One of my big plans is to hike to Skarsfjället, camp by the lake in the ”bowl” and then conquer the peak (or two). It would be the furthest hike I’ve ever done outside any trails and although this should not be a concern, I make it such. Too many unknowns at once, I feel better when I can deal with the unknowns one by one. So I decided to take out one of the unknows – hike to Kejsarn, which is the nearest peak outside the bowl. It will show me what the terrain is like and also allow me to take a closer look at Skarsfjället, even if the lake in the bowl is not visible because it’s actually higher than the peak of Kejsarn.
I also decided to hire a guide from Skarefjäll Natur & Foto to be able to talk with an expert, someone who knows this area inside and out. I think it’s a good way for me to calm down my nerves, I mean I really do make things way too difficult for myself so my biggest problem is overcoming my mental restrictions, rather than any physical or practical hurdles.
But on a day like this, it’s hard to be concerned about anything, really, apart from mosquitoes, and as it turned out, sunburn – I noticed after I came home that I had red skin on my arms! My guide was also a photographer so stopping for pictures was not a problem. We followed the Tvärån creek until we were about north-west from Kejsarn, then ascended the peak and took our time shooting Skarsfjället. We got there just in time, because shortly after, the mountain was already shaded. That’s the problem with Skarsfjället, you always see it from the east so it’s definitely not an afternoon or evening location.
So now I’m ready for my planned Skarsfjället trip. It’s too late for this year (nights are getting too cold, I don’t feel like freezing two nights in the tent) but next year it’s definitely happening! Maybe. Definitely. Definitely!