandergatan</i> stop, then it's just down the road to the east less than a kilometer away.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>2. <i>Bohusleden</i></b>, <b>270km</b></span><br />
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92acvtqINAEa6KLk4TiKhLTQuySvigh69sWWmZijJEtre3UbtKfVbFFpVKOnpvScPG4_mKCXUWKM7E2qCZU_NisDTIMaRAP3ZlwOt-ZTrWHBzBXWqNz2Ftmav6s_FBKzgCfIXvvVaNbHw/s1600/P1060125.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj92acvtqINAEa6KLk4TiKhLTQuySvigh69sWWmZijJEtre3UbtKfVbFFpVKOnpvScPG4_mKCXUWKM7E2qCZU_NisDTIMaRAP3ZlwOt-ZTrWHBzBXWqNz2Ftmav6s_FBKzgCfIXvvVaNbHw/s1600/P1060125.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-SkjRz2LvtJJMM2naIAJS_pUy1c-WeZCpKz3sGJ6xBXqW5DJ3khwaXQ6phLZmokGwH3R6-nTP0IT55iXD4CVldK6iYwvz77mGHE5iVncjV3fDdeFQiyJF5nrWdXA8kdBb1hH3EGpngfC/s1600/P1040033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv-SkjRz2LvtJJMM2naIAJS_pUy1c-WeZCpKz3sGJ6xBXqW5DJ3khwaXQ6phLZmokGwH3R6-nTP0IT55iXD4CVldK6iYwvz77mGHE5iVncjV3fDdeFQiyJF5nrWdXA8kdBb1hH3EGpngfC/s1600/P1040033.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">From stage 3 (<i>Skatås</i> trailhead) to stage 22 (<i>Nornäs</i> trailhead)</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2012/08/cesars-guide-to-bohusleden-introduction.html">Here is the introduction</a></b> to my guide to <i>Bohusleden</i>. Feel free to skip around to just the sections that the TT goes through.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Or you can skip right to <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2013/10/cesars-guide-to-bohusleden-epilogue.html">this post I wrote</a></b> after hiking the whole trail, where I explain how I would hike it again and why.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">And <b><a href="https://www.westswedentrails.com/en/delled/bohusleden" target="_blank">here is this trail's</a></b> official website, which has a lot of good info and resources.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span id="goog_148107960"></span><span id="goog_148107961"></span> </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b>3. Hiking across <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalsland" target="_blank">Dalsland</a></b>, <b>160km</b></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0KP2tBvLIsKyU7AZ6vJy_KmAwDJ9NGqM2CcmmVmJJzos42wY3zwgOZjdZ6_1eUi0rl5ZA1XQshw-YnPc1mwDoYsnJ6cVjH_qU8o_7rNWJEQQ4865yxUq2JlFYa2dBK8NPMfNbizbVUDH/s1600/20171006_181444.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_0KP2tBvLIsKyU7AZ6vJy_KmAwDJ9NGqM2CcmmVmJJzos42wY3zwgOZjdZ6_1eUi0rl5ZA1XQshw-YnPc1mwDoYsnJ6cVjH_qU8o_7rNWJEQQ4865yxUq2JlFYa2dBK8NPMfNbizbVUDH/s320/20171006_181444.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xn2TQO9C9OSbvJgq2vIGu04-53kwv1y384B1pODyQhCrPDBtjU3uvL-Za8i5r3-7Aw0fzwzX4b88LjdqHL5-5A88DMHUT9jlVIBnh1S6tewF2gtEQ5-EoL42AoEzXgTil07Smn_EP9MD/s1600/20170630_183627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6xn2TQO9C9OSbvJgq2vIGu04-53kwv1y384B1pODyQhCrPDBtjU3uvL-Za8i5r3-7Aw0fzwzX4b88LjdqHL5-5A88DMHUT9jlVIBnh1S6tewF2gtEQ5-EoL42AoEzXgTil07Smn_EP9MD/s320/20170630_183627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">From <i>Nornäs</i> to the border of <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V%C3%A4rmland" target="_blank">Värmland</a></b>, </span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part One</u>: <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/04/cesars-guide-to-ed-loop.html">The Ed Loop</a></b> (about 25km from <i>Nornäs</i> to the town of Ed)</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part Two</u>: <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/07/cesars-guide-to-dalsland-connection.html">The DCR</a></b></span><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">(about 60km from Ed to <i>Pilgrimsleden</i> near Upperud)</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span> </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part Three</u>: <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/06/cesars-guide-to-pilgrimsleden-dalsland.html"><i>Pilgrimsleden</i></a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> (about 55km from Upperud to Edsleskog)</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span> </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part Four</u>:<b> <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/10/cesars-guide-to-edsleskog-loop.html">The Edsleskogs Loop</a></b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> (about 20km from Edsleskog to the Värmland border)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B22NtkjSVJ_YcEctZVROUzN4TUU/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-7b7xfYKAh-eTupIWFSltCQ" target="_blank"><b>Here are six PDF maps</b></a> I put together with the route connecting <i>Bohusleden</i> and <i>Pilgrimsleden, </i>and feel free to download the maps. Note that this route is not marked and at times you are bushwhacking/going off trail, so a compass and solid map skills are of course highly recommended. These maps don't include much of <i>Pilgrimsleden</i> or The Edsleskogs Loop because those two trails are generally well marked, and if you check out my guide to them, there are links to good PDF maps that are already available.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">4. Southern Värmland, 210km</span></b><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">From the Värmland border to Norway/southern end of <i>Finnskogsleden</i></span><br />
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczs6HMoJZwadiAip1wnVbBY9th2jUJDdLfz1dailX2vnGzvuI5psZsw_dyULMdYeZXr5azC7nj6Wy34n5DGvgkjfDS0PEf1DSYg2bvohLY30TASmv5KItGuN4pzsD7_3HVMokO-Wwttst/s1600/20200213_160708.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgczs6HMoJZwadiAip1wnVbBY9th2jUJDdLfz1dailX2vnGzvuI5psZsw_dyULMdYeZXr5azC7nj6Wy34n5DGvgkjfDS0PEf1DSYg2bvohLY30TASmv5KItGuN4pzsD7_3HVMokO-Wwttst/s320/20200213_160708.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHhuJ0FI0hU67MILj-Mizean-EriLM7mgj2DLZNq6S4g-MlJG9UAYfnteQY4_Sc6IO4lEOw7x5fCMmyK-Bp2pBQ-C1gSLY35HVhACLwPAyapSfgvAXoodwoBCYOFDQcoNrAs9NsD8IMOm/s1600/20200215_093457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcHhuJ0FI0hU67MILj-Mizean-EriLM7mgj2DLZNq6S4g-MlJG9UAYfnteQY4_Sc6IO4lEOw7x5fCMmyK-Bp2pBQ-C1gSLY35HVhACLwPAyapSfgvAXoodwoBCYOFDQcoNrAs9NsD8IMOm/s320/20200215_093457.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part one</u>:<b> <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2018/05/cesars-guide-to-pilgrimsleden-varmland.html">From the Edsleskog Loop to the south end of Glaskogen</a></b> (about 50km)</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part two</u>: <b><a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2019/07/cesars-guide-to-glaskogen-nature-reserve.html">From Glaskogen to Pilgrimsleden Värmland</a></b> (can vary wildly depending on how you hike through this nature reserve, but I think a good estimate is 70-90km) </span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part three</u>: <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2020/02/cesars-guide-to-hiking-varmland-alga-to.html" target="_blank"><u><b>Pilgrimsleden in Älgå to Kyrkleden and Charlottenberg</b></u></a> (75-80km)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">5. Northern Värmland, 150km</span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvuY_FTjvtxu8L3I6hxXpXn9APfhfcwwSQfK3wW-yV8Aj4XT2MvdRYQcIRWv2pIwibao9VgYeP42SmdVGoC1UIzqbZLRWzGAz_HQRL5LMZ-2nyL4UTEUiEnTa8aeiI30FXKgJQnxApfJl/s1600/20200716_172518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfvuY_FTjvtxu8L3I6hxXpXn9APfhfcwwSQfK3wW-yV8Aj4XT2MvdRYQcIRWv2pIwibao9VgYeP42SmdVGoC1UIzqbZLRWzGAz_HQRL5LMZ-2nyL4UTEUiEnTa8aeiI30FXKgJQnxApfJl/s320/20200716_172518.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjMJdhjn9GX2pP325mOn0Bn4NZcSzAt6kLWEkfh4g-SrnbVrYRXGWOdCGqGqsVS6VM0ueYn8ETbqVSUqrc7joLtWZPSK1FZpMEA5RSUUP6_1paRncbqlOA3Swb1jw-DpOMK8lJblnyhah/s1600/20200713_174721.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjMJdhjn9GX2pP325mOn0Bn4NZcSzAt6kLWEkfh4g-SrnbVrYRXGWOdCGqGqsVS6VM0ueYn8ETbqVSUqrc7joLtWZPSK1FZpMEA5RSUUP6_1paRncbqlOA3Swb1jw-DpOMK8lJblnyhah/s320/20200713_174721.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
<br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><b><a href="https://finnskogleden.com/" target="_blank">Here is the official website</a></b> of <i>Finnskogleden</i> (currently only in Norwegian).</span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part one</u>: <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2020/07/cesars-guide-to-hiking-varmland.html" target="_blank"><b>from the southern end of the Finnskogleden trail near Charlottenberg to lake Röjden</b></a>, approx. 85km.</span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part two</u>: <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2021/05/cesars-guide-to-varmland-connection.html"><b>from Röjden to Ransby</b></a>, approx. 65km.</span><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span><br /></p><p><br /><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span><b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">6. </span><i>Nördvärmlandsleden</i> and Connecting to Sälen, 125km</b><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7J75VvOKsdECH1FA-f79CbaFmhs1HTlQ8cU3eTEXUi07Ukc87JnZWHIKO-qStIMqGb5M4h9vzwhGN4MXg41tvvGCrAQCXkBWBVJ3qCTpC5uJ9O_JvOTNNuBwx9XUDmny-beNsk9iar_u/s4032/20210716_155535.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7J75VvOKsdECH1FA-f79CbaFmhs1HTlQ8cU3eTEXUi07Ukc87JnZWHIKO-qStIMqGb5M4h9vzwhGN4MXg41tvvGCrAQCXkBWBVJ3qCTpC5uJ9O_JvOTNNuBwx9XUDmny-beNsk9iar_u/s320/20210716_155535.jpg" /></a></span></div><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xHyevZN1ccBBQjtfteedFDg2a-1jsOn1twbHq3sHb64mXmopAjtbAnxG5f5VvwkQafBsr09k2lkOynUaZWy2kI9ewoHCrna4Iw_zA419seLh9MFfIfKlCvELVSTLR3gFFXOg_wZv9MmY/s4032/20210718_105244.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xHyevZN1ccBBQjtfteedFDg2a-1jsOn1twbHq3sHb64mXmopAjtbAnxG5f5VvwkQafBsr09k2lkOynUaZWy2kI9ewoHCrna4Iw_zA419seLh9MFfIfKlCvELVSTLR3gFFXOg_wZv9MmY/s320/20210718_105244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> </span><p></p><p><u>Part One:</u><b> <a href="https://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.com/2021/07/cesars-guide-to-nordvarmlandsleden.html">Nordvärmlandsleden</a></b>, 55km from Ransby to Höljes<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"> </span></p><p>*<u>Part Two</u>: Höljes to Hundfjället to Södra Kungsleden, 70km<br /></p><p>The connection from Höljes to the Sälen ski villages is 40-60km depending on how you hike it, and it is mostly on backwoods gravel/dirt roads. Here are some maps I created of what I call <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/18tNbrIo3PdxWnX-5gvCyIR6O1re7JBIF/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank"><b>the Fjäll Connection Route</b></a>, where you can clearly see the paths to the next section in Sälen.</p><p>The FCR is pretty much only for thru-hikers looking to connect to the
