Monday 7/7

During the early night there was another light shower, but other than that the rains did their thing elsewhere. What did return, however, was the keen wind, and when I got up before 06:45 I saw that returned had also the low drifting clouds, even though they were somewhat higher than they had been the day before. Also today there was a patch of sky visible off to the north, and while I was having breakfast it grew lighter all around. I packed up at a leisurely pace even though I for once had a time to meet; I needed to be in Storulvån at 12:15 to catch the bus to Enafors. I estimated two hours for this stage, but I aimed for a departure time of 09:00 just the same, both for safety and to have time to have lunch in peace in Storulvån before stepping onto the bus, and in the end I only missed this time by five minutes.

Once among the trees on the other side of Tjallingån the wind decreased considerably, which I had foreseen in choosing the level of clothing. After but a short bit there was a simple ford, and then I came to the Sámi settlement Tjallingen, where I took a detour to have a look at some of the buildings. The trail from Tjallingen to Storulvån consists of a dirt road – perhaps not too wilderness-like, but it was certainly nicer to walk upon than the asphalt road between Vålådalen and Nulltjärnarna. For a while the sky was more clear than not, and it seemed as though things would continue to develop in a favorable direction, but then the clouds found their way again and thwarted any such progression. The wind was also on and off, and walking was comfortable for the most part.

At the large suspension bridge over Handölan several smaller groups of people were about, and one man drew my attention to what they were all looking at – a reindeer making its way across the stream (come to think of it, it might well have been Leif, the semi-tame reindeer who by his own volition resides around Storulvån and its visitors). During the final bit to the station I was not in the least surprised to come across a multitude of people, and I took my time reaching my destination, which I did precisely two hours after I started – just as expected.

Laptentjahke

Following the trail to...

...the bridge over Handölan

Detour to the buildings...

...of Tjallingen

On a different road

Gåsen losing its frosting

Snasahögarna across Handölan

Miektjieburrientjahke

It's still there!

Snasahögarna closeup

Getryggen closeup, with the Storulvån fjeld station beneath

Fording reindeer

Getryggen across the last mires

Almost-view of Sylarna

Finish!

The fjeld station itself had seen some renovation since my last visit, so I have several looks around before sitting down for lunch, after which I treated myself to some dessert in the restaurant. Outside there was still no break in the cloud cover, but said cover remained clear of the closer peaks; Sylarna were not to be seen, however. The bus arrived ahead of time, and I was far from the only one to enlist its service – and thus ended this short trip through the "fjelds of home".