3 Highlights:
– Hitching my way to Green River.
– Spotting four moose—mamas with calves!
– Finally feeling strong on the trail again.
Daily Summary:
– Distance hiked: 32 km
– Starting point: Green River
– Ending point: 7 km into Knapsack Col
– Weather conditions: Sunny until 19:30.
Daily Reflections (challenges, insights, musings):
Woke up several times during the night, as if my body was practicing for an Olympic event in sleep deprivation. At 6:22 AM, I was awakened by a call, which I answered in my sleep and promptly hung up on. Apologies, Masoud, I wasn’t really awake.
The day began with a cold shower and a breakfast at Heart and Soul. Feeling ready to tackle the day, I grabbed a second cappuccino at Pine Café along with a burrito for lunch, because one can never have too much caffeine or burritos before hitchhiking. As I wandered through town with my thumb stuck out, I popped into Family Dollar for a massive Snickers and a Reese’s chocolate, you know, just in case of emergency. I had it right away and started feeling the sugar rush in my blood.
While waiting for a hitch to materialize, I called my sister, and wouldn’t you know it, a car finally stopped! Just as I was about to wrap up the call, the driver’s dog leaped out of the window and bit me. Yes, really. Apparently, it wasn’t a fan of my hoodie or my Klättermusen-shirt. I was bleeding, the dog was still growling, and the guy was trying to reassure me that his ex-wife’s dog had all its shots—great comfort, I’m sure…
With the evil dog called NASA reluctantly back in the car, the guy offered to drive me 5 miles down the road. We had a lovely chat about life, dogs, and churches—though I didn’t ask him if he prayed for fewer dog bites.
Hitching round two: success! The next driver, also with a dog (of course), was a contractor heading out to work on a house. After hearing my tale of canine woe, he kindly offered me some ointment and even suggested a trip to the hospital. No need, I thought, just another day on the trail.
The third hitch was Albert, a trail angel who’s made it his mission to chauffeur weary hikers. We had a heartwarming chat about life, and he gifted me water, while I slipped him 20 bucks for gas. By 11 AM, I was finally on my way, ready to tackle the day. I had soo much energy. Almost 2 days without hiking. Multiple breakfasts. Sugar bombs and the adrenalin from the dog bite. I set my target high. Passing Knapsack Col some 35km and +1000m elevation before camping.
The trail was beautiful—turquoise waters, stunning landscapes, and a surprising encounter with two moose within the first few miles and two more way up high by a glacier lake. It was like the universe decided to make up for the dog bite with wildlife sightings.
Despite my earlier ambitions, I wisely called it a day 1 km before Knapsack Col. Just in time, too, as the weather turned and rain began to pour. I set up camp, feeling quite proud of my mature decision-making skills. After all, no one wants to face a sketchy climb in the dark with wet gear.
To top it off, I slept at the highest elevation yet—3,330 m! Cozy in my tent, listening to the rain, I drifted off with thoughts of moose and Gatorade. Good night.
