A decision has been reached. It wasn't particularly hard to reach it - and in the end we realized it was what we both wanted to do anyway. So, at the end of the year, we're moving back to Finland, to Lapland, to Rovaniemi.
With Minna's visiting professorship in the US is in it's final year, and our future employment options in the States limited by some surprisingly harsh visa restrictions, it's time for a change. But in all honesty, we'd already decided that it was time to go home. There's a lot to love about America; its vast, wide-open spaces; it's warm, friendly people; cheese curds. But at the same time, there's a lot of weirdness that an evil socialist such as myself finds it hard to get his head around. But let's not get into a discussion
the American Dream. This is, after all,
Backpacking North. It's 10:07 AM, and I haven't drunk enough beer yet to start arguing politics.
Because of other events taking place in our lives this year, the amount of time I'm going to be able to spend on the trail is likely to be far less than I would normally. I'd hoped to get to the Badlands this spring, but I can't realistically spend that much time away from home at the moment. As this is likely going to be the case for the rest of the year also, I have to scale down my plans for trips. And that's fine. A night here, a day there - if that's what I can do, then it's enough.
This last week there's been a fantastic set of trip reports from Joe (Thunder in the Night:
1 2 3 4) and Jörgen (Fjäderlätt:
1 2 3 4) following their heroic trip on Finnmarksvidda in northern Norway. Their experiences and thoughts sent me back in time to life in Lapland, and the trips I made during the eight years I was there before my temporary relocation to Minnesota. I'm excited to be returning; the old axiom that you don't know what you've lost 'till it's gone certainly rings true for me. I intend, on my return, to make the most of the fantastic landscapes on my doorstep with a renewed vigour. And so, I'm looking forward by thinking back, courtesy of my photo library.
 |
| Magnificent Norway (aka Mordor) |
 |
| Lofoten |
 |
| Can you spot the Wizard? |
 |
| The Gulf Stream and Maelstrom in action |
 |
| Borderlands |
 |
| Russia |
In the coming months, there will be fewer posts on Backpacking North. As I said, trip opportunities will be few and far between. I hope to get out for a short trip soon, but after that I'll have other things on my mind. Having a baby is an enormous life-changer, and combining that with a move back to Finland (which I'm stressed about) is a logistical challenge to say the least. I'll keep posting about the mini adventures, and review some gear every now and then, but posting frequency will be reduced. Still, quality not quantity, that's what they say - and with that in mind, I promise to keep these less popular, philosophical posts to a minimum, and end this one here.
 |
| Tromsø (in alpenglow reversal) |
A decision has been reached. It wasn't particularly hard to reach it - and in the end we realized it was what we both wanted to do anyway. So, at the end of the year, we're moving back to Finland, to Lapland, to Rovaniemi.
With Minna's visiting professorship in the US is in it's final year, and our future employment options in the States limited by some surprisingly harsh visa restrictions, it's time for a change. But in all honesty, we'd already decided that it was time to go home. There's a lot to love about America; its vast, wide-open spaces; it's warm, friendly people; cheese curds. But at the same time, there's a lot of weirdness that an evil socialist such as myself finds it hard to get his head around. But let's not get into a discussion
the American Dream. This is, after all,
Backpacking North. It's 10:07 AM, and I haven't drunk enough beer yet to start arguing politics.
Because of other events taking place in our lives this year, the amount of time I'm going to be able to spend on the trail is likely to be far less than I would normally. I'd hoped to get to the Badlands this spring, but I can't realistically spend that much time away from home at the moment. As this is likely going to be the case for the rest of the year also, I have to scale down my plans for trips. And that's fine. A night here, a day there - if that's what I can do, then it's enough.
