My most memorable adventures of 2023

I've really enjoyed the outdoors a lot this year, every season and all weather conditions. The focus has mostly been on hiking and exploring different parts of the Sörmlandsleden long distance trail.

Something that I'll remember forever is viewing the incredible northern lights on a cold winter night, far out in the archipelago, on a weekday just after a regular day at the office. A once in a lifetime opportunity! It was cold, it was dark, and I was all alone with just my camera and my hammock, but the atmosphere was completely magical!

At the first signs of spring I hiked across Södertörn, camping with a really lightweight bivy for the first time. Usually I sleep in my comfy hammock, but I've long been curious about going more lightweight and more minimalistic. Trying out a bivy setup was a fun and exciting change of pace. It is definitely something that I will experiment with more in the future!

While I didn't do a lot of cycling this year, I've tried to maintain my fitness, and in the very early summer I did my first imperial century 160km ride, which is a milestone that I've long had my eyes on. I really missed doing longer rides, and this was my longest yet. Now I look forward to more cycling next season and I'm doing my best to keep my fitness up with indoor training in the meantime.

During the height of summer I focused a lot at making my way further and further along the Sörmlandsleden trail. The 4 day 90km hike to Katrineholm is the longest distance hike I've done, as well as being the furthest from home, only relying on my hammock and what I carried on my back. Especially after having had some problems with my feet over the past year, being able to complete this hike was a huge milestone for me! It was an amazing experience and I can't wait to continue where I left off during the hiking season of 2024!

In the late summer I got tired of being held back by the rain, the poor weather, and all the mosquitoes, so I made an effort to defy the elements, enjoying the outdoors no matter what. One night I found myself at a small cliff by a lake in the middle of the most intense thunderstorm I've ever encountered. It was a scary and humbling experience, but at the same time it made me eager to experience more! Weather will not hold me back!

For now I'll keep taking any opportunity to head out, even if it is dark, cold, grey or wet, in search of adventures and in wait for the next season.