I had no wardenship planned this summer, and as is then my wont I had placed my vacation fairly late as these things go, basically taking the month of August off. As soon as it started I began drawing up several alternative plans for possible tours, this time aiming for the area around (for large values of "around") Sjöfallsdalen, where I had not been for years.

The weather was – as is its wont – being rather uncooperative, with quite a bit of rain up there while it was fair down in Jämtland. Eventually my time began to run out, so in the end I had to make a decision whether to go no matter what and take my chances lest I miss the opportunity completely. There appeared to be a window forming right after an immense rainfall, and I did my due preparations to utilize it.

I had selected a trip along Gränsleden (Rádjebálges, or Border Trail) west from Ritsem, and then a bit on Nordkalottleden before turning back eastwards south of the larger lakes making up a barrier line – plus an extended coda if conditions so allowed. Unfortunately the forecasts for said window took a turn for the worse the closer it got, and I debated extensively whether to cancel or substantially rework my plans, but as I was basically fretting at home I ultimately decided to just go for it – come what may!

My packing list was as follows:

Plus the 510-g birch walking stick and some water in the flask.

Here, then, is the full account of what transpired during the subsequent nine days. Each section has a header consisting of a short overview of the stage in question, complete with a map showing the route travelled. A ring marks the starting point, a square the lunch break location (if any), and a star the destination. Vertical distances have been calculated from the map and have an accuracy of 10 m. All breakfasts consisted of oatmeal porridge, tea and a sandwich, and all lunches of two cups of instant soup and a sandwich.