next long trail of the TT. If you’re a section hiker or don’t feel like
hiking mostly backwoods gravel roads and/or asphalt roads, I would
suggest skipping this route via hitchhiking or buses from Höljes to
Sälen. Otherwise it’s roughly 60km from Höljes to the beginning of the
Sälen ski villages at Hundfjället if you take the longer, backwoods road
route. This is the route I included in the grand total of the TT. Or
it’s about 40km if you take the direct route.<br /><br />If you are
committed to hiking to Sälen, hike north from Höljes on a gravel road
until you reach the Havsvallen river, which is a key landmark of the
FCR. At this river there is also a nature reserve. For the direct
route, hike west until you intersect with the huge lake Höljessjön, then
turn north. You’ll be on another backwoods road going north for a
while that gets close to the Norwegian border, then hike east on a dirt
road for a short bit (around <i>Skepparberget</i>) until you get to another
road headed north-ish. Finally just follow that until you get to the
paved road that goes directly to the village of Rörbäcksnäs. <br /><br />Or
if you want a longer and more woodsy, backwoods road and a short
unmarked trail hike, then after crossing the Havsvallen river turn east
(instead of west for the direct route) and follow the winding
dirt/gravel lumber roads. You'll eventually find an unmarked trail at
the small mountain Storhögen that heads north to another dirt road that
then goes pretty much straight to Rörbäcksnäs. This should all make
sense if you study the above FCR maps.<br /><br />From Rörbäcksnäs to the
next long trail called <i>Södra Kungsleden</i> is pretty straight forward,
regardless of which of the two paths you can take to get there. There
are backwoods roads to follow that get you to the next marked alpine
trails at the foot of the fjäll. And again you are presented with some
options on how to continue the TT from there. Once you get to the
<i>Skogsätern </i>area you will soon have to make one of three choices.<br /><br />You
can hike straight up the Hundfjället mountain headed roughly northeast
to the ski village named after the mountain at the top, then follow the
road east to the Södra Kungsleden trailhead. Or you can hike around the
west side of the mountain by heading north-ish and then east to the ski
village. And lastly you can hike along the south side of the mountain
going east-ish to the next valley. At this valley you can then hike
north, continuing to follow the marked alpine trail, which will
eventually take you directly to the next trailhead. <br /></p><p>From Hundfjället to the beginning of Södra Kungsleden, the next section's long trail, is only a 10km hike through the ski villages if you walk directly there. You can also choose to loop around to the south on the Sälenringen trail to the next section, which is about 13km.</p><p><i>*Note: Due to time constraints and transportation issues as a section hiker, I was unable to hike this part of the section, and have no plans to go back and do a section hike of this connection. This route goes through an extremely isolated area and ends in the mountains in yet another pretty isolated area even further away from home for me. As such, I only recommend this route for thru-hikers. I see it as a "necessary evil" of road walking, though it does pass through a very scenic area. This is the only part of the TT that is purely a road connection from one trail to another, and I worked very hard to avoid having this type of connection. But in planning a 1135km hiking trail, some road walks are unavoidable, and I thought it best to have such a connection with as little asphalt as possible on remote backwoods roads with beautiful mountains ahead in the next section acting as a good carrot on a stick.</i><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span>
<b><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">7. <i>Södra Kungsleden, </i>220km</span></b><br />
<br />
</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgismhcqVhlnsrGk0JpJrJHnHCW0GhZN8ivEWp17wpAkKB8SBJaKE0HE6G2UFW2uVOv0nSVNg1SSzwJ-QcSXDxCkougow6WyDDKob-pHfkyM-jhk8_mKPS1bvFB6I6y6mvifqvfMeekD57H/s1600/20160716_183829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgismhcqVhlnsrGk0JpJrJHnHCW0GhZN8ivEWp17wpAkKB8SBJaKE0HE6G2UFW2uVOv0nSVNg1SSzwJ-QcSXDxCkougow6WyDDKob-pHfkyM-jhk8_mKPS1bvFB6I6y6mvifqvfMeekD57H/s320/20160716_183829.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISBhKhpep_KQBj1BkCXpzL9LacUls9cEK3k-gSibrqAQ_g973xwoqpIcjDXlQ__fXbRzuiotgCMug5KacWuenXz5T6XYn1vfZkNQ1TtUQHmGmI2_kXEXVfXvsTyqNKtfBashOoO9JP7NI/s1600/20160720_190456.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiISBhKhpep_KQBj1BkCXpzL9LacUls9cEK3k-gSibrqAQ_g973xwoqpIcjDXlQ__fXbRzuiotgCMug5KacWuenXz5T6XYn1vfZkNQ1TtUQHmGmI2_kXEXVfXvsTyqNKtfBashOoO9JP7NI/s320/20160720_190456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p>
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">From Sälen to <i>Grövelsjön</i></span></span></p><p>There used to be an official website for this trail back when I first hiked this trail and was doing planning. But it seems to have disappeared, but I was able to find an official overview and map of the trail. This document switched locations and was harder to find when I was updating my main guide for the TT. So rather than link to it, <b><a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P_v0cSnbNcyF1Enj15fcy9hW2LvPX6uz/view?usp=sharing">here’s a backup file</a></b> of the official PDF for Södra Kungsleden that I saved. But feel free to Google around and see if they ever put up an official website for this trail in the future. You think they would, giving how popular it is, but who knows. <br /> <br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part One</u>: <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2016/08/cesars-guide-to-e1-trails-in-sweden.html"><i>Sälen Högfjällshotellet</i> to Mörkret</a></b> (about 110km)</span></span><br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><br /></span></span>
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><u>Part Two</u>: <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/07/cesars-guide-to-e1-trails-in-sweden.html">Mörkret to Flötningen</a></b> (about 70km)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">*<u>Part Three</u>: Flötningen to Grövelsjön (about 40km)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i>*Note: This very small section I was unable to document due to a hiking partner getting injured. But due to the short length of this trail, and challenging logistics to get back to Flötningen, I don't intend to go back and hike this section just to finish my documentation! I will eventually hike this section if/when I do a thru-hike of the entire TT in the future, and can update it then. Until then, surely if you've hiked this far, you shouldn't have any problems finishing the last 40km!</i></span></span></p><p><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><i> </i></span></span><br /><b>El Fin</b><br />
</p><p><br />
<u><i><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif"><span face=""verdana" , sans-serif">Last updated: January 2022</span></span></i></u><br />
<i>Did a lot of small updates in the past few months: added the large overview map of the trail to both guides, fixed up small typos and formatting here and there, etc. Most recently I updated the Bohusleden official website link, which has changed. Please feel free to contact me with any issues you might have with my guides. Thanks, and happy trails!</i><br /></p>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-33445046906188529202017-10-15T20:44:00.000+02:002017-10-15T20:51:23.714+02:00Cesar's Guide to the Edsleskog Loop<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoeZBanVSWvlfKd-UQQ0Ubnad38XU8xAaTwTPwfbx99J57t6ihZKmEo6CPhM6Ck2Kw7jCoKZpfuMRMwNwAhcU0BFnltpifWZYJ8pyz-eFIMPKkfzIUkRSdO9HYxVjjd5Ts7e2xweTVDzl/s1600/20171007_165502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvoeZBanVSWvlfKd-UQQ0Ubnad38XU8xAaTwTPwfbx99J57t6ihZKmEo6CPhM6Ck2Kw7jCoKZpfuMRMwNwAhcU0BFnltpifWZYJ8pyz-eFIMPKkfzIUkRSdO9HYxVjjd5Ts7e2xweTVDzl/s320/20171007_165502.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KMCdAWIawLSDRqKSW3pN5aDgfvGHarBH4QTt0wmMCUFZu0bH87WsxURBlp_zTKv2aFGf-VaW8y-u7XSpcVbVJ6l_-n8DXaCd-ZuK-mnSeQ-TNFtCXkmmUXyMwiFf_nJrfxb57T3f6zf7/s1600/20171007_162627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1KMCdAWIawLSDRqKSW3pN5aDgfvGHarBH4QTt0wmMCUFZu0bH87WsxURBlp_zTKv2aFGf-VaW8y-u7XSpcVbVJ6l_-n8DXaCd-ZuK-mnSeQ-TNFtCXkmmUXyMwiFf_nJrfxb57T3f6zf7/s320/20171007_162627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLiPtuKuIHzX49kppzh0uEJfdwrUsg1nT8rI9tMjdF_x_IQy3jC7hCj-iUI3mti5oXG_KDb3mOBAabYQbzFQEhVkKNvE8YuaeMO6KlGQCE3rC8aj_a1F6FM_WTfFwV8EN_nyYRiZKbUB3/s1600/20171006_181320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiLiPtuKuIHzX49kppzh0uEJfdwrUsg1nT8rI9tMjdF_x_IQy3jC7hCj-iUI3mti5oXG_KDb3mOBAabYQbzFQEhVkKNvE8YuaeMO6KlGQCE3rC8aj_a1F6FM_WTfFwV8EN_nyYRiZKbUB3/s320/20171006_181320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Introduction</span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This lovely little loop is based on several trails around the village of Edsleskog, which is west of the town of Åmål. It</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">'s a shorter loop, starting in and then returning to Edsleskog being a total of only 20-30km, depending on how you hike it. </span>There is a small network of trails that cover much of the nature reserve, along with a few gravel roads, though there is not much road walking overall--and better yet, very little asphalt involved. You can get to the village by bus from Åmål, or you can hike there on a trail that connects the two places. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG2EyRvMVNW0Cl7-LAX_1BjbYYIHbQMWfp_JPVQdae71DH55qe3sj4dlFLN44CWWOEU3Vi60y_QVVva8DjIQnUoWyXwZLX0lYLp0v4eQ_dXHQ83rkyBuF2j3URcSAKrZ_yFFx4Zzd6rUH/s1600/20171007_161743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwG2EyRvMVNW0Cl7-LAX_1BjbYYIHbQMWfp_JPVQdae71DH55qe3sj4dlFLN44CWWOEU3Vi60y_QVVva8DjIQnUoWyXwZLX0lYLp0v4eQ_dXHQ83rkyBuF2j3URcSAKrZ_yFFx4Zzd6rUH/s320/20171007_161743.