We have settled into a pattern here above the Arctic Circle. The weather dominates our daily activities as storms blow in and out and we alternate between work, play, and exercise. The girls have come a long way in their math as Traverse and I plan out the next steps of our journey, and catch up on work. When the weather breaks we find another mountain to climb (and collect our daily quota of blueberries!)
For years, I have felt like Sisyphus trying to empty my inbox, but here my email goes to zero before breakfast and stays there for hours. The sensation of completeness is strange, like the deafening silence after a loud noise stops, or feeling of being off balance after a long boat ride. We are finding a new balance, which was the whole point of this year. Indeed, for the first time since we left, it has felt like there has been time and space to read, watch the clouds or fully explore a child’s question. It is interesting to see how your perspective changes; the mountains no longer feel like a big adventure, now that we know what it is like to walk most of the ridge lines and stand on the top of many of the peaks we can see. We are getting accustomed to having Time and we have found new and unexpected treasures as life slows and unfolds.
Afterschool breaks: exploring the tide on an empty white sand beach after a day of linear algebra
This is actually the same beach as above, but on a different day with a different perspective. I can't get over the color of the water.
Watching the waves crash and enjoying the sun as we venture a few fjords over.
Playing on the end of a boardwalk we had only driven past before.
I love how the Norwegian government has added these little stops along beautiful streach of road, this modern boardwalk brings you down to a stunning rock outcropings seen above.
Best road side pit stop! Why not do everything in style?!?
"River" as bear as best known, has been a part of many of the adventures, and is starting to look a little more loved on every muddy trail we explore. This picture was taken after Little One summersaulted off a steep trail’s edge-both ending up a little dirtier after the roll.
Another afternoon stroll took us up a breathtaking ridge to the mountain of Barden, the fourth highest peak on Senja. We debated on the way down; maybe this one was our absolute favorite. They are all just a perfect 4-6 miles, 800-1000 feet of elevation gain, views the whole way, with a little bit of challenge and exposure. It reminded me of road biking in Mallorca where every hill climb was a perfect 5K and 5%.
Just another part of the climb as we used these cables on Sukkertoppen outside of the "town" (really more just resort) of Hamn.
Looking out towards Greenland on the tip this amazing island in the artic Atlantic Ocean
Another adventure with the resort of Hamn in the background
These two enjoying a break in the weather and work
Scrambling down the mountain side.
You can see in this picture how you can connect ridge to ridge as they jet into the ocean.
Finding hearts along the way.
Another good day, another great adventure.
Appreciating the small things.