This last week there's been a fantastic set of trip reports from Joe (Thunder in the Night:
1 2 3 4) and Jörgen (Fjäderlätt:
1 2 3 4) following their heroic trip on Finnmarksvidda in northern Norway. Their experiences and thoughts sent me back in time to life in Lapland, and the trips I made during the eight years I was there before my temporary relocation to Minnesota. I'm excited to be returning; the old axiom that you don't know what you've lost 'till it's gone certainly rings true for me. I intend, on my return, to make the most of the fantastic landscapes on my doorstep with a renewed vigour. And so, I'm looking forward by thinking back, courtesy of my photo library.
|
| Magnificent Norway (aka Mordor) |
|
| Lofoten |
|
| Can you spot the Wizard? |
|
| The Gulf Stream and Maelstrom in action |
|
| Borderlands |
|
| Russia |
In the coming months, there will be fewer posts on Backpacking North. As I said, trip opportunities will be few and far between. I hope to get out for a short trip soon, but after that I'll have other things on my mind. Having a baby is an enormous life-changer, and combining that with a move back to Finland (which I'm stressed about) is a logistical challenge to say the least. I'll keep posting about the mini adventures, and review some gear every now and then, but posting frequency will be reduced. Still, quality not quantity, that's what they say - and with that in mind, I promise to keep these less popular, philosophical posts to a minimum, and end this one here.
|
| Tromsø (in alpenglow reversal) |
Thoughts for the Days Ahead (Part 2) - The Way Home
I really appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us so even though the posts may not be as popular, maybe this is quality over quantity already?
ReplyDeleteI wish you the best for this next chapter; an exciting time for your family and hopefully for you professionally too.
Thanks, Helen! I'm not really bothered about popularity, honest :) It's interesting - and surprising - though, to see over time which posts are read the most. Invariably it's gear reviews, which is a pity as I'm trying to kick the capitalist-consumerist habit.
ReplyDeleteI have no idea about work, but hopefully a couple of grants will come my way to tide me over. Anything will be more than I'm earning here :)
All the best to you on your new job! Great news!
Philosophical posts are more important than gear.
ReplyDeleteGlad to get you back to Finland. Looking forward to meet your Minna and the little one, I am sure we will have much to talk about, and adventures to share - it are, after all, only about 700 km from Tre to Rovaniemi, thus a night train and we can go hike together =)
All the best to you three, and you know how to reach me.
I bet Joe's trip has really got you excited about moving back oop north.
ReplyDeleteAs an outsider looking in. There is much to admire about the US, but also so much batshit crazyness it's hard to reconcile the two. Still, the UK seems to be moving in the same direction.
All the best for the move...
Yes, I know what you say about the gear reviews, though it's probably not surprising that my most popular posts are the ones recounting my experiences on trips; I do understand why ;-)
ReplyDeleteHope the grants work out - and thanks for the well wishes!
Thanks Hendrik! It may yet be that I have nothing else to offer other than philosophical posts this year... we'll see :)
ReplyDeleteAs they say in Rovaniemi, it's further from Helsinki to Rovaniemi than from Rovaniemi to Helsinki. Fortunately you're already in the north (at least for anyone in Helsinki!). I often take the day train north or south. It's a long 8-10 hours, but a great opportunity to work, read, watch a film, or enjoy the pleasure of the olutvaunu ;)
I'd also like to hike in the south sometime - I've never really done that. And I happen to know of a summer cottage...
I was pretty chuffed with the American Dream site! Ha - take that, imperialist warmongering hyenas!
P.S. Dear FBI - I love you guys really :)
ReplyDeleteBon Voyage and Welcome! Your blogging and tweeting are highly appreciated, so please continue them. Magnificent photos, keep pouring them, too.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Fraser. Yep, batshit crazy is exactly the right term for some of the stuff going on.
ReplyDeleteI know it's getting increasingly right wing in the UK and Europe in general (there is a lot of fun stuff going on in Finland right now with the "True Finns" party), but even with that, some of the stuff that happens in the US would never be accepted. In the UK people protest, and governments back down. And I should stop writing about politics right about now.
Thanks! Sea kayaking... there's something else to try in the future :)
ReplyDeleteMark, great post and thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI can't even begin to tell you how big a life changer having a kid is. I'm 15 months in now and enjoying every moment. It is great and EVERYTHING changes.
For me personally; it started late in my wife's pregnancy that I didn't want to be too far away, just in case and that carried on after the birth of our daughter. In that I felt guilty that I was leaving them; One my wife having to do everything will I was out enjoying myself, two all the stuff I was going to miss like smiles, laughs and the rest. However it does pass and you learn that you can't be there all the time and you do need your own time. Short and sweet is where it's at for me just now. Coming home is even better, I've got my two girls waiting for me :)
It's pretty much the same for me. Come May, I'm not going to want to be too far away, just in case. We're fortunate that we'll both be able to spend a large amount of time at home, and as this is likely to be a once in a lifetime thing, I intend to make the most of it :) But I'm hoping that back in Finland, with things a little closer by, I'll find a happy balance.