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I wrote about hiking from Åmål to Edsleskog and then heading south on <i>Pilgrimsleden Dalsland</i> in another trail guide, <a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2017/06/cesars-guide-to-pilgrimsleden-dalsland.html">which you can read here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amal.se/media/334815/Bljasen_orsberg_mobil_1.pdf" target="_blank">Here is a good PDF map</a> of the area along with some info (in Swedish).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">If you are hiking on <i>Pilgrimsleden Dalsland/Varmland</i>--for example, following my Alternative Swedish E1 Route--you can connect with this loop at various points. Going northbound, you'll hike right to Edsleskog, and can follow the loop to the northeast (through the village) or northwest (by the lake). If you have the time/energy to spare, I suggest hiking the entire loop and as a side trail, and then simply continue north on <i>Pilgrimsleden</i> afterwards. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But if you don't have as much time/energy, yet want a nice alternative to the road hiking that makes up most of the end of <i>Pilgrimsleden Dalsland</i> as it passes into Varmland, you can do half of this loop and meet up with <i>Pilgrimsleden Varmland</i> later on in the north. Why pass up the chance to explore a beautiful little nature reserve? Just hike northeast through Edsleskog and enter the <i>Baljåsen</i> nature reserve at the first or second trail into the reserve. There are signs and the trails are generally well marked, so it's hard to miss. Then just hike north to the tip of lake <i>Edslan</i>, continue hiking north into Varmland, then it's a quick 6km hike east on roads back to <i>Pilgrimsleden</i>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlBrOCuQFDcJjBb-FQi6qZR9f-PqVjCQIt9ZdaTanO7OGL0eXd3lDWsFcT84U6qbI2MpCzXgjkYG9WsSd9FlY0yy2rjcZZQinJsXC54o_neJzXB94P36YX0vT1YsjZDs91r2Zt58T4kHZ/s1600/20171006_180036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYlBrOCuQFDcJjBb-FQi6qZR9f-PqVjCQIt9ZdaTanO7OGL0eXd3lDWsFcT84U6qbI2MpCzXgjkYG9WsSd9FlY0yy2rjcZZQinJsXC54o_neJzXB94P36YX0vT1YsjZDs91r2Zt58T4kHZ/s320/20171006_180036.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Going southbound, there are two easy ways you can find the loop. One way is by hiking off <i>Pilgrimsleden Varmland</i> (around the big lake <i>Ömmlen</i>) </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">west then south on roads </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">to the northern tip of the big lake <i>Edslan</i>. Or you can follow <i>Pilgrimsleden</i> over the border into Dalsland, where the trail will pass right by <i>Baljåsen</i> nature reserve, and you can just follow the first trail into the reserve.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were at least five trail shelters in this area at the time of this trip report (October 2017). One was a teepee style, enclosed shelter (with a nice indoor firepit!) on <i>Pilgrimsleden Dalsland</i> about 3km south of Edsleskog--this shelter is currently not marked on any maps that I am aware of--two were cabins (one with a good wood stove), and there were two lean-to shelters. There were plenty of excellent sources of water, from lakes to springs to streams. And for such a small nature reserve, the trails that went up and down and over the hills here offered many gorgeous views. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I definitely plan on returning to this loop again. It was a great place for a weekend trip, but it would also make for a great side trail on a longer hike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Trip Report</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Having already hiked to Edsleskog from Åmål, my friend Tomas and I opted to take a bus to the village, and in less than a minute after getting off the bus we were once again on <i>Pilgrimsleden</i>. We would not be on this trail for long. Only a few kilometers away to the north on the gravel road were two different trails that allowed us to enter <i>Baljåsen</i> nature reserve. We decided on the second trail to check out the views and also to get to the cabin on top of the hill to stay the night. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This hill is the highest point in Dalsland, and the cabin was among the nicer ones I've stayed at. The wood stove worked well, the cabin was well thought out and built (if not small), and could fit three hikers comfortably (there are three bunk beds) and perhaps five if you really squeeze in there. There was an outhouse and a wood shed near the cabin. One small drawback was that there was no close water source, though just up the trail going north a few kilometers were a few springs and streams.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tKSQGEgoshaxh0S-zrW9WwofPYL7viZqSdKy7Ysxe41AJ0LlR-fzruAeIUxG6-PK6qz7w2bcwzsO7aB_5kPIlBXcx7rshbiBvmyaRVU3Cs9BOpvAIdNFLG_GB1P_yr8KoDHArHyPPE_j/s1600/20171006_173203.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5tKSQGEgoshaxh0S-zrW9WwofPYL7viZqSdKy7Ysxe41AJ0LlR-fzruAeIUxG6-PK6qz7w2bcwzsO7aB_5kPIlBXcx7rshbiBvmyaRVU3Cs9BOpvAIdNFLG_GB1P_yr8KoDHArHyPPE_j/s320/20171006_173203.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIm4GxlzHh8Mggkb6bVScozqiigVIfI18V7k0f_GtBsQEhU0bt8ehQwP_2Ojoqcp0mCgG8S9mU2GuI6w2suYvdmKF4C8FRRmF9IDGOofpvLk9RSGzrSN-KQ7AFnNMl39WadaEqePSmpB9/s1600/20171006_173157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOIm4GxlzHh8Mggkb6bVScozqiigVIfI18V7k0f_GtBsQEhU0bt8ehQwP_2Ojoqcp0mCgG8S9mU2GuI6w2suYvdmKF4C8FRRmF9IDGOofpvLk9RSGzrSN-KQ7AFnNMl39WadaEqePSmpB9/s320/20171006_173157.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtavCNzWyO7HuGVffBsmwtdFeA_c7ECb_-p9lxqWLDo3hW02_HLR9GI1nu6eTbI38zIqfwV3QFV262dSVNh3V2iqbbXOGL2hU6SGIxHNU5fhhJm1LgqTAapAiyRsCGsnpgeBXWc9bsjRGc/s1600/20171006_180900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtavCNzWyO7HuGVffBsmwtdFeA_c7ECb_-p9lxqWLDo3hW02_HLR9GI1nu6eTbI38zIqfwV3QFV262dSVNh3V2iqbbXOGL2hU6SGIxHNU5fhhJm1LgqTAapAiyRsCGsnpgeBXWc9bsjRGc/s320/20171006_180900.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPK49Oaqb8uTOuiTxfiKdBiJoz2XWbd2T01ap4Pg6qACSB1RH1LKetfD9cv7fU7zOQpYgHk4U3eYHhmnJ4ksn12Ji0xG-COn4ObrYqZNQQeDhyphenhyphen3EGX9N85feOImHE1DIkRrRvVxjgmUBf/s1600/20171006_181541.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPK49Oaqb8uTOuiTxfiKdBiJoz2XWbd2T01ap4Pg6qACSB1RH1LKetfD9cv7fU7zOQpYgHk4U3eYHhmnJ4ksn12Ji0xG-COn4ObrYqZNQQeDhyphenhyphen3EGX9N85feOImHE1DIkRrRvVxjgmUBf/s320/20171006_181541.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwgMdm_Fj6nVEGoyhcQpTf1Cp2eIpNxOkkyzxh8ZH2-PuJ3TWH69Fp3UxmQipDSfx0ptvIQ-wFXoWX0VOU7It9hdGQbRhyphenhyphenKWvR7jmXWmL4T9oz85rq-ixNdQuWShWWiv5DkMKNr9xRkpM/s1600/20171006_182636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIwgMdm_Fj6nVEGoyhcQpTf1Cp2eIpNxOkkyzxh8ZH2-PuJ3TWH69Fp3UxmQipDSfx0ptvIQ-wFXoWX0VOU7It9hdGQbRhyphenhyphenKWvR7jmXWmL4T9oz85rq-ixNdQuWShWWiv5DkMKNr9xRkpM/s320/20171006_182636.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGbzjiv9EiyyFe2tsSWhbDf-OA7hAMs7xhzkNRs16V2eH_0ljQHBVRB4HrzuWZAXCPUrBrt07GQaH24lXExLQDJTIjzD8uY46d5CJRQ735cb5FCE5qOqSoFf7R_AYEXz2Mkv5HEEOeqVZ/s1600/20171006_183456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpGbzjiv9EiyyFe2tsSWhbDf-OA7hAMs7xhzkNRs16V2eH_0ljQHBVRB4HrzuWZAXCPUrBrt07GQaH24lXExLQDJTIjzD8uY46d5CJRQ735cb5FCE5qOqSoFf7R_AYEXz2Mkv5HEEOeqVZ/s320/20171006_183456.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY9Y-d9De-Ftx4gQ1GUDW4ykDMUL40euCHVVLqxCYpai9STls87lGXHYaeIeviI-yZnt5znQNa5NQmvpU8kx4eMoZedAInelOy2_uzw9-GY8c0XecShoHP-zczuHMAC7wPATBtS_mW2N8/s1600/20171006_183520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgY9Y-d9De-Ftx4gQ1GUDW4ykDMUL40euCHVVLqxCYpai9STls87lGXHYaeIeviI-yZnt5znQNa5NQmvpU8kx4eMoZedAInelOy2_uzw9-GY8c0XecShoHP-zczuHMAC7wPATBtS_mW2N8/s320/20171006_183520.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT56oC5Ps2PzxG-m5bd6eBuXfYZHtMyDaM_jncj9STD1Pt2_sXMpj4sFF8cuARUj6FZnexqxVYANnvM4WLZEMzEYWy4qSgmz96bwhgx65tfZJKY53QVuN8DLr-IkLi5SAUwTIFbYZCn4Wo/s1600/20171006_185112.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT56oC5Ps2PzxG-m5bd6eBuXfYZHtMyDaM_jncj9STD1Pt2_sXMpj4sFF8cuARUj6FZnexqxVYANnvM4WLZEMzEYWy4qSgmz96bwhgx65tfZJKY53QVuN8DLr-IkLi5SAUwTIFbYZCn4Wo/s320/20171006_185112.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1TPPfuKFSheJJrw9QsfH6eKfk-WJPjlOpJcuKtij2sKLk2-0D-_zJFnSfWk_PA6cxxfm0vRjp_00hvwWzBIL7DqGZ0OSGbmpWNeMGCjleRl_25ZNLgDgrBo1bjBzH9Bm4m2Ce9IGQn71/s1600/20171007_095258.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP1TPPfuKFSheJJrw9QsfH6eKfk-WJPjlOpJcuKtij2sKLk2-0D-_zJFnSfWk_PA6cxxfm0vRjp_00hvwWzBIL7DqGZ0OSGbmpWNeMGCjleRl_25ZNLgDgrBo1bjBzH9Bm4m2Ce9IGQn71/s320/20171007_095258.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosGo5gA493Ci4oHrRY40gHAEMIcBjAif1AKk7EpgdxNG8jJIdH_bLZVQ517kZZg7eKWilvCwP7go_78tTHsNJ435HiIG87Z-u6fnFDItwLT-x2x92NHqRTGIro_EeWWydTVVwmlXgOjEK/s1600/20171007_095303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosGo5gA493Ci4oHrRY40gHAEMIcBjAif1AKk7EpgdxNG8jJIdH_bLZVQ517kZZg7eKWilvCwP7go_78tTHsNJ435HiIG87Z-u6fnFDItwLT-x2x92NHqRTGIro_EeWWydTVVwmlXgOjEK/s320/20171007_095303.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnNue5QoYexaBTYKhrZ9SYGkytZEby_oHhiQ3wCHsN_SPjcW1ERTZY2Awyp4dtha6x3du0ySPEqyFSwBEJU193rId2Nf_1lH_Xjwm1GAj-GZFBAh98h8OPlRd8THMagOod9GulG-BK-Fi/s1600/20171007_095320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnNue5QoYexaBTYKhrZ9SYGkytZEby_oHhiQ3wCHsN_SPjcW1ERTZY2Awyp4dtha6x3du0ySPEqyFSwBEJU193rId2Nf_1lH_Xjwm1GAj-GZFBAh98h8OPlRd8THMagOod9GulG-BK-Fi/s320/20171007_095320.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ8ovC00pD0jO2n1pL-7L14QFsvuILBG5oXtKphyphenhyphenjMZj9kRriXdSSS1KuxPgcDITbRXqFKvHX269FSqhjQqPdJn2YUbDGh1skCv4gPh-nqgxKlo62F8PizRBwoB7hUTQblBI2SZ0fjDBK/s1600/20171007_100358.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYZ8ovC00pD0jO2n1pL-7L14QFsvuILBG5oXtKphyphenhyphenjMZj9kRriXdSSS1KuxPgcDITbRXqFKvHX269FSqhjQqPdJn2YUbDGh1skCv4gPh-nqgxKlo62F8PizRBwoB7hUTQblBI2SZ0fjDBK/s320/20171007_100358.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There were three trails that converged at the cabin, all marked well on the map linked above, and also in reality. We took the northwest trail, which was a winding path that bent south then back north after intersecting with another trail. Inside the reserve there were also several ruins of past settlements and stone houses scattered along the trails. The trails themselves made for wonderful hiking, and I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of variety of landscape there was packed into such a small reserve. There was dark and spooky troll woods, open hard woods, mixed woods, a pond, hills and valleys, and natural and old man-made clearings. And views, more good views.