Another very early start, 12:40am. I hauled butt all day to make it to the lake crossing 40 miles away at Kvikkjokk. The sky never fully gets dark because of how far north I am- there was a glimmer of pink in the sky when I started. I climbed up through the forest and above treeline as it slowly got lighter. When the sun rose, I was surrounded by completely open space, rolling waves of mountains all around me. There were no other people or creatures, not even reindeer, that I could see. It was just teeny me in the vast landscape. It was so beautiful I started to cry. I felt like the sun was saying hello just to me, as its bright red rays pierced the horizon. I felt seen!

The rest of the day I hustled through forests, bogs, and very 100 Mile Wilderness-like slab rocks, the big kind. I walked most of the day but ran like heck the last four miles after learning there was a 3pm boat I could catch to Kvikkjokk, the little mountain town signifying the end of the third stage of Kungsleden and beginning of the fourth. I was late, but the boat captain Björn and three Dutch hikers graciously waited for me. We were treated to an incredible tour of the lake. The water was perfectly still has the motorboat sliced through it. The other hikers and I couldn’t stop gasping at how beautiful the scenery was.

Björn took us on a quick walking tour in Kvikkjokk and showed us the enormous rapids right by the town, which freeze 95% in the winter. He also showed us where to pick the best raspberries and told me that I ought to read Thoreau. I picked up a huge can of split pea soup (I asked what was the most typical Swedish soup and this was recommended) from the mountain station and made my way to my cabin for the night. My feet look bad. My legs suffered for those hard four miles at the end of the day. I am happy and having the time of my life!

Tried including photos but signal is too poor. Will update this post with photos once my reception is better!