Contemplated the tempting notion of squeezing in an extra hour of slumber, I rose anyway, ensuring an early start to my day.
There was no boat needed to cross the lake, as the map had shown. Instead, a bridge had taken its place. Crossed paths with a fellow traveler, a man hailing from Belgium. We struck up a conversation, sharing stories of our respective journeys.
He regaled me with tales of his night spent in the hut, an unexpected banquet of camaraderie hosted by a group of Norwegian fishermen who had reeled in a bountiful catch of thirteen fish. His eyes sparkled with delight, and his words breathed hope into my own fishing aspirations.
Surveying the surroundings, I selected a prime spot to cast my line. On the first cast, before my bait had even fully submerged, I felt a mighty tug. An impressive trout, a real fighter, put up a spirited battle. Alas, in my haste, I had neglected to bring a net, and my prize slipped away, evading my grasp.
I lingered at that spot until the lake claimed one of my lures as a sacrificial offering.
Followed the edge of the lake to find a new spot. In less than an hour, I reeled in three more. Two were of moderate size, and one was a hefty fellow, their slimy bodies proving a challenge to haul onto solid ground. Yet, it was a triumph worth the effort.
Rod stashed away, I resumed my journey, a mere 14 kilometers on the day's agenda. The merciless sun beat down, and the plateau above taunted me from afar. I felt as though I was slowly cooking under its relentless gaze. Eventually, I reached the bridge that marked my campsite, and I heaved a sigh of relief, though the bridge itself, precariously assembled and wobbly as hell, offered its own set of challenges.
I discovered a fitting campsite, choosing not to press further as the terrain ahead seemed ill-suited for a peaceful night's rest.
An additional attempt at fishing bore no fruit this time. The remaining days now beckon with slightly shorter distances, a prospect that brings a glimmer of contentment. This trail, it turns out, has demanded more from me than I initially bargained for. In these moments, I strive to focus on one day at a time as I continue thinking of the tale about the Chinese farmer.
There are elements beyond my control, and life's whims dictate that sometimes you win, while on other occasions, you must gracefully accept defeat and move onward. The desire to excel from the very outset is strong, but you will learn. And damn you if you don't.