A day wandering Sundsvall

Today started with my baggage still missing, and ended with it found, still absent and no indication of when it will be delivered.

After breakfast , I had a chat with the woman at the front desk. She had checked me in last night and was back this morning, so she might live in the hotel. I then went out and had a pleasant walk into the centre of Sundsvall, really only a handful of blocks away, through to the other side of the city and then back along the river. It was too early for most shops, but there was an ICA open, so I bought some snacks there and returned to the hotel.

Next was getting my mind around what small among of gear I would need to walk until my baggage arrived. A change of underwear was high on my priority list, as well as some toiletries. Simple raingear like a poncho might have to suffice if everything was going to fit in the pack I had brought with me, and I didn't know what to do about sleeping gear and walking poles. My first-aid kit was in my checked bags, so some simple blister prevention was also important.

It would also be nice to have at least the basics of a change of clothes when I finished the next couple of days walking so I could wash the gear I had walked in.

My first foray was moderately successful, and my booty included a pair of shorts, tee-shirt, socks, and two pairs of boxers from Stadium, Compeed and nail clippers from a pharmacy, and scissors, some microfibre flannels large enough to work as towels in a pinch, rehydration tablets and snacks. That was enough for the moment, and I was ready to crash at this stage, more, I expect, from being on the road for 45 hours than all this shopping.

After a light salad lunch and a long snooze, I picked up a couple of extra bits and pieces then explored a bit more before calling it a day.Read more