4th day, Njárgajohka-Vuomádatgammen

It’s cooler in the night.
No wind in the morning that means a thicker cloud of bugs. In addition to the small black flies, mosquitoes have joined in. Activities around the tent require thorough strategic planning.
Soon the trail moves higher up where there is some wind and a break from the insects. Stonechats and golden plovers announce that they have seen me. Just a few clouds in light blue sky, one of them looks like a pancake. Easy and enjoyable walking with plenty of resting stops. Snow-patterned mountains in the horizon with Jiertá mountain in front of them. Sparse slender birch trees are replaced by thicker forest with globeflowers, buttercups and cranesbills. I’m approaching Reisa valley, home of Reisaelva.
Going down from the plateau, the forest is denser and wind weaker. Looks like a blueberry forest with lots of windings roots to stumble upon. Mosquitoes appear in swarms. They motivate me to keep on moving, otherwise I’d stay for longer to look around and take pictures. So, mosquitoes have to be, humans become lazy without them.
There is a narrow path before Nedrefosshytta where a cable is put on the mountainside for security. Down by the hut the river has created a small pool. I sit in there for a while. A fish jumps out of the water to see me better. Less mosquitoes here than at Ráisjávri.
Going further, all mosquitoes have come out. I walk in rain jacket holding the ends of the sleeves so that no-one can enter and bite my fingers off. For every picture I have to give a few drops of blood though. It’s hot. The river with its clear water is inviting.
Vuomádatgammen hut where I planned to stay is full of mosquitoes. They come in from the cracks by the door faster than I can kill the ones inside. So I pinch my tent outside where there’s a very beautiful spot for this. All mosquitoes participate in the action and evening routine. At least now I have a space that I can control.
26,8 km walked today.
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3rd day, Jeagloaivi-Njárgajohka
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5th day, Vuomádatgammen-Ovi Raishiin

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