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_52f45GkGexFsHvGhUe7oKZLz91cxeiV5v3lD6JgqZo_FHP8bVkAStRXLtYz63CBy-eMCSj79XjeE4GQw4Rs_Yo2qmK6hGArDfLMeVuognw8YxkX-hVP1kDsxjb7YukeEi_kpGaeWizTI/s1600/20171007_101800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_52f45GkGexFsHvGhUe7oKZLz91cxeiV5v3lD6JgqZo_FHP8bVkAStRXLtYz63CBy-eMCSj79XjeE4GQw4Rs_Yo2qmK6hGArDfLMeVuognw8YxkX-hVP1kDsxjb7YukeEi_kpGaeWizTI/s320/20171007_101800.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoX3gvpLc5l6DSINQXkewKnh3NiPP2HXIPZ3Q4XsOCHIDwIYFtiLTn8oGi5HSOfzdI8QUqoiPiOzOolCX-BwyjZH0tyrqAVWX922i2mAbGWFXQ6efHI0jaz1unI1vzXh_EIEb2cs6fExM/s1600/20171007_102300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaoX3gvpLc5l6DSINQXkewKnh3NiPP2HXIPZ3Q4XsOCHIDwIYFtiLTn8oGi5HSOfzdI8QUqoiPiOzOolCX-BwyjZH0tyrqAVWX922i2mAbGWFXQ6efHI0jaz1unI1vzXh_EIEb2cs6fExM/s320/20171007_102300.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGVBQQWhchecAxJJRudgE7ZlDRhHRWjOYL5z0gIHdfuWIfaWCPimzLxj6PQ8r6cuHytJ-BAGB2hj8gVjwNcSXyeSm-p-6IrNJnkjHISlvsyw_TLEbWc_Ym3XghHd1W4KHtEX8U-YazFMs/s1600/20171007_102327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoGVBQQWhchecAxJJRudgE7ZlDRhHRWjOYL5z0gIHdfuWIfaWCPimzLxj6PQ8r6cuHytJ-BAGB2hj8gVjwNcSXyeSm-p-6IrNJnkjHISlvsyw_TLEbWc_Ym3XghHd1W4KHtEX8U-YazFMs/s320/20171007_102327.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia01DqAwoCXgedzkZ5uieWKYDXTzlyQqzZfTYRUh_y5hctaauCwhCp0fI8WmrBhMvALQlfnykJB62vPlYG53yf39vNOWMQ1Uc3csMGPSq_Dd91fF7ujG0KN3KNuDxXWX7GJziuNom-yubZ/s1600/20171007_102737_001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia01DqAwoCXgedzkZ5uieWKYDXTzlyQqzZfTYRUh_y5hctaauCwhCp0fI8WmrBhMvALQlfnykJB62vPlYG53yf39vNOWMQ1Uc3csMGPSq_Dd91fF7ujG0KN3KNuDxXWX7GJziuNom-yubZ/s320/20171007_102737_001.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApnR7_LCghV1HjgYbD_nE1w2eikZPopDkAiHfj9GBOMDp2Bh2-wcd0KKVzk2fdllcVe266B8zCo1xjiwCbq0bifHeDajBwTywnmHIKrW2luohjj7lgTwMHmw8CHgsa0JUv86VK3bC1BeQ/s1600/20171007_102925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjApnR7_LCghV1HjgYbD_nE1w2eikZPopDkAiHfj9GBOMDp2Bh2-wcd0KKVzk2fdllcVe266B8zCo1xjiwCbq0bifHeDajBwTywnmHIKrW2luohjj7lgTwMHmw8CHgsa0JUv86VK3bC1BeQ/s320/20171007_102925.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifooioYu-Cjb_AnMFHcPZI_p6IIXBuYn_oMGC2dz6lT_Ftyqg5c_Jkfw_fmS91qOgL3Sc0gWAuBRmmz666IHFt9Fprz7ERz8KLddxlhxXCRRe4MiRYaB0ZdWTIn0KdIzWtIXhtyqVuAAY2/s1600/20171007_104815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifooioYu-Cjb_AnMFHcPZI_p6IIXBuYn_oMGC2dz6lT_Ftyqg5c_Jkfw_fmS91qOgL3Sc0gWAuBRmmz666IHFt9Fprz7ERz8KLddxlhxXCRRe4MiRYaB0ZdWTIn0KdIzWtIXhtyqVuAAY2/s320/20171007_104815.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKybQzPH7PsoRyMdwBkxZuYZ2USp-Ivcxlo-TkGZWIqzai4lUmP0ncmEAQJvKd42lP2-NkMZn2iMx20oNWjMx7yMhUgSrPLzLwm5IfVDn7OLoPGtNb9eMkEFlxRVL3713T62gOgWYFUby9/s1600/20171007_111003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKybQzPH7PsoRyMdwBkxZuYZ2USp-Ivcxlo-TkGZWIqzai4lUmP0ncmEAQJvKd42lP2-NkMZn2iMx20oNWjMx7yMhUgSrPLzLwm5IfVDn7OLoPGtNb9eMkEFlxRVL3713T62gOgWYFUby9/s320/20171007_111003.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-mLwGDjLVGuR2z6wfb2Tr2qu5fv7I2pqjOq_D3U0C9qa7MvatZYeR5iDb81l9P8jSrK2tfTbe9olv13UczrvxzDqiD46X_ybWTeXFp0OUTazb64zDUh6yFs02KROShh-1wodPT654iux/s1600/20171007_111622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl-mLwGDjLVGuR2z6wfb2Tr2qu5fv7I2pqjOq_D3U0C9qa7MvatZYeR5iDb81l9P8jSrK2tfTbe9olv13UczrvxzDqiD46X_ybWTeXFp0OUTazb64zDUh6yFs02KROShh-1wodPT654iux/s320/20171007_111622.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTyRWFPo3Wr0fUju-Qi-0xIS8qXskQPWrqnxoXtoxfLLKhc9p_j-qSjqKCjiB-vQTbeHXlwvmvMemq1XJnzht9U-rsUlWMb4CKzo7KSNu2yEASRmnEOOqqQWaJ5iDDddXMyozmcQgRv4V/s1600/20171007_114155.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwTyRWFPo3Wr0fUju-Qi-0xIS8qXskQPWrqnxoXtoxfLLKhc9p_j-qSjqKCjiB-vQTbeHXlwvmvMemq1XJnzht9U-rsUlWMb4CKzo7KSNu2yEASRmnEOOqqQWaJ5iDDddXMyozmcQgRv4V/s320/20171007_114155.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbAoKTej0-ZJ_NbP-btgJGJ3NQPecV-QnlhojSAuseSHDaxNx0C_tVkH_395afy-CLx1MCC_2UDqa8gB8aomuYaEWdqvbMDIYgXHQgAoM9GtNRsbRJMvWAGOtzS2v9k0JVjqNWWfllh1M/s1600/20171007_115133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbAoKTej0-ZJ_NbP-btgJGJ3NQPecV-QnlhojSAuseSHDaxNx0C_tVkH_395afy-CLx1MCC_2UDqa8gB8aomuYaEWdqvbMDIYgXHQgAoM9GtNRsbRJMvWAGOtzS2v9k0JVjqNWWfllh1M/s320/20171007_115133.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIIZ8UppY1qW6s5_CZlU6MLwJMtKpfFnfZ3RHRfflI9KqBkzFjKB5vi91SOFuiv4Vr9zBG9KrfXmjYul2EB2au6iDxpAC_XYgz01Ht2mMnuCMVuoYEOL0-6bVDYsMoZ3clgcNecOZEF4l/s1600/20171007_115901.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIIZ8UppY1qW6s5_CZlU6MLwJMtKpfFnfZ3RHRfflI9KqBkzFjKB5vi91SOFuiv4Vr9zBG9KrfXmjYul2EB2au6iDxpAC_XYgz01Ht2mMnuCMVuoYEOL0-6bVDYsMoZ3clgcNecOZEF4l/s320/20171007_115901.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5qpIFulUnNDHPmbOIrRaYaUxY6mE2C6HgwCFNqFajs3G0ZWvy7JBPAi8fxUn8BPNn-hEZHtiwe4BwojVX1SqhYKDxGponD31hxMR6AZAmXtGkmUm0XEddHhAaP1Po_x0G2DUNw9uHHAG/s1600/20171007_121627.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5qpIFulUnNDHPmbOIrRaYaUxY6mE2C6HgwCFNqFajs3G0ZWvy7JBPAi8fxUn8BPNn-hEZHtiwe4BwojVX1SqhYKDxGponD31hxMR6AZAmXtGkmUm0XEddHhAaP1Po_x0G2DUNw9uHHAG/s320/20171007_121627.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/-4omk4KKq7Q/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-4omk4KKq7Q?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7AryD-oZ3b3g0dk1rspCvgy_P8F40vtVqCCHQ81DnQPgr3oQNZmvBovWdIeTxy2mSnhyLn9PGqg1ZS8RnvvPLl2OcRCwrWgD2HGoHGScvlo9mNpJ9MztZ1nkO8paIlvHNzEvXsOI39Xj/s1600/20171007_121632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU7AryD-oZ3b3g0dk1rspCvgy_P8F40vtVqCCHQ81DnQPgr3oQNZmvBovWdIeTxy2mSnhyLn9PGqg1ZS8RnvvPLl2OcRCwrWgD2HGoHGScvlo9mNpJ9MztZ1nkO8paIlvHNzEvXsOI39Xj/s320/20171007_121632.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5cFZP2q92Kgyj68Fja63lA4LdnLZmqF6HugthBA0MeiSW5NJibKD6zMcFBV_Qsw8FkW7QuFoB6XjrTcrMPwJEz13RUCkX9bZvG8l67YZPMa-yub_5QJdtHneru5qsiYeCTUfD0fCK5GF/s1600/20171007_121729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5cFZP2q92Kgyj68Fja63lA4LdnLZmqF6HugthBA0MeiSW5NJibKD6zMcFBV_Qsw8FkW7QuFoB6XjrTcrMPwJEz13RUCkX9bZvG8l67YZPMa-yub_5QJdtHneru5qsiYeCTUfD0fCK5GF/s320/20171007_121729.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I5bLVlnKNoKjii3KqaaZq4HqFF7AWZni6d_kriLahsMCdvz5ZODr9hhtFYCL8wjMrEwv167BAGtC8Jb9ETzA3_HO0H_D7aYiu-T8jSRxav2ehxXS0Axffm3tWY70iAP7zOHZwcHSeosv/s1600/20171007_124013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1I5bLVlnKNoKjii3KqaaZq4HqFF7AWZni6d_kriLahsMCdvz5ZODr9hhtFYCL8wjMrEwv167BAGtC8Jb9ETzA3_HO0H_D7aYiu-T8jSRxav2ehxXS0Axffm3tWY70iAP7zOHZwcHSeosv/s320/20171007_124013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqzUiRucJ_p8apptumLVlUshlR7acyqfJbWX3Ozdna7sgA2IyGpKjzICaBraa4-UFhLcSOLUegCyWcqy3qLssvVX8bpmH9kcz_WSklrOpnhDlFLtf3jS-y1rpfTb70Hw5v4ZZsvP50XpQ/s1600/20171007_125212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGqzUiRucJ_p8apptumLVlUshlR7acyqfJbWX3Ozdna7sgA2IyGpKjzICaBraa4-UFhLcSOLUegCyWcqy3qLssvVX8bpmH9kcz_WSklrOpnhDlFLtf3jS-y1rpfTb70Hw5v4ZZsvP50XpQ/s320/20171007_125212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo7IHoVV8sMynB8gVialQ_PJrRJElM7k1wt951x8eNVHWZI8S7ftPPmNBkin4ljI5lKpM03Wh5nnyncpfZJtHIsiwfUgojhHKdTHez21JA6G7-SgEPGQSzuc5aznyefPhU7NeSfBxUiPv/s1600/20171007_125503.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDo7IHoVV8sMynB8gVialQ_PJrRJElM7k1wt951x8eNVHWZI8S7ftPPmNBkin4ljI5lKpM03Wh5nnyncpfZJtHIsiwfUgojhHKdTHez21JA6G7-SgEPGQSzuc5aznyefPhU7NeSfBxUiPv/s320/20171007_125503.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgXhCgdzdI0ZvzKmt94-2OWiOi32rckgI75NkMu7k1SjPaZBoEDl2eP3hvdt0ciCPiPKnTwZjNH5JJdi0U7ZPthsFDqXwy64jul1YEXNjDLLvtwXekQgAud4p8XkyEDXJG7klsdmadiSF/s1600/20171007_130121.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghgXhCgdzdI0ZvzKmt94-2OWiOi32rckgI75NkMu7k1SjPaZBoEDl2eP3hvdt0ciCPiPKnTwZjNH5JJdi0U7ZPthsFDqXwy64jul1YEXNjDLLvtwXekQgAud4p8XkyEDXJG7klsdmadiSF/s320/20171007_130121.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">After trekking through the heart of the nature reserve heading north by northwest, the trail took a sharp turn west down to the shore of the lake. At the shore there was a campground complete with a few park benches, a small and quite old looking lean-to shelter, an outdoor firepit, an outhouse, and a cute little cabin. The cabin had four bunk beds, but not much else inside. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Past this campsite the trail (marked in yellow) continued north to exit the reserve, and soon after would take one to another big lake, <i>Ömmeln</i>. This lake is right on the border of the traditional province of Dalsland (which is a part of the country of Västra Götaland) and the county of Värmland. However, if you are doing a loop back to Edsleskog, then you would follow the grassy trail that hugs the eastern shores of the lake back towards the village. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The walk back to the village was very pleasant and easy on our feet for much of the way south. Eventually the trail ended at a dirt road, which then turned into an asphalt road closer to civilization again. Along the way were some final nice views of the lake and the hills on the other side, plus some friendly sheep on one of the farms we passed. Back in Edsleskog, we noticed a small hotel, and next to that a rest stop with pubic bathrooms. </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQKfF5xHcpnP_UyJx473wKQ0k0MuiGZ3HRguNBBf6AtqwvwOhM0ce3AVInQtSKe5ryJ8OT3fiOjkSuFGnXSBsxTaHxiF3864foHDb8ONH-lR5wFekeeqkNW6Y70sDqkdx1-L-L0t7ab7a/s1600/20171007_130348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkQKfF5xHcpnP_UyJx473wKQ0k0MuiGZ3HRguNBBf6AtqwvwOhM0ce3AVInQtSKe5ryJ8OT3fiOjkSuFGnXSBsxTaHxiF3864foHDb8ONH-lR5wFekeeqkNW6Y70sDqkdx1-L-L0t7ab7a/s320/20171007_130348.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TPm4Q8W6-5C5e6HwOAZnO342vJmFHBEsbTF38G_QzJgkDJr7ASqrGps3QP5YtZeN1BfqUIHx2QEpbVssTFXqNpSg9AJR162n9WcQpnrrNWLJ_UKIuyaYdYAGM8WgehvnQhgyidHpD-AB/s1600/20171007_130423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9TPm4Q8W6-5C5e6HwOAZnO342vJmFHBEsbTF38G_QzJgkDJr7ASqrGps3QP5YtZeN1BfqUIHx2QEpbVssTFXqNpSg9AJR162n9WcQpnrrNWLJ_UKIuyaYdYAGM8WgehvnQhgyidHpD-AB/s320/20171007_130423.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjptBD2nz355OYieZj3sNwXwgkOSmtGTp8a7GF1Mzu48zT-dELKjWJw7DNch2Ne-Wbxl_VaBd8INca6fbU00gZMzgr7Ny-G14PyYt5ngOMMwibDLTrmNv5TFMYs3UZZigYqQasbyTrA7_/s1600/20171007_130442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhjptBD2nz355OYieZj3sNwXwgkOSmtGTp8a7GF1Mzu48zT-dELKjWJw7DNch2Ne-Wbxl_VaBd8INca6fbU00gZMzgr7Ny-G14PyYt5ngOMMwibDLTrmNv5TFMYs3UZZigYqQasbyTrA7_/s320/20171007_130442.