The second day of the Fjällräven Campfire 2026 event was a true test of our physical and mental strength. We started the morning relaxed at the Vintrovka bistro, but as the trail progressed, it became clear we’d have to work hard for today’s stage. My son started suffering from a sore little leg, compounded by doubts and a child’s crisis. Nevertheless, thanks to the amazing people on the trail and sheer grit, we reached our destination.
A Relaxed Morning at Vintrovka and a Pleasant Encounter with Eliška
We woke with the sun around six in the morning. Once we’d taken care of our morning routines and changed, my son basked in the early rays for a bit while I started packing. He then very skillfully helped me with the tent. For breakfast, my son had his favorite oatmeal with raspberries, and I tried rice pudding with plums. I think I’ve had better meals. Whether it’s the heating method or these year’s meals are just peculiar, it’s frankly quite tragic after the recent experience with Real Turmat.
The Vintrovka stand was already open, so I bought a raspberry-lemon cupcake and a coffee. On a sun lounger with a beautiful view of the landscape, we enjoyed our second breakfast and called home. After twenty minutes, we grabbed our backpacks and set off on today’s adventure. Today’s checkpoint is the Lopeník Lookout Tower. We walked gradually and calmly. I got the names mixed up yesterday – it wasn’t Petr and Lilka, but Tomáš. They went very fast today, so they got ahead of us.
On the other hand, we walked with Eliška for a while. We struck up a conversation, and when I asked if she happened to have a website where she wrote about Fjällräven Classic Sweden, it was a bullseye! It’s precisely the only Czech website where I found excellently written information about the Classic. The journey flew by thanks to this, and Eliška also has two dogs, so my son was thrilled. We chatted, my son joined the discussion, and happily shared all he knew about animals.
The Ascent to Lopeník, a Pie as a Reward, and a Sore Little Leg
On the hill leading to the lookout tower, our paths diverged, and everyone continued at their own pace. We reached the top around one in the afternoon. At the checkpoint, we received a stamp and a delicious pie – my son chose apple, and I had quark and plum. My son also got tea, and I got coffee. We also received vitamins with electrolytes in adult and child versions. I liked them, but my son didn’t much because he found them too sweet, but he managed in the end.
However, at the top, my son started complaining that his left leg hurt. The person from the medical service (emergency) who was accompanying us on the route immediately checked it. He gradually received two creams, we aired out his legs, and dried his shoes and socks. After about an hour, during which we ate, drank, rested, and dried our things a bit, we set off again towards today’s campsite.
We set off together with Tomáš and Lilka, who had waited for us at the checkpoint. As we left, Lilka asked if we would set up our tents next to theirs in the evening and even lent my son a hiking pole. After a while, though, they overtook us because they simply had a faster pace. Plus, my son needed to go to the toilet (for a number two), so we had to stop.
Battling Kilometers, Children’s Tears, and an Unexpected Gift on the Trail
We were both looking forward to today’s destination, to have a proper dinner and for the medical staff to check my son’s leg and my taped knee. Unfortunately, there was still a significant distance to go. For most of the route between checkpoints, I carried my son’s backpack to relieve his leg as much as possible. On top of that came the classic and difficult conversation about how many more nights we had left before we were home with Mom again. It’s truly challenging for me mentally, even though I try very hard to be empathetic and fully understand him. But that doesn’t change the fact that these moments are the hardest on the trek.
On the way, a fellow hiker passed us and made an amazing gesture. He gave my son a packet of magnesium directly into his mouth and, most importantly, a small tube of Piknik condensed milk. My son was overjoyed, and his mood immediately improved. Everyone carries their own journey in their own way. A few hundred meters before the finish, my son’s tears finally came. He was exhausted, but we managed it together and arrived at the camp.
At the camp, we found Lilka and Tomáš and set up our tent right next to theirs. My son found a second wind and immediately went with the other children to the playground. Meanwhile, I set up the tent and prepared things for sleeping. It was quite cloudy, so I was curious if it would rain.
Evening Care at the Camp and the Approaching Rain
We went to make dinner, but my son suddenly complained that his bottom hurt. We went to clean him up, and I noticed it was quite red. Could it be chafing? 😟 We immediately washed it, and the medical staff gave us a cream, so hopefully, it will help quickly.
We finished dinner and chatted with other participants who had attended the camp last year. Both adults and children smiled at my son all day, praising and encouraging him. It was a great joy to hear. He himself tried to be strong, but I sensed he was struggling with it much more this year than last year. Yet, he didn’t give up. I felt sorry for him, but I admired him immensely. We went to apply cream to his legs again and prepared for sleep.
A few drops of rain started to fall, and after half-past seven in the evening, the rain began to fall more heavily. We’ll see what the night brings. Keep your fingers crossed for us that we both manage, especially my son. He’s an incredible trooper!
Day’s Summary
- Starting Point: Vintrovka Bistro
- Checkpoint: Lopeník Lookout Tower
- Day’s End: Camp at the stage finish (Penzion Meduňka)
- Trail Companions: Son, Eliška (with dogs), Tomáš, and Lilka
- Distance Covered (according to watch): 24.03 km
- Highlight of the Day: Tube of Piknik milk for my son from an unknown hiker and the children’s joy at the playground
- Health Troubles: Son’s sore left leg, chafing, and the author’s taped knee
- Dinner on the Trail: Trail food at the camp
- Weather: Sunny in the morning, mixed during the day, overcast in the evening, and heavier rain after 7:30 PM
