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The Far North

Posted on 2023-09-062023-09-06 by Sameer Oza

I spent some time walking solo in the far north of Scandinavia – Lofoten Islands, Senja, Andoya & Lyngen Alps. This part of the world still feels isolated and pristine, a place where you can pick lignonberries and blueberries and eat them as you walk. A place where you have to hike several miles to a beach but the effort is worth it. I ended this trip with a short foray to the Wadden Sea UNESCO world heritage site in Denmark.

The Mary Oliver poem “Invitation” was on my mind often as I was walking:

Oh do you have time
to linger
for just a little while
out of your busy

and very important day
for the goldfinches
that have gathered
in a field of thistles

for a musical battle,
to see who can sing
the highest note,
or the lowest,

or the most expressive of mirth,
or the most tender?
Their strong, blunt beaks
drink the air

as they strive
melodiously
not for your sake
and not for mine

and not for the sake of winning
but for sheer delight and gratitude –
believe us, they say,
it is a serious thing

just to be alive
on this fresh morning
in the broken world.
I beg of you,

do not walk by
without pausing
to attend to this
rather ridiculous performance.

It could mean something.
It could mean everything.
It could be what Rilke meant, when he wrote:
You must change your life.
Nyhavn, Copenhagen
Reindeer on the beach, Sommarøy
Eggum, Lofoten
Gimsøy church, Lofoten
Henningsvær, Lofoten
Kvalvika beach, Lofoten
Hamnøy, Lofoten
Bøvær beach, Senja
Lignonberries on almost every hike
Husfjellet hike, Senja
Segla/Hesten hike, Senja
Lyngen Alps
Lyngen Alps – early fall
Kite festival at Rømø beach
Wadden Sea
Wadden Sea

12 thoughts on “The Far North”

  1. Krutesh Shah says:
    2023-09-06 at 10:11

    Greatest achievement Boss 💐

    I’m Going to self drive this October for 23 days buddy ☺️

    One of the best scenic roads of world 🥳

    Reply
    1. Sameer Oza says:
      2023-09-06 at 14:45

      Let me know if you want any details. Happy to share!

      Reply
  2. Mihir Pandya says:
    2023-09-06 at 10:58

    Fantastic. Superb. Mother nature at its best. .. accomplished by your beautiful photography . Thanks for making us feel the beauty of Scandinavia.

    Reply
    1. Sameer Oza says:
      2023-09-06 at 14:45

      Thanks Mihir!

      Reply
  3. Dr Ramesh N Nimavat says:
    2023-09-06 at 13:07

    Best scenes sameer ….u r the best

    Reply
    1. Sameer Oza says:
      2023-09-06 at 14:45

      Thanks Ramesh!

      Reply
  4. Paula B Mucasey says:
    2023-09-06 at 13:38

    Oh Sameer, the poem, the photographs. I am so happy that you are having these experiences and even more, that you share.

    Reply
    1. Sameer Oza says:
      2023-09-06 at 14:46

      Thanks Paula! Hope you are doing well!

      Reply
  5. Shoyab Ginwala says:
    2023-09-06 at 18:28

    Wonderful Sameer!!!

    Reply
  6. Vinita says:
    2023-09-06 at 22:53

    The visuals are brilliant but what makes them come to life is your write up. I literally got teleported to that region. I look forward to an update your page. Thank you for sharing them.

    Reply
  7. Agnes Charlesworth says:
    2024-09-16 at 10:12

    Hi Sameer. I came upon your page when hunting for some quotes from John O’Donoghue, from his book Walking in Wonder. And now I have seen your extraordinary photography and am Rufus hooked on your website, for poetry, for wisdom that I can relate to, and for beauty. Thank you!
    Agnes

    Reply
    1. Sameer Oza says:
      2024-10-29 at 11:56

      Thank you! Thank you! John O’Donoghue is a true gem!!

      Reply

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