Exploring beyond frontiers – Part 2
Compared to the achievements of Isabella Bird, most of our so called adventurous travels are easy walks in the park. The independent-minded Bird (1831-1904) was the first woman to be elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society. She visited Australia, the USA and Asia, the extensive travels of this nineteenth century explorer, traveler, writer and […]
Exploring beyond frontiers – Part 1
Nothing ventured, nothing gained. There are people who crave for challenge, adventure and new frontiers. As a consequence they go base jumping or climb Mount Everest. Others will follow their blog posts, look at the jumpers’ and climbers’ GoPro films, meanwhile feeling entirely at ease with their weekly bridge drive. Most researchers do not take […]
Easy take along outdoor gifts for her
Outdoor gifts for her, a lighthearted topic? Yes and no. Apart from the obligatory picnic basket set or an activity bracelet, could the list have a surprise in store? Of course, one should rather specify necessities and wishes for the real outdoors. According to the flourishing trade and discussion forums on bush craft and survival […]
Why a dogsled is pulled by huskies instead of poodles
Skiing, snowboarding, walking, ice-fishing or a snow scooter ride? The winter’s outdoor activities list is a long one and has to be completed by including a dogsled tour. Dog sledding has its roots in history: travellers and hunters used dog power for transportation of people, food and trade goods, crossing frozen lakes and snow covered […]
Winter’s dark months paradox: less sunlight brings longer days in Dalarna
Wintertime in the Nordic countries brings splendid bright days with ice and snow but also the dark months with limited daylight. During the so called mörketid, the dark period with the Winter Solstice as center point, the sun will be below the horizon for weeks north of the Arctic Circle. More to the south, a […]
Weighing the down or synthetics issue against an egg
Hiking means carrying your gear. Some items are heavy, some are bulky, and smart packing is a must. Now, because you cannot reduce the weight of water, take a look at the other essentials. Clothing for instance as furs and feathers are not ours. Unlike the animals living in cold climates like in Scandinavia, we […]
How firm Old Tjikko relates to Japanese aesthetics
At last I know why I am so fascinated by this Old Tjikko. The tree mystery has revealed itself from the shades of distant memory, coming up with an unexpected explanation. The appearance of this tree, in combination with its natural environment, reminds me of Japan. This needs some clarification. How could a small Norway […]
The oldest spruce tree in the world
It is said that every man must do three things in life: plant a tree, have a child and build a house. Ernest Hemingway allegedly added a fourth, i.e., writing a novel. Let’s focus on the trees, commonly liked by everyone. During our childhood they are favourably disposed towards being used as elevated playground area. […]
Snow and wool in Swedish Jämtland
The first snow has arrived. At first hesitant, as if those vanguard snowflakes would like to apologize for their appearance, gracefully swirling downwards in small numbers. Nevertheless they usher winter and cold conditions. A snow covered white world, our Winter Wonderland in songs and ballads, is something of sheer beauty in wilderness regions. Everything out […]
Outdoor is like chocolate
Summer holidays are over and autumn is here now with its morning chill and rainy days. While organizing the photographs and thinking where to go next year, images of the first time we went upnorth, into the Scandinavian wilderness, come into mind. I have learned a lot ever since. First of all about myself, that […]
