Just like last year I had wanted to do something this winter, but those Reasons® were in the way again. As it happened I was given the opportunity to participate in Fjällfest under the flag of ÖTC in late April, which turned out very well, not least weather-wise – which was very welcome considering the near-storm of the previous installment. Still, when the Walpurgis holiday came along together with favorable weather forecasts the following week, I felt the need for another outing.

At first I considered leaving already on Saturday, possibly aiming for Sylarna, but in the end I planned a shorter tour to Gåsen and back; I knew that Mats would be the warden there, as usual in spring, and looked forward to meeting him again. Also, by "back" I mean Storulvån, since the Vålådalen side of things had already closed, and snow conditions in the western reaches were very good still. Finally, I meant to stay in Storulvån for the actual Night, which outside of Fjällfest I have never done, and celebrate the arrival of spring the proper bonfire way.

My packing list was as follows:

Add to that a scant liter of hot water in the thermos, and a half-liter bottle of cold water I carried in a jacket pocket.

Here, then, is the full account of what transpired during the subsequent two days. Each section has a header consisting of a short overview of the stage in question, complete with a map showing the route travelled. A ring marks the starting point, a square the lunch break location, and a star the destination. Vertical distances have been calculated from the map and have an accuracy of 10 m. Breakfasts consisted of oatmeal porridge, tea and a sandwich, and all lunches of two cups of instant soup and a sandwich.