Sunrise into Sunset
It’s Summer now and I find myself thinking of white, fluffy meadows and the Winter sun. Last year on Boxing Day, Moose took me into the white wilderness – to the top of a lonely mountain on the edge of the Finnmark Plateau. There were no tracks, no fences, just us and nature. We had to trudge through thigh deep snow until we reached some moss to walk on. When walking in snow and you don’t know how deep it is Norwegians know to walk on the vegetation as that is a good indication of where hard land is underneath.
For most of the way we had to climb up on our hands and knees so we wouldn’t fall too deep into the snow. As the mountain started to level, more and more reindeer droppings appeared. This is another good indicator of a safe passage – when in doubt, follow the animal droppings!
On top we had a 360 degree view. The lake was frozen and the air was crisp. We had just made it for sunrise… well, if you can call it that. At this time of year, so high up in the Northern hemisphere the sun never quite makes it over the horizon. This is the land of Winter darkness. However, even though we don’t get to see the sun for two months, its effect reminds us that it is still there. The sun’s light always manages to inspire for an hour or so, making everything yellow, pink, orange then red.
The rising light.
We did not have to wait long for the colours in the sky to change. We could see them turn into each other within minutes. At times like this you realise how fast life moves… and all before ‘middag’.
Moose and I just stood and watched. We didn’t want to lose this moment to words. I’m bewildered as to why this land has been overlooked by the storytellers – I’m sure one day it will be the setting for the greatest romance ever told.
The falling light.
The way down the mountain took a long time. I couldn’t help but stop and look at the fading light behind us. The moment was just gone too soon for me but Moose was pressing us to get back to the car. You see, once the light is gone the coldness creeps in (plus I think he was eager for Boxing Day dinner).
To make things quicker I needed to step in Moose’s steps to get through the snow. You’d think that it would make it easier for me too but… they say it’s hard to walk in someone else’s shoes, but have you ever tried walking in someone else’s snow prints? I felt like Gimli treading inside an ‘oliphants’ steps.
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I love it! Now I miss quiet, crisp mid-winter hikes too. Especially during July’s miserably hot weather. I was just telling my mother-in-law that I need to move back to the Arctic. 😉
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from L-Jay:
Whenever I hear or read about the ‘Arctic’ I think of polar bears and never-ending snow and ice bergs. Then I think ‘hang on, I LIVE in the Arctic!’…lol. Today we had temps of 30 degrees – who would have guessed it got that hot in the Arctic?
Beautiful pictures once again! As for the seasons.. I love them all.. in the beginning lol!
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from L-Jay:
The hardest season for me is Spring. It just seems like nature is teasing you before the coming Summer – it brings out the sun and melts the snow but then it snows again – over and over!
the light is beautiful, sunrise and sunset are such wonderful times… it must be amazing to see them both in such close succession.
if decide to go to Øytun Folkehøgskole in Alta i could see it for myself! which reminds me, do you or moose know anything about it? id be interested to know if it and its students are well integrated into the local community or if its at all segregated.
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from Moose:
As far as I know, the student accommodation is mainly on campus, which is located in lovely surroundings in the forest outside Alta. It can be a challenge to socialise with the community in general, unless you have your own transport. I do know, however, that many students work or volunteer in the Alta tourist industry, so if you learn the language (that’s essential), you can have some great opportunities to mingle with the locals. Check the local paper for any activities that may be happening.
oh cool, cheers for the reply. that sounds awesome, and yes learning the language is very important, its one of the main reasons for going! im a little apprehensive about whether or not ill learn anything though…
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from L-Jay:
Well, you are more than welcome to use our Learn Norwegian pages to compliment your classes. We have just begun podcasts too. 😉