Friday 11/7 – part two

Birgitta, my predecessor, had just finished her cleaning procedures, and after having a quick look inside the newer cottage which houses the warden's room and the store, we took down the STF pennant and flew the STF flag in honor of our exchange, as it were. Just then a group of six campers arrived from the direction of Gåsen, and they took a longer break coupled with some shopping before they went on. Now more clouds were stretching across the sky, but the eastern hemisphere was still blue. When two more guests had come in and another two just passed by, Birgitta and I went on a more extensive tour of the premises, during which yet another pair arrived. While Birgitta tended to them I carried the boxes containing my food etc. inside, and before I too went in I chanced upon a fairly large hare that quickly hopped into the bushes and disappeared. I proceeded to unpack the various goods and then had dinner.

Impressive Stora Härjångsstöten

Sunny evening

The older cottage

Some more warden-related information exchange then followed, as did the arrival of three women from Helags. Birgitta and I then made a joint effort in the garbage room, which still held most if not all of that which had been produced during the winter, and was therefore quickly nearing capacity. The sun was now out again, and I went for a walk up Roupe – the hilly rise directly above the cottages, from the top of which one has full cell phone coverage owing to a free line of sight to the antenna upon Middagsvalen.

There are two paths leading to this top (or tops, as there are a few), and I chose the one that starts right beside the spring which serves as the cottages' water source; this one appeared to be a "path in the making", but it was clear enough to be followed with ease. Once up there I saw that it was rather dark to the north, and that rainfall was approaching from the east. I therefore did not remain for long, and upon my return to the cottages I took down the flag, as the time was after 21 (old traditions and the like).

Going up

Darkening over Ottfjället...

...as well as behind Vålåvalen...

...and Trondfjällen

Back inside Birgitta and I went through the last things in the shop, with me formally taking over the till – the Vålå cottages have an actual cash register powered by the photovoltaic system. After the evening weather forecast and a light evening snack not much remained but making the bed and entering the same, but before doing so I had time to note that while the rain had not yet reached us (or indeed taken another route altogether), some low clouds had started creeping in from the north through the western vale, and the aforementioned prognosis spoke of dreary weather the next day.