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx9yZMP4qaE3WBs0qFDq10YmRMk6w50Ti_plRlZvxzyaJKrITmwqybMaI04-VMFtPFbX8IwPPm7iV94pTFNBAC-0voMTXhDNn2ZoqINWTacjVtk7_9J5unfyj2r0Zk86h54fKvRYPvYJm/s1600/20171007_130747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsx9yZMP4qaE3WBs0qFDq10YmRMk6w50Ti_plRlZvxzyaJKrITmwqybMaI04-VMFtPFbX8IwPPm7iV94pTFNBAC-0voMTXhDNn2ZoqINWTacjVtk7_9J5unfyj2r0Zk86h54fKvRYPvYJm/s320/20171007_130747.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S1V-jGdnOUJVHdPcAfMXeQfuZDpvm7CSUGWqVYjRYIc7Grtsfwut7R7M_7MLi9eHKszQ1_d8d-ypuar_-GRMQRV2dfmpo63e2mtJt-Yr1zcAKmEdBOqykNzwWWtF85MyKFuzwoOBIYi5/s1600/20171007_130823.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5S1V-jGdnOUJVHdPcAfMXeQfuZDpvm7CSUGWqVYjRYIc7Grtsfwut7R7M_7MLi9eHKszQ1_d8d-ypuar_-GRMQRV2dfmpo63e2mtJt-Yr1zcAKmEdBOqykNzwWWtF85MyKFuzwoOBIYi5/s320/20171007_130823.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR7u8dYhujWCCIUsEToaFDspm0Is2LHytKSOKAeLkPMnT_wO0wLfISNGgkSSaD9zWPK2D4_Z5YuL6cOCXbSLGA84lchyphenhyphen-CvtiHnScmQCXsDNDeUi8-QoINfDz1iAMukFjg4zYILp9zxug/s1600/20171007_130837.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfR7u8dYhujWCCIUsEToaFDspm0Is2LHytKSOKAeLkPMnT_wO0wLfISNGgkSSaD9zWPK2D4_Z5YuL6cOCXbSLGA84lchyphenhyphen-CvtiHnScmQCXsDNDeUi8-QoINfDz1iAMukFjg4zYILp9zxug/s320/20171007_130837.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t9fL44NofHIGoiMZgFB8PU5Ez7oVeJteCTFejJpjHMBheFw2o7flFww7KKKJK1X9UmQxFFWsDexXDbpNmvsh_haq4XIc_tNghLyjkjthob6j_muatoFJKywT1rO19Qe7LL1rX0LnXRWb/s1600/20171007_131403.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4t9fL44NofHIGoiMZgFB8PU5Ez7oVeJteCTFejJpjHMBheFw2o7flFww7KKKJK1X9UmQxFFWsDexXDbpNmvsh_haq4XIc_tNghLyjkjthob6j_muatoFJKywT1rO19Qe7LL1rX0LnXRWb/s320/20171007_131403.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI7QqGBV2KNBPbYoXJ_my2CEvx8howWwkN1fSde_EYxVvHEX6pgosc5YJHGrso006WSA2ixf-OdmHA4C7wOmYvggYfpgHwjLAlJ7Y_QOw_aviAziea5MEZ8XZFolH6V4J71buDpIH-c2D/s1600/20171007_135653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiI7QqGBV2KNBPbYoXJ_my2CEvx8howWwkN1fSde_EYxVvHEX6pgosc5YJHGrso006WSA2ixf-OdmHA4C7wOmYvggYfpgHwjLAlJ7Y_QOw_aviAziea5MEZ8XZFolH6V4J71buDpIH-c2D/s320/20171007_135653.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69dQHXhZYiIT9IUQo1bMofNXF9eeMZeVphkpIYI-Ss0_tQfpcy8UGq2oH0y0djJPrVMPsXdkSMRzqmd2vJmdacJR9RllvNtVIFKdntkCBR_fCjbWR_G2aFAYc2YKPFuoRhb7UpYQBvT41/s1600/20171007_143110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj69dQHXhZYiIT9IUQo1bMofNXF9eeMZeVphkpIYI-Ss0_tQfpcy8UGq2oH0y0djJPrVMPsXdkSMRzqmd2vJmdacJR9RllvNtVIFKdntkCBR_fCjbWR_G2aFAYc2YKPFuoRhb7UpYQBvT41/s320/20171007_143110.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Id8vH7_5LPAFWsFm-VMNoRge-pgJ6oGkOJ7jp-nJmUnAZClt6Wl6WC0qZ87I9DalEHew3hLj9kM847QSL6fbp54pGIBHJN1-CMkau5WPGZb2N3D1ALckfRx8uxOKEPC4NgDrGPMzkIor/s1600/20171007_144441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2Id8vH7_5LPAFWsFm-VMNoRge-pgJ6oGkOJ7jp-nJmUnAZClt6Wl6WC0qZ87I9DalEHew3hLj9kM847QSL6fbp54pGIBHJN1-CMkau5WPGZb2N3D1ALckfRx8uxOKEPC4NgDrGPMzkIor/s320/20171007_144441.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgH8YTke4wY9zHPsqSITCgrwFvbyEs3NBDgbDZQ0-Bi0bvzvWTccZu4j5riTHTEwgN6Skq9AtDgNnrTZZ1-nIQJFkcAtwmrb33hx_6-mwPtJxSoWlAS_0z-R38Xdd8Mf-h4-Mbzp3y4ba/s1600/20171007_145204.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNgH8YTke4wY9zHPsqSITCgrwFvbyEs3NBDgbDZQ0-Bi0bvzvWTccZu4j5riTHTEwgN6Skq9AtDgNnrTZZ1-nIQJFkcAtwmrb33hx_6-mwPtJxSoWlAS_0z-R38Xdd8Mf-h4-Mbzp3y4ba/s320/20171007_145204.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRHhvIt-y9EJvRDot_zCwPTzRigPawG0qJRzsCLvcIG_BNokNAsxJykq0pIm_5ypK3MfxQKJmNyszuMessryeYB-q-m9Ha1ldNHzxNDrDRdnhtiV04pnvml2hiHGD6pvCDu-OG-2geKPM/s1600/20171007_145433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkRHhvIt-y9EJvRDot_zCwPTzRigPawG0qJRzsCLvcIG_BNokNAsxJykq0pIm_5ypK3MfxQKJmNyszuMessryeYB-q-m9Ha1ldNHzxNDrDRdnhtiV04pnvml2hiHGD6pvCDu-OG-2geKPM/s320/20171007_145433.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnvdtLDrW7SokYj6nvZOOtHS6IYTlvrIji5p4tr0tavblNApXTmMRe8Q2w77Dp-4wdz3OyBYrijb5PL1LDiwGIUPLObbsWRcRXusLQT5ihyphenhyphenOmcGOJCh1kGxx31YJ9dyUdgVYKURa84BMg/s1600/20171007_145952.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEnvdtLDrW7SokYj6nvZOOtHS6IYTlvrIji5p4tr0tavblNApXTmMRe8Q2w77Dp-4wdz3OyBYrijb5PL1LDiwGIUPLObbsWRcRXusLQT5ihyphenhyphenOmcGOJCh1kGxx31YJ9dyUdgVYKURa84BMg/s320/20171007_145952.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLu6zBR7ZnUWo-5mst8AKRvaCnHaBWSM7ofxYisJjJ7eVpl1V4_NVvr-ZBU0lQ1NYAkLbutYgpL32UkjPk1mSsBe-z_07-3EoIz5j_IFMuLDhqtQMqJX_-FJS5qAs_qGKFTISOnasRz-R/s1600/20171007_150553.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijLu6zBR7ZnUWo-5mst8AKRvaCnHaBWSM7ofxYisJjJ7eVpl1V4_NVvr-ZBU0lQ1NYAkLbutYgpL32UkjPk1mSsBe-z_07-3EoIz5j_IFMuLDhqtQMqJX_-FJS5qAs_qGKFTISOnasRz-R/s320/20171007_150553.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvdv2My3mDeamALl6E1KSRa5jaQX8Xt2yFTeZ5TFZv5YMS1Bjioq1SjlT3t46MTtc7N-VYR25qCI8FdrOAcesf_j0p18xG3UdZLvydLpZmSt3-6QbCltl_wysY8Yo_QEU-skfCQ_bWQe2/s1600/20171007_161738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvdv2My3mDeamALl6E1KSRa5jaQX8Xt2yFTeZ5TFZv5YMS1Bjioq1SjlT3t46MTtc7N-VYR25qCI8FdrOAcesf_j0p18xG3UdZLvydLpZmSt3-6QbCltl_wysY8Yo_QEU-skfCQ_bWQe2/s320/20171007_161738.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBYf-H_IdNWB0MXzAF55LIVDS-ju3d6SSfaDBxQZm2dB-XHI6FTKJCAIICVNKBN1tbLts1GAcWVvxlxtAOR6FvFt0mxFgQ1RTZ3BVXPZO5uulmX40LaLOUTvw1MaYIDdSwA4ldbqGyut6/s1600/20171007_162224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsBYf-H_IdNWB0MXzAF55LIVDS-ju3d6SSfaDBxQZm2dB-XHI6FTKJCAIICVNKBN1tbLts1GAcWVvxlxtAOR6FvFt0mxFgQ1RTZ3BVXPZO5uulmX40LaLOUTvw1MaYIDdSwA4ldbqGyut6/s320/20171007_162224.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We spent the night back in the teepee south of the village we slept at last spring, then the next morning caught the bus back to Åmål again, both very contented with this short but sweet trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9f04hxNemZqkog7a-9FrLJxvGzh_sHpMjTtR4JGt6KlesgIQvRGWx-Ve8fUj1hHeGJZw5e3BqRcIg5eZM2jql3UMr4lAI50odFucB5JhG_A_M2hOO_p1lmb8iRy_MzRMB2N0KQB2ABz3/s1600/20171007_165356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF9f04hxNemZqkog7a-9FrLJxvGzh_sHpMjTtR4JGt6KlesgIQvRGWx-Ve8fUj1hHeGJZw5e3BqRcIg5eZM2jql3UMr4lAI50odFucB5JhG_A_M2hOO_p1lmb8iRy_MzRMB2N0KQB2ABz3/s320/20171007_165356.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWhWoGSt1GMEhvLhy8tpfztwURAxVZhhjDrLTXbNstaJiRTk5ydnvTD9tBSSOOp2tAqn1H2NsuvKn87OJNSD39roqQ3pB5l4Wo0AjiowEGHnbFYKYTPG8HfPI28flqtlQflLfWFkq5Htd/s1600/20171007_182034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCWhWoGSt1GMEhvLhy8tpfztwURAxVZhhjDrLTXbNstaJiRTk5ydnvTD9tBSSOOp2tAqn1H2NsuvKn87OJNSD39roqQ3pB5l4Wo0AjiowEGHnbFYKYTPG8HfPI28flqtlQflLfWFkq5Htd/s320/20171007_182034.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KASuD0sAdF7NbGZvbv1j7hdOB5eNkxMqy8p8HN5smUvw3LsEgmQh3BpoAK1RHgPjpfLdXTWfj-DY_fwe8dBBlbTIe0IktFngwAam0l-tkdC4XWu-ViJJojjVLFUoBOeAxla-grXd9fBg/s1600/20171007_183305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KASuD0sAdF7NbGZvbv1j7hdOB5eNkxMqy8p8HN5smUvw3LsEgmQh3BpoAK1RHgPjpfLdXTWfj-DY_fwe8dBBlbTIe0IktFngwAam0l-tkdC4XWu-ViJJojjVLFUoBOeAxla-grXd9fBg/s320/20171007_183305.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7229932177594767994.post-30965634991108112222017-09-10T23:23:00.000+02:002018-03-01T19:51:13.311+01:00Cesar's 2017 Go-To, UL Big Three<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP_He7wECi3cY1I-VdvBlWC13-5x5lOwnrLSMhku9Tq8kIpf5TarD95SVyqEWL7SA0xEndRKjW7GuXmmGH5a8wZke0tZFKW8gobi56lYhD94DDOlHzKgXp9KcJQLr2eZpTPCdihJY7hsE/s1600/20170701_214047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWP_He7wECi3cY1I-VdvBlWC13-5x5lOwnrLSMhku9Tq8kIpf5TarD95SVyqEWL7SA0xEndRKjW7GuXmmGH5a8wZke0tZFKW8gobi56lYhD94DDOlHzKgXp9KcJQLr2eZpTPCdihJY7hsE/s320/20170701_214047.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjmUPsssJynR7ara1fHWAF_eOoDxLIPy6AiDIeNS_MCJ0e-MaJ5WX1v1FTbZJcFoX3FiyRUKXm7gfdZMCenmGLHUtLNldUR-PD6bFGAERz-Uie4TOBMFlYmFJEYhda9mgUrVZ22kumjI4/s1600/20170525_213426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmjmUPsssJynR7ara1fHWAF_eOoDxLIPy6AiDIeNS_MCJ0e-MaJ5WX1v1FTbZJcFoX3FiyRUKXm7gfdZMCenmGLHUtLNldUR-PD6bFGAERz-Uie4TOBMFlYmFJEYhda9mgUrVZ22kumjI4/s320/20170525_213426.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXo1HIUUrq0c-Sh0a5NnPfbVKwSi6T57iDaJMi_H9Cs3YfS_-TRqfx76nRIvxw-ObqMImpCEQG9Ej19qQcUenR_i11QOd4oAL0JxoXY8yk8IP0nWaAzBOeUR7Y60xzUDrPw-wVc9F9LGs/s1600/20170717_134141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWXo1HIUUrq0c-Sh0a5NnPfbVKwSi6T57iDaJMi_H9Cs3YfS_-TRqfx76nRIvxw-ObqMImpCEQG9Ej19qQcUenR_i11QOd4oAL0JxoXY8yk8IP0nWaAzBOeUR7Y60xzUDrPw-wVc9F9LGs/s320/20170717_134141.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Intro </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It's been a hot minute since I did a detailed breakdown of some of my favorite pieces of gear, so this time I figured I'd do all my big three configurations for each season of the year. Regular readers will recognize quite a bit of gear, which itself is a testament to its quality and durability. But there are some new additions to my collection of big three gear that I am very excited about, and can't wait to get more good use out of them. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Before I get to the gear, however, some of you may be new here and some context is helpful to better understand why I chose the essential components of my kit. So let's get that out of the way first, but you can also read my more detailed post on <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2014/02/general-tips-and-information-on.html">outdoor life in Sweden here</a></b>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>General use</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Solo (or with friends but sleeping solo), wilderness, UL backpacking on section hikes and weekend trips during all four season of the year.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Location</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Scandinavia, mostly in the forests and fjälls (alpine mountains/hills) of the lower half of Sweden, and sometimes across the boarder in southeast Norway.</span><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Climate</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generally mild and humid (plenty of rain, mist, and fog), with somewhat warm summers and cold winters--rarely going over 25C/77F or under </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-10C/14F, </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">and hardly ever going over 30C/86F or under -18C/0F. Short cold snaps are not uncommon, especially in certain terrains such as rift valleys.