Åsan

I arrived here quite late in the day and I was really exhausted after all the exertions that were caused by my losing a bag from my trailer early in the day.

I had taken a break in the rest area near a monument to some famous battle, and as I walked my trailer in, I noticed that the carry bag and its contents we're missing. I must admit fluffing around a bit, working out whether or not it was worth going back, and ultimately decided to do so. I took the large bag off the trailer, which made a substantial difference to how well it pulled up the hills. I'm certainly glad I wasn't towing the big bag up some of the slopes.

About 1.5 km back along the trail, there was the bag sitting in the middle of the road. Nothing dramatic just tired of our company! I got it strapped back onto the trailer and then it was back down the hill. A little expedition that took about 45 minutes, and an extra 3 km. It seemed to take an enormous amount of energy out of me for the rest of the day. Probably not helped by being fairly hot, and they're being very little shade along the Pilgrimage route.

Åsens is a family farm built in the 1860s, although land records indicate its been in the family since the 1500s.

Scott the Canadian was already there, in the original farmhouse where pilgrims stay and eat. Karin and Frederick were generous hosts, and we were well fed.

Scott has been doing much longer days than l do, walking today what has taken me two. If I catch the bus tomorrow, I expect he will still be able to catch up before too long.Read more