Day 25. Among Elks

Hello everyone,

Today, we plan to go from Gävle to Hudiksvall. As the days get longer the further north we go, our internal clocks are getting quite out of sync. It has become quite difficult to get Charlotte to bed before 23:00 😱 We have already given up on trying to go to bed before 01:00. The only one who is unaffected by this is Constantin.

On the way to Hudiksvall, we pass by Ockelbo and come across a sign pointing towards an elk park. Since we have come to the theory that the elk sightings in Sweden are a trick to attract tourists, and we have not seen a single one so far, we decide to visit the elk park. Once again, the journey there is a bit adventurous...I repeat, driving through the Niedwald forest with our camper. When we arrive, we find a beautifully made park in the middle of the forest 🌳, where we can go on an exploratory adventure for €10 per adult and Lotte, with Constantin free of charge. Hopefully, we will finally be able to see some elk there!

After a small conversation with the owner, I learn that they also work with dogs here that have been caught hunting. These dogs apparently need proof that they have successfully participated in anti-hunting training.

In any case, Nala is allowed to come to the park with us, I am curious to see how she reacts.

Imagine the park as a forest, with a wire fence stretched around it. And immediately, the question arises in my mind: 'This fence is supposed to stop an elk?!?' 😳

During our walk through the forest, we spot a female elk relatively early on. She is completely unaffected by Nala and comes to the fence to be petted by Tascha and Lotte.

In another part of the forest, it finally happens! A male elk stands a few meters in front of us. I estimate his height to be roughly 2 meters.

Later, we come across a female elk with her young, but when she spots Nala, she is no longer as relaxed and starts threatening us. Given the circumstances, I decide to continue walking with Nala.

Nala stands in front of the enclosures like a meerkat, standing upright to see further into the forest.

After about 2 hours, we make our way back.

Upon arriving in Hudiksvall, the parking space, as usual, is at the harbor and costs €0. Later in the evening, another camper van arrives...if you can call it that.

It is an older couple from Cuxhafen, who travel the world with their vehicle. At the ages of 70 and 76 and with their motto 'Never be afraid of the unknown', I can only say that it was a very interesting and inspiring conversation, and one can only hope to be fit enough in old age to embark on such journeys!!! Such as going to South America, North Africa, Russia, and Georgia each for a year, three times. Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan 🇹🇲 are planned for this year. We wish them many more years and great travels.

And once again, the day is coming to an end and it just won't get dark anymore!

So, until tomorrow.....