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Pests</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are quite a lot of bugs to deal with for about half the year, May to September--and some bugs come in staggering numbers during peak season, roughly June-August. Bugs include mosquitoes, midges/noseeums, ticks, ants, wasps, moose/deer-flies (<i>sv: älgfluga</i>), horseflies, etc. There are also some animals that are more of a nuisance like mice, slugs/snails, magpies/crows/seagulls, etc. that do things like try and eat your food, poop on you or your gear, and on rare occasions scurry/crawl/fly all over your shelter and/or campsite. And then there is the occasional snake, both venomous and non-venomous. But hey, no deadly spiders!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Now on to all my go-to big three pieces of gear.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Packs</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxiIdr3CsDrxTLG1qS_g9QJn7frcztOhAE4K3hUpdtTS9SKxBQ3qNxaQOGyAzcfxRHn_7l64FzyUR8IoAPFKAesn_21V24YdeiV2QjND9_VAF0cEhxN4Ilxwx6lC9fAVZEd18p_awpjFy/s1600/20170905_202652.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOxiIdr3CsDrxTLG1qS_g9QJn7frcztOhAE4K3hUpdtTS9SKxBQ3qNxaQOGyAzcfxRHn_7l64FzyUR8IoAPFKAesn_21V24YdeiV2QjND9_VAF0cEhxN4Ilxwx6lC9fAVZEd18p_awpjFy/s320/20170905_202652.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyERU3iC6gpsAo52ntnXWomzDq26Qz3xHf8zfWQTdAxmIobuf0gbtSmdiTb5ERW9uwL4t2BLrhZsxwoFE6LIuFprd0QrwFkmmUFtH_d3-QOtrONo8csnv_QgIXv7amz4YEkFvlwQEELnR/s1600/20170905_202911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpyERU3iC6gpsAo52ntnXWomzDq26Qz3xHf8zfWQTdAxmIobuf0gbtSmdiTb5ERW9uwL4t2BLrhZsxwoFE6LIuFprd0QrwFkmmUFtH_d3-QOtrONo8csnv_QgIXv7amz4YEkFvlwQEELnR/s320/20170905_202911.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On the Left</span></u></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/burn-38l/" target="_blank">Mountain Laurel Designs (MLD) Burn</a> (2017 version) in Dyneema X</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accessories of choice</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Side straps x2, sternum strap, shoulder pouch.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">420g/14.8oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Volume</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">38 liters</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Ideal Base Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2.5-4kg / 5.5-8.8lbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Max Total Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around 11kg / 25lbs</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SUL and lower UL base weight trips, generally half of the year, from mid-late spring to early-mid fall. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the best frameless backpack I've ever used. Super functional and well thought out, and very comfortable to carry. I only have a few very minor issues with the pack. Looking forward to grinding this pack into the ground, which should take awhile. There are thru-hikers out there that have done multiple long trails with a single Burn pack. You can take a closer look at this pack and hear me ramble on about it a lot more<b> <a href="https://youtu.be/1B47qsVhgpE" target="_blank">in this video review</a></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>On the Right</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/backpacks/arc_haul.shtml" target="_blank">Zpacks Arc Haul</a> in Dyneema X (2016 custom version--note that Zpacks no longer does customizations)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accessories of choice</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Shoulder pouch. The rest of the options come standard with the Haul, but I got some of them modified, for example a Dyneema X front pocket rather than a mesh pocket. Please don't bother asking Zpacks for mods, I was lucky and ordered this pack back when they did custom mods! And no, I don't want to sell this pack to you!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">725g / 25.6oz</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Volume</u>: </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">62 liters</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Ideal Base Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4-6kg / 8.8-13lbs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Max Total Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Around 18kg / 40lbs</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">UL and slightly higher base weight trips, generally the other half of the year when I prefer to use a framed pack in the late fall, winter, and early spring. Also for packrafting trips in warmer parts of the year. You can check out <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2016/04/cesars-first-packrafting-kit-overview.html">my packrafting kit here</a></b>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is the best framed pack I have ever used. The glowing review I gave it about a year and a half ago still stands, <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2016/02/zpacks-arc-haul-first-impressions-review.html">which you can read here</a></b>. There is also a video included in that review if you want to see a closer look of the pack and all that. This is truly an amazing pack. This will most likely be the pack I take when I finally have the chance to do a long thru-hike.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sleep Systems</span></b><br />
<br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Part One: The Quilts</span></span></u></b><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s-sSza4tQ9ABVZVmHgRWz-BmLlXeZfsdImkPe5htcOxmEMWajLSG38pDL-ZG_RWVJlhWAS95Sr1aOP2leNRmRnByWN26Malj9TMPc8cFUZOqNQ_w4mBw9ubAuoTmvHG7mM5BEUbcP2W3/s1600/20170905_195639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-s-sSza4tQ9ABVZVmHgRWz-BmLlXeZfsdImkPe5htcOxmEMWajLSG38pDL-ZG_RWVJlhWAS95Sr1aOP2leNRmRnByWN26Malj9TMPc8cFUZOqNQ_w4mBw9ubAuoTmvHG7mM5BEUbcP2W3/s320/20170905_195639.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7EpSwVFz0xo9DeNKCFw-pKMxF7Y5lSrHGaiqpC3FzTUZj8jSVtgRXtfWsfGtj0iUwZmE-qiz5i-fwk5Xw_MznSGZ8JtPBrDbXnqgoMpafJesFTu1o3rTVrhIgWZYaiQWflfXjCZBGbAg/s1600/20170905_195757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga7EpSwVFz0xo9DeNKCFw-pKMxF7Y5lSrHGaiqpC3FzTUZj8jSVtgRXtfWsfGtj0iUwZmE-qiz5i-fwk5Xw_MznSGZ8JtPBrDbXnqgoMpafJesFTu1o3rTVrhIgWZYaiQWflfXjCZBGbAg/s320/20170905_195757.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>On the Left</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2.5oz Climashield Apex insulation and 10D nylon quilt, temperature rating is around 10C/50F. I paid a friend who is good at sewing to make this quilt for me, as I didn't have the time or skills to do this MYOG project on my own. No zipper, no clips, just a drawstring around the neck and a sewn up footbox.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">350g / 12.3oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Size</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Custom sizing. I asked my friend to make it big enough to be used as an over-quilt in the winter on top of a down bag. Roughly a regular length, x-wide width. Below you can see both bags used together, and with both collars cinched up.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFjiuPLYcMYfBr5PiUXi55mJjJaKZT2_EDHNlEU_ljry0KOIGXEBSsenX1lvtrC-RYSsxtbD5tJ5PUjokuofnZVO6ml4m8irLrfb2SN0TbstoHifAucuGmuhQp0lLG6ZXlEMc8snAQFPh/s1600/20170905_200221.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHFjiuPLYcMYfBr5PiUXi55mJjJaKZT2_EDHNlEU_ljry0KOIGXEBSsenX1lvtrC-RYSsxtbD5tJ5PUjokuofnZVO6ml4m8irLrfb2SN0TbstoHifAucuGmuhQp0lLG6ZXlEMc8snAQFPh/s320/20170905_200221.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau-nOelTnxoV9BEaPAtJqN91SrtFgxyeBlZETOFJ3F_FuToWi-y6YRNgBCBbNrn8qIbskSPn31KwjA-SMQf0Znb6rjbLKbIyNGL-bVunZ9eZQV9zlmSxU0g7CW7SGLnnDMhTaeA9_lNBO/s1600/20170905_200244.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgau-nOelTnxoV9BEaPAtJqN91SrtFgxyeBlZETOFJ3F_FuToWi-y6YRNgBCBbNrn8qIbskSPn31KwjA-SMQf0Znb6rjbLKbIyNGL-bVunZ9eZQV9zlmSxU0g7CW7SGLnnDMhTaeA9_lNBO/s320/20170905_200244.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of 7-15C/44-59F, or combined with my warmest down bag in the winter at low temps of -9C to -15C / 16-5F.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Very happy with this quilt, and love that I can use it both in the summer and the winter. The downsides of synthetic insulation are probably obvious to those of you reading this, but yeah, it's significantly heavier and bulkier for the same temperature rating. However the 2.5oz Apex is thin enough to come close to down weights for a 10C/50F rated bag. For example, an Enlightened Equipment 10C/50F down Enigma, size regular/wide, has a listed weight of about 300g / 10.5oz--which is only a difference of about 50g / 1.8oz from my synth quilt. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are advantages to synthetics, such as generally dealing with moisture/dampness better than down. Then again there is the option of Down Tek down feathers, which are hydrophobic, which arguably makes this a moot point. But on the other hand, synthetic is also cheaper than down, which is nice, and synthetic also works better as an overbag in the winter to wick moisture away from your body while you sleep.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>In the Middle</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://enlightenedequipment.com/enigma/" target="_blank">Enlightened Equipment Enigma</a>, -1C/30F temp rating, 850 Down Tek (2017 version)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">450g / 15.9oz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Size</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regular/Wide</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of around 5C to -3C / 41-26F </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Very happy with this bag so far. This is a newer piece of gear, so looking forward to getting more time with it out in the field, but very positive first impressions. This is the quilt my wife used when we took a trip together this past summer up in the fjälls, and it served her well in a colder than usual summer. It will be my new go-to quilt for much of the spring and the fall. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The three main things that made this quilt so appealing and eventually got me to pull the trigger were the hydrophobic down, amazingly low weight (only 35g / 1.2oz more than my older 5C/40F Zpacks quilt), and cool option to pick custom colors.