Adventures in Abisko

Our last day in the north ended in blazing sunshine and a trip to Björkliden to take in the stunning

view of Lapp-porten (the gateway to Lappland) and the lake.

Modeling my new hand-knitted beanie from my talented mother.

Another view of Lapp-porten, this time from the Bäckström family cabin where we stayed for 3 nights (here we are packing up to head back to Stockholm on Sunday). We had a really fun and relaxing stay, with lots of card games, fantastic meals, saunas and the most stunning views.

A beautiful sunset over the lake, with the BBQ in the foreground where we cooked some delicious dinners and had a whisky!

On Saturday we took the snowmobiles for a drive on the lake and stopped for lunch.

Grilling sausages as the fire sinks into the snow!

Abisko Aurorae

We just got back from another trip up north to Abisko, and after two overcast nights were lucky enough to see the Aurora Borealis on our last night. It was only a few degrees below zero so we were able to stay out for an hour and a half gazing at the sky and taking pictures. It really is a sight beyond description.

We are the proud owners of a new lovely macro lens for our camera (thanks Locks!) If you look closely you can see the reflection of our apartment building in the pistil.

Loafin' around in Lofoten

Having worn out our legs climbing the peaks on Wednesday, on Thursday we gave our arms a turn and rowed around the harbour.

This little yellow fishing village was where we stayed.

John was coveting this boat, if anyone is stuck for birthday gift ideas for October.

Meanwhile our friends were on one of their less glorious fishing outings... 

Our braver/more competitive friends went diving for mussels in the chilly fjord waters. 

Midnight sunlight, although we were on the Eastern side of the island so the actual sun is hidden.

Artsy fartsy

A quick waffle stop before walking to the beach on the other side of the island.

Just to add to the NZ vibe... 

This beach was heavily mined in WWII, as Bodö was, and is, a major air force base.

Whale noggin

Surf, sand and... snow!

The water was crystal clear, but more suited to chilling champagne than swimming.

We raised a toast to Yenan's successful reaping of EU funding for the next 5 years. 

Unfortunately the last day of our holiday brought less calm waters, but we will leave you to imagine our green complexions on the ferry ride back. In conclusion, Lofoten is one stunning location, but take your travacalm!

Lovely Lofoten

We met up with some Karolinska friends in Bodö, then took a scenic four hour ferry trip to the Lofoten Islands. 

Mr Oyster Catcher of Bodö

The guidebook said that 'they say that you'll never forget your first glimpses of the Lofoten Islands', and I would say that they were right. The islands feature peaks of up to 1000 metres high, which thrust up dramatically out of the ocean. The highest point in Stockholm is a whopping 75 metres, so this kind of scenery is quite exciting to us these days! The islands are a bit reminiscent of South-East Asia (only colder, but with cleaner air and water), or New Zealand (but with picturesque wooden fishing villages and whale steak for sale).

I tried to frame this with pretty flowers in front of the harpoon on the front of the boat... 

Hannes, Yenan and I, about to climb a mountain! 800 metres or so, pretty much straight up!

Mama birdy had a brood of little fluffy babies. Partridge, is that what that is?

We bought a postcard of this view! The little island at the end of the long bridge was home sweet home for the week. If you squint you might spot a little yellow fishing boat containing our friends and our freshly caught dinner! The water was full of cod, pollock and mackerel, and the biggest mussels I ever want to see.

Up in the clouds

Some vertiginous drops! 

Relaxing on some warm and springy moss