The first day of the Fjällräven Campfire 2026 event kicked off at Stará Myjava, immediately testing our backs and our resolve. We faced morning registration, an unwelcome surprise in the form of a missing gas canister, and unexpectedly heavy trail food. Nevertheless, with our full packs, my son and I set off on the route, covering the first portion of honest kilometers.
Moravian Hospitality and a Restless Night Before the Start
Our journey actually began yesterday when we arrived at our friend Michal’s place. We spent an incredibly relaxed afternoon there, during which the kids had a fantastic time playing. My son was overjoyed with all the new stimuli and experiences. Meanwhile, I had a calm chat with both my friend and his wife. Genuine Moravian hospitality was felt at every step, and a big thank you goes to Michal and his wife for that.
After dinner, we showered and watched a fairy tale for a bit. However, my son was starting to show sadness from missing his mom and sister. Fortunately, his mom called, so we got to see each other on the phone for a while. Then it was time for bed. It takes my son at least until nine in the evening to fall asleep anyway. Even though I tried to fall asleep too, I just couldn’t. I finally dozed off after eleven, and was awake again before five in the morning. At six, we officially got up, finished packing, had breakfast, and set off on our way.
Registration at Stará Myjava, Missing Canister, and a Serious Load
After eight in the morning, we arrived at the starting point in Stará Myjava. We immediately got down to registration, picked up our food and other supplies. We greeted familiar faces from last year, which was a very pleasant reunion. As soon as we had everything packed into our backpacks, we headed for the weighing station.
My son’s backpack weighed 1.635 kg, while mine climbed to an impressive 17.22 kg. That weight is mainly due to the fact that there’s practically no dehydrated food this year. Which, honestly, is quite a massacre. So, I only took breakfasts and dinners, planning to get by during the day with energy bars and whatever we find along the way. I’m honestly a bit sad about this.
The gas canisters were another wrench in the works. This year, they aren’t provided at all, although they are supposed to be available for loan at the checkpoint. I was firmly counting on receiving one on-site, so I didn’t bring my own. Only when reading the conditions did I realize they weren’t included in the price. I really messed that up! I wondered if someone thought last year was too easy and decided to give us heavier food and a more uphill route this year? 😂
First Checkpoint at Houbiho Chata and a Reward at Vintrovka Bistro
We set off from Stará Myjava and at the first checkpoint at Houbiho chata, we met Petr and Lilka. They did the camp last year, so we continued from there together. Our overnight stay tonight is planned at Vintrovka bistro, which is a pleasant change compared to last year.
Upon arrival, we bought a hot dog and my son ordered a raspberry soda. The saleswoman asked him his name, how old he was, and if he walked the whole way by himself today. When he answered the questions, she gave him a pack of Mixit candies as a reward. For dinner, we prepared our first trail meal. For my son, it was supposed to be meatballs with mashed potatoes. Unfortunately, it was inedible; it had a strange consistency and a completely undefined taste. Luckily, Lilka offered to share her chicken paprikash, as they had two extra portions. We’ll see how we sort that out tomorrow. I had meatballs with basmati rice. The taste was okay, but I didn’t detect any rice in it at all.
Setting Sun and Doubts About Watch Measurements
At 6:40 PM, the sun is slowly setting, and we’re going to change into our sleeping clothes and crawl into our sleeping bags. I’m very curious about tonight. According to my watch, we walked 21.49 km today. However, it’s questionable how accurately the watches measure. Apparently, it’s true that if you stop for a break and let the watch keep running, you accumulate kilometers even while standing still. So, it might have been a bit less in reality.
Day’s Balance Sheet
- Start Location: Stará Myjava
- First Checkpoint: Houbiho chata
- Day’s End Point: Vintrovka Bistro
- Trail Companions: Son, Petr, and Lilka
- Distance Walked (according to watch): 21.49 km
- Backpack Weight (son): 1.635 kg
- Backpack Weight (author): 17.22 kg
- Day’s Highlight: Mixit candies for my son as a reward from the saleswoman at the bistro
- Gear Status: Forgotten gas canister at home
- Dinner on the Trail: Meatballs with rice and chicken paprikash from Lilka