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>On the Right</u></b>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/quilts/sleepingbag.shtml" target="_blank">Zpacks</a>, -7C/20F temp rating, 900 fill down (2014 version)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">610g / 21.5oz</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Size</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">X-Long/Wide</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of -4C to -8C / 25-17F, and as mentioned earlier, combined with my synthetic summer quilt I can push it down to </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">-9C to -15C / 16-5F.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I love this quilt. It has kept me nice and warm when I needed it the most during the colder half of the year. It has a zipper on the bottom of it, so you could call it a hoodless sleeping bag, but when you unzip it all the way it behaves just like a quilt. I usually keep it closed to keep drafts out, however.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The 900 fill down is impressively puffy, even after years of use, but it does need some maintenance. I don't find the bit of maintenance to be a deal breaker, but I do see the appeal of synth and hydrophobic down. For optimum performance of 900 fill down, I make sure to air it out after I wake up, so long as it's not raining. Ideally it's quick and easy to lay it out in the sun, but that is a luxury you can't count on in cloudy, rainy Sweden. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So if it's raining, I may have to wait to air it out at, for example, a trail shelter or in a cafe of a village/town the trail passes. However if it stays below freezing and it's more crisp/dry winter weather, I've found this airing out to be quicker and easier. In the future, after running this quilt into the ground, I will likely replace it with a quilt with hydrophobic down. This may take a while however, as the craftsmanship of this quilt is pretty great. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Sleep System</span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Part Two: The Pads and Extras</b></span></span></u><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR0yc-qouEFGDjFoO5z3_sQEqrNYKr6W_c6_ZrHKKYftjMyfWZFcRV4deoelSqM9oo0_hr_uAnONgqjnRbUydWYs7MOJZ97qISJdcn27WKu-rqzFdrs5QtJsOINW9sljh_kCgtn19IIDl/s1600/20170905_200849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMR0yc-qouEFGDjFoO5z3_sQEqrNYKr6W_c6_ZrHKKYftjMyfWZFcRV4deoelSqM9oo0_hr_uAnONgqjnRbUydWYs7MOJZ97qISJdcn27WKu-rqzFdrs5QtJsOINW9sljh_kCgtn19IIDl/s320/20170905_200849.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>1st from the Left</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Generic foam, trimmed to 2/3 length</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">90g / 3.2oz</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>R Value</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>~</b>1</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of 12C/53F and up.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I can actually get a pretty good night's sleep on this pad, but location is key. A nice bed of moss works great! Though I generally avoid trail shelters when using this pad. A classic summertime pad that is pretty much foolproof, though one thing that is annoying is having to replace them every few years. Maybe because they are cheap and tough, I am harder on my foam pads than my air pads; but then again, air pads have gotten better and better fabric that is also pretty tough and doesn't act like a magnet for twigs, pine needles, and other debris. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>2nd from the Left</u></b>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nemo Zor Short (2014 version), model has since been discontinued as far as I understand.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">270g / 9.5oz</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>R Value</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>~</b>2</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of 5-11C/41-52F</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Love this pad, and I've got good use out of it--slightly more than the rest of the pads, actually. Not just for me, but I've also let my kids use it when we go camping as well. I find it much simpler and easy to use than my Neoair pads, especially when used inside a bivy. But what it makes up for with minimalism, it does lack in comfort when compared with the Neoair pads. Yet in fairness, it's still pretty comfy, even when used in trail shelters. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>3rd from the Left</u></b>:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Neoair Xlite Regular (had the 2013 version, was replaced by slightly newer version under its warranty in 2015<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">)</span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">350g / 12.3oz</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>R Value</u>:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3.2</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of 4C to -4C / 39-25F</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What an incredible pad. The gold standard of UL sleeping pads, really. This is probably the pad I'd take on a long thru hike. Light, comfy, warm. Makes the chore of blowing it up totally worth it. The supposed noise this pad makes has never been an issue for me. Some people think it sounds like a bag of chips crinkling when you lay on it and move around, but I think these claims are exaggerated.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>4th from the Left</u></b>:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Neoair Xtherm Regular (2014 version)</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">465g / 16.4oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>R Value</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5.7</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Low temps of -5C to -12C / 23-10F, and anything lower I can add my generic foam pad under it.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Another incredible Neoair pad, though this pad has not been used all that often due to it being pretty much a winter only pad for me. And on top of that, the past few winters have been especially mild, so I was fine with my Xlite (and foam sit pad under it) most of the time. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Extras</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Above the pads</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Exped inflatable pillow, size large, 70g / 2.5oz. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I bring this on all my trips now, as it adds so much comfort for so little weight. Never going back to stuff sack with clothing, not to mention that over the years I've dialed my clothing enough that I usually don't have much extra clothing around to use as a pillow anyhow.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Below the pads</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SOL Escape Bivy Lite, 150g / 5.2oz. </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2015/09/my-top-5-favorite-newer-pieces-of-gear.html">I've written about this bivy a few years ago</a></b> as one of my favorite pieces of gear (along with a few pieces of shelter that are included below), and that remains true. I love the flexibility this piece of gear adds to my kit, and I've had nothing but good experiences with it. It actually does what it claims to do by reflecting a significant amount of warmth back to you, while also being very breathable. Never had any issues with condensation, plenty of space inside, and weighs less and is warmer than any sleeping bag liner that I am aware of on the market. A silk liner will perhaps weigh around the same or less, but is not at all as warm. And weighs less than most top or bottom layers of clothing, yet provides full body warmth.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I take this bivy along when the low temps of my quilts for a given trip are on the edge. For instance if low temps are hovering around say 6-8C/42-46F on a beautiful May weekend, I can just throw this bivy down to the bottom of my pack and have some good peace of mind. Even if there is a cold snap and temps dip down to say 4-5C/39-41F, I'll still be able to get an okay night's sleep with the bivy plus my summer quilt and wear all my clothing layers (base layers, hiking layers, down vest, wind jacket, buff, gloves, socks x2, etc.). And if the temps turn out to be on the warmer end, no worries, then I can just lay the bivy under my pad as an extra bit of padding and insulation without being sweaty.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Shelters</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewnzSnkCP0jsW58Q8nVYq0-P6OkvQGjlwHPTntHkCEyOY3C5CQkFsweQCHSOMMsbB5bssIGtG3pwh1c2HE3mDAsCesLdSXUAlfjgCvz4xO5_qcxBsILV_GlwdTT8j2Ouk3TIdvOlWHbVw/s1600/20170905_204750.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewnzSnkCP0jsW58Q8nVYq0-P6OkvQGjlwHPTntHkCEyOY3C5CQkFsweQCHSOMMsbB5bssIGtG3pwh1c2HE3mDAsCesLdSXUAlfjgCvz4xO5_qcxBsILV_GlwdTT8j2Ouk3TIdvOlWHbVw/s320/20170905_204750.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><u>From left to right (all weights include stuff sack)</u></b>: </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://borahgear.com/cubenbivy.html" target="_blank">Borah Cuben Bivy</a> (2013 version, modified with net vent)<br />150g / 5.2oz (including one guy line)<br />No stakes needed</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/serenity-bugnet-shelter/" target="_blank">MLD Serenity Solo Net Tent</a> (2015 version in silnylon)<br />345g / 12.3oz (including two guy lines)<br />Can be pitched with no stakes, but four stakes makes for a better pitch</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://mountainlaureldesigns.com/product/silnylon-rain-poncho/" target="_blank">MLD Poncho/Tarp</a> (2016 version in silnylon)<br />310g / 10.9oz (no guy lines)<br />Ridge and guy lines, two mini-biners, and mini-sack add 50g / 1.8oz<br />Depending on the pitch, needs two-eight stakes, most of the time I use six (A-frame)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://zpacks.com/shelter/tarps.shtml" target="_blank">Zpacks 6x9ft/1.8x2.7m Cuben Fiber Flat Tarp</a> (2014 version)<br />250g / 8.8oz (including six guy lines)<br />Ridge and extra guy lines, two mini-biners, and mini-sack add 40g / 1.4oz<br />Depending on pitch, needs two-six stakes, most of the time I use six (A-frame)</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Borah Dimma Bivy (2016 version, silpoly bottom)<br />240g / 8.5oz (including two guy lines)<br />No stakes needed</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SMD Skyscape X (2012 version, .75 Cuben, no longer in production)<br />510g / 18oz (including six guy lines and poles)<br />Five-six stakes needed</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nemoequipment.com/product/?p=Hornet%202P" target="_blank">Nemo Hornet 2</a> (2016 version)<br />900g / 31.7oz (including fly, inner, seven guy lines, and poles)<br />Four-seven stakes needed</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've done several videos on most of the above shelter, so check out <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/PrimeZombie13" target="_blank">my Youtube channel</a></b> and you can see how they look like fully set up and hear me talk in detail about them. I've also written about several of these pieces of shelter gear here on my blog, for example <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2016/02/borah-gear-bivies-double-reviews-long.html">my double bivy breakdown/review here</a></b>, and <b><a href="http://cesarandthewoods.blogspot.se/2015/06/all-of-cesars-ultralight-shelter.html">my first impressions review of my flat tarp here</a></b>. I go into a lot of detail in those videos and posts, so be sure to check those out if you want more info.