Long hours on the road, strong sun and a dip I’d never take in Sweden
Foreword
This is one of those posts that carries the pulse of travel – from hours behind the wheel to an evening in the sun by the river. I write this with sand between my toes and landscapes still lingering in my mind.
From Sweden to Norway – shopping stops and diesel thoughts
Yesterday, we spent many hours in the car. We left rainy Sweden and crossed the border at Charlottenberg, where Norwegian shoppers lined up at the pumps and checkout counters. Diesel is more expensive here, but since the Swedish krona is stronger this year, the campsite that cost 420 NOK only came out to 399 SEK. Maybe that means diesel is roughly the same – but it’s too early for math. That thought will have to stay uncalculated.
Rain, motorhome spotting and writing dreams
It rained all the way until we reached Kongsvinger. I counted motorhomes along the way – a little travel tradition of mine – and tried to work on The Winged Horse book. But that was easier said than done. The manuscript will have to wait until I’m back home. It takes time to shape a story into something beautiful. Still, I’ve created many lovely images based on the tale of two boys facing trials with the winged horse.
Pasta bake and evening sun magic
When we finally arrived at the campsite by the Glomma River, we reheated the pasta bake we’d brought along. We ate outside, bathed in evening sun, surrounded by black, ominous clouds – yet right where we sat, the sun kept shining. The wind was strong but warm. My husband ended up sunburned on his shoulders, a sign of how intense the sunlight really was.
A swim I’d never take back home
I asked the campsite host if one could swim in the river. She said yes. But when I got there, I was disappointed. Huge rocks blocked some areas, and where there was sand, your feet would sink into the silt, making it hard to get up again. Still, I was determined – and I took a swim, floating briefly in the current. Further downstream, I could hear the sound of a waterfall.
When I got out, I let the sun dry my feet. My water shoes are now full of sand. More than ever, I’m convinced: Norwegians don’t know what a real swimming lake or beach should feel like. I would never have swum in such water at home in Sweden. Last year already gave me that clear realization.
But oh, the views…
That said – and this is important – the scenery here is breathtaking. Towering mountains, deep valleys, charming little villages. There is beauty everywhere. It humbles you, in the best possible way.
Today’s thoughts – which direction shall we go?
Today, we’re undecided. Maybe we’ll drive back into Sweden, heading for Vilhelmina and Stekenjokk – for that epic mountain feeling. If you explore the Norwegian side first, Stekenjokk can seem small in comparison. But from the Swedish side, it hits differently.
Either way, we’ll cover many miles today. Perhaps a stop in Strömsund, with its campsite and pool? Or maybe we’ll continue toward Trondheim, looking for a campsite in Oppdal or up on the mountain among the bison. Wherever we land, the journey rolls on.
Closing words
This is what vanlife looks like – sun, sand, stunning views, and decisions made on the go. We follow the weather, the road, and the feeling. And I follow the words that want to be written.
Hashtags (English version):
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#MotorhomeJourney #FamilyCamping #ScenicViews #SwedishMountains #TravelWriter #RiverCamping #EuropeByVan #NatureEscape
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