July 8, 2024
Day 7: Gisslaranden Shelter to Vastland Shelter
Happy 29th Anniversary
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“This chunky gravel is hard going, but I think if it wasn’t there we might be pushing our bikes through the mud or scraping mud off the fenders,” Rachel says. Patrick found an easier path from the shelter back to the road. We follow forest roads for about 7km. The roads have recently been covered in large rough rocks. It is hard going. When we reach the main road once again there is a bit of a surprise, a 6ft fence and large metal gate. It would be tough to climb over that. Fortunately there is a small man door in the gate. It appears the road is fenced to keep the moose from crossing. The wind is a bit calmer today, but still a factor.
“Sweden is known for these long straight roads with a wide shoulder. It’s meant to be able to convert the road to a landing strip for planes in case of wartime,” Patrick explains. We stop before turning onto a forest road for a food break across from a clock tower. We watch a robot mow the grass, at one point it looked confused but kept going.
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We turn off main road to go a couple kilometers into Osterbybruk to buy groceries. Than back on the main road still headed northwest. The southerly wind sometimes helps. Then we finally turn north again and get a nice tailwind for a while. Then one more jog on a forest road to get to our destination.
We reach the Church that is near the shelter. We stop at the waterpitchers and tap, and there is sign indicating the water is not potable and to go to the rectory. We find a nice tap and fill up our bottles and bladder. Then head for the shelter. It is a similar building as the one we used the first night out. There is a center post that won’t allow our tent inside. No problem, there is a nice lawn area where we can pitch.
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It’s only 1430 when we arrive. Our cellphone gives us data so we can update our journal and communicate with our hosts tomorrow night.
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We also want to congratulate Scott and Rachael Anderson who shares this date with their anniversary. We also have friends from Boise ID Katherine and Brandon sharing this date as an anniversary.
Today's ride: 77 km (48 miles)
Total: 249 km (155 miles)
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