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">So because I have already written/spoken extensively about nearly all of these shelters, I won't repeat myself here. These are all of my favorite, go-to shelters, after all. At this point in my UL game, I could have opted for pretty much any other UL shelter combos, but this is what works best for me. Yet there is one shelter that I have only spoken about a bit and not written about in detail, which is the Nemo Hornet 2. So for that shelter I will give my overall thoughts.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There are enough pests and enough precipitation where I hike that I take a fully enclosed shelter year round. Now let's take a closer look at each shelter combination and when I choose to use a given shelter system.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Borah Cuben Bivy + MLD Poncho/Tarp + Ridge/Guy Line Kit</b><br /> </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>: </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">510g / 18oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Light and fast SUL trips, usually summer weekend trips. Poncho/tarp also doubles as rain gear and pack cover.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD Serenity + MLD Poncho/Tarp + Ridge/Guy Line Kit</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzlP6fkZWHrJKMYdQIMNoIE16FnFD4AZ5QW7Nvgd9RAQ-PnaOU3JBDbFyyCj6ydWa9AYcxPMv7jtZeNBbc7_wne02zItHolctBSKax06JmR9P2Y5stwv-RC9BYBCAD1br8YIZBB3w0Mja/s1600/20170701_082855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCzlP6fkZWHrJKMYdQIMNoIE16FnFD4AZ5QW7Nvgd9RAQ-PnaOU3JBDbFyyCj6ydWa9AYcxPMv7jtZeNBbc7_wne02zItHolctBSKax06JmR9P2Y5stwv-RC9BYBCAD1br8YIZBB3w0Mja/s320/20170701_082855.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>: </span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">705g / 24.9oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">More typical UL section hike or weekend trip in the summer. I prefer a net tent during peak bug season most of the time. Though if I am doing nothing but hiking and then sleeping right after setting up camp, or the trail I am hiking happens to have a lot of trail shelters, then I will opt for a bivy.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Borah Dimma Bivy + MLD Poncho/Tarp + Ridge/Guy Line Kit</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">600g / 21.2oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Typical set up for spring, fall, and early summer (before peak bug season) section hikes or weekend trips on marked trails.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Borah Dimma Bivy + MLD Poncho/Tarp + Zpacks Flat Tarp + Ridge/Guy Line Kit</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F4A4dJkauy_CJ-7AzKgY0hoeVeYWrG81ALAz2hnIW8P-xAccVthYe6Uj7zELeASSc-xI1MT86YX-IpKCpAt1fWzy5bQlBx0VgjttxOXE2mbAQhGqTaIHzD0efUxIZoDrSap3QFSH03Yb/s1600/20170415_081604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F4A4dJkauy_CJ-7AzKgY0hoeVeYWrG81ALAz2hnIW8P-xAccVthYe6Uj7zELeASSc-xI1MT86YX-IpKCpAt1fWzy5bQlBx0VgjttxOXE2mbAQhGqTaIHzD0efUxIZoDrSap3QFSH03Yb/s320/20170415_081604.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXcQ6PQtifymSO9BhHws9_kWZnAQ5DZRG9qsWs-xc3I37gLGVnURIeGFdK7LaUaNCOJTlA8pZBsMbOC0KVlkUmEIr01kTsLd2Z03Fv-wjTeIZP7UwYgqmKbrxQvZdBVQsYfTa7lrsD8ZT/s1600/20170415_080526.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXcQ6PQtifymSO9BhHws9_kWZnAQ5DZRG9qsWs-xc3I37gLGVnURIeGFdK7LaUaNCOJTlA8pZBsMbOC0KVlkUmEIr01kTsLd2Z03Fv-wjTeIZP7UwYgqmKbrxQvZdBVQsYfTa7lrsD8ZT/s320/20170415_080526.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">840g / 29.6oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Section hikes that involve a significant amount of off-trail hiking, and/or trips that are to more isolated areas with few or no trail shelters. Also for any trips that have weather reports that predict lots of rain/snow. Poncho is rain gear, pack cover, and also can be pitched as a large vestibule at one end of the flat tarp when it's pitched in an A-frame (see: the picture above).</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">MLD Serenity + Zpacks Flat Tarp + Ridge/Guy Line Kit</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA7Rs4LaU4uyoDemeFnD9RQGyK2MzY-gfnpdXzeBhkcNKr7Puma2JPBXXZLe_SF86rzAcvcnBzy8g9aFkpDpTOXDIDTqf9Q39EBDDu-UgYKPh9bCmCtvXPBiGoQB1tTKCliI6kGbIvx2X/s1600/20160213_152116.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaA7Rs4LaU4uyoDemeFnD9RQGyK2MzY-gfnpdXzeBhkcNKr7Puma2JPBXXZLe_SF86rzAcvcnBzy8g9aFkpDpTOXDIDTqf9Q39EBDDu-UgYKPh9bCmCtvXPBiGoQB1tTKCliI6kGbIvx2X/s320/20160213_152116.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">635g / 22.4oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Winter and early spring section hikes or weekend trips. A net tent's steep walls prevent snow from blowing in and building up on top of you while you sleep better than a bivy. Plus a tiny bit of a wind blocker is nice for those cold blasts of wind at night. No need for a poncho, as getting soaked from rain is not an issue below freezing. So I wear a beefier wind jacket instead to keep the snow and wind off me as I hike. Cuben also doesn't sag and is really strong (especially my tarp, which is made of the thicker 1.0oz Cuben), so no need to worry or re-adjust the pitch or guy lines if there is a lot of snow.</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">SMD Skyscape X</span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OV_hwlNpyuggR3XTsV9VGkm-_RwVrBcZMZbpjvSz3mo619qy1WeNLBZlzGNoPF_bZ_RR_89Adl8BNgaj1SdS7Q4FmFfSIm5Knf1q42A0S_iwVuTUdTXlxX3fpwLO7myrxaQtsaYoAvJ5/s1600/DSC01734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_OV_hwlNpyuggR3XTsV9VGkm-_RwVrBcZMZbpjvSz3mo619qy1WeNLBZlzGNoPF_bZ_RR_89Adl8BNgaj1SdS7Q4FmFfSIm5Knf1q42A0S_iwVuTUdTXlxX3fpwLO7myrxaQtsaYoAvJ5/s1600/DSC01734.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">510g / 18oz</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Section hikes to areas where it's more difficult to pitch tarps, like above tree lines or less forested terrain like fjäll. Weekend trips to specific, secret little spots I know about off trail that have sweet/scenic spots to pitch a tent (e.g. on top of a cliff, a hidden glade, shore of a lake, etc.). Also good for section hikes where I begin and/or end near towns or cities and don't want to pay for a hotel or B&B, and can have a wider range of options for stealth camping near civilization. Like say behind an abandoned house on the outskirts of town<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nemo Hornet 2</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCnt29bHmQI2j_WKEZDcAQWusVu_9ukZGyHhRW0UJQRAfi4RYT6fNzYH5rN3hoNjCPnNXKH8-4CPokPRRe_v0RHWRoGLNGx_Ik9OIrJzJZ8AcO00TkBizW4wvOIyFM7O1RcwiQPJCTUmK/s1600/received_10154783159986641.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOCnt29bHmQI2j_WKEZDcAQWusVu_9ukZGyHhRW0UJQRAfi4RYT6fNzYH5rN3hoNjCPnNXKH8-4CPokPRRe_v0RHWRoGLNGx_Ik9OIrJzJZ8AcO00TkBizW4wvOIyFM7O1RcwiQPJCTUmK/s320/received_10154783159986641.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Total Weight</u>: </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">900g / 31.7oz </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>Usage</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For solo, 3 season use, when I want to spoil myself with an UL palace type shelter, this is the one. Then when my wife and I go out together, this is our tent.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><u>My Overall Thoughts</u>:</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Got lucky and picked this up used online for a good price, looking for a lighter 2 person tent for my wife and I. I took it out a few times on my own to test it out, and liked it so much I ended up using it on a few solo trips. Lots of head room and space in general for one person, and for two people my wife and I find it pleasantly tight on space. There's just enough for both of our sleeping pads inside, and that's pretty much it. But there is some space in the vestibules (though they are a bit tight), and having two side doors is great. It's livable and even fairly comfortable (as far as backpacking goes) for two people that know each other well.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I've had it out in the rain and it kept me and my gear dry. The design is good and it's easy enough to set up. Not much to complain about. I had read a lot of good reviews of this tent before I kept my eye out for one, and I'm glad I did. It's certainly not the lightest UL tent out there, but it's still pretty light, especially when you split the weight with another person.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Very Short Outro, Cuz Man This is Long</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Well, that about covers my big three. As always, please feel free to ask questions or give feedback, and I hope this breakdown is helpful. Peace!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>*Disclaimer: Same as it ever was. Still not sponsored, blog is still advert free, still not a Youtube partner, and I buy all my own gear. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i>*Update 1: Did some minor grammar/typo/formatting edits about 20 hours after publishing this post. </i></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>
Cesarhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13689196714967528782noreply@blogger.com