ReplyDeleteBring on the change, I say!
You get there. It takes a while. Your are not alone as I found out
ReplyDeletespeaking to other dad's that enjoy the outdoors. It's very common but
everyone has found a balance that works. I'm getting there.
You'll love it. Outside of getting married. It is the single greatest
thing I've ever done.
It keeps changing so yes bring it on :)
Congratulations! Having a baby is a life-altering experience. So many people will tell you that nothing will be the same and, if you are like me, you'll nod sagely thinking you can get yourself prepared. Sadly, nothing can prepare you but you won't take that from me - you'll have to learn it for yourself. It's difficult and easy, a nightmare and beautiful - it is the ultimate juxtaposition of hopelessly flailing in the darkness with no compass or map and boldly striding in a brave and entirely fulfilling new world. The first few months are tough - but when you get through it and the little fella/lass stares at you and smiles, knowing you're there to protect and love - it's heart-warming, life-affirming stuff. Yes, you'll see your beloved outdoors less (we both will) but you'll make time for the things you love - you have to. And make time for each other too. Don't let the baby become all consuming! And the Littlelife Voyager S2 is the child carrier you want - think Osprey Aether in terms of comfort. You make adjustments but if you get the basics right - where you live, for example, the rest will fall into place. You ever want any advice then please email me on 34winchester at googlemail dot com.
ReplyDeleteIt is always a good thing when you reach a decision. Welcome back to the north :-)
ReplyDeleteThe photos from Lofoten really made me, for the umpteenth time, declare: I must go there.
Thanks, Andrew. Great advice. I don't even begin to think that I'm prepared for it, but I'm fortunate that I can set aside a lot of time. For many years we've been walking a tightrope, balancing between lifestyle dichotomies - time vs. money, having a home vs. moving around for work/career. One of the main reasons for moving back was, of course, being closer to family (although family are 900 km away) and friends, and back to a place we think of as home, and that we want to "be" home. A place where we want to raise a child - and the presence of the outdoors is one reason that Rovaniemi is home.
ReplyDeleteNow, turning to technical baby equipment... I will look into the Littlelife. I was looking at a Deuter as they seem pretty good, and my friend swears by MacPac. It's easy to get as excited about hi-tech baby kit as hi-tech UL gear. Hitech UL baby gear would therefore be the logical conclusion.
Any other tips are welcome!
Thanks Jörgen! Lofoten is quite an amazing place. Mountains bursting out the sea, covered in mist and low-hanging clouds. Perfect beaches, marred only by ice-cold water. The hiking trails are short, but they cram a lot in. And man, that dried cod is good - an excellent smartpacking hiking snack too :) Although if you drop some in your car, the smell will linger for a long time.
ReplyDeleteWelcome, Mark & family!
ReplyDeleteYes, you will have fantastic landscapes on your doorstep - I need to catch a sleeper to get to Lapland (although there are nice places to walk in in the southern Finland as well).
As a mother of three kids (2, 5 and 7 yrs.) I must give you a huge thumbs up when you put your family first. Even short day walks (with or without the kids) can be quite enjoyable! And then the kids will grow up and there will be more time for walking as well.
Thanks, Maria! I can't wait to be back!
ReplyDeleteI believe there are some cheap flights now from Norwegian Air (I think), but it's a shame VR don't make the makuuvaunu a more economical chioice. I often take the day train for that reason.
I'd say these are the most important tips:
ReplyDeleteTeach baby the difference between night and day immediately. Make a fuss during feeds during the day, do quiet and darkness feeds at night (whispering, no ambient noise etc). Do that straight away;
After 6 weeks, set up a bedtime routine - bath, story (even though baby cannot understand you, they'll learn to like the sound of your voice) and then a good feed, in the dark/quiet, then straight to bed - it will sink in and they'll go to sleep quicker;
Don't let everyone tell you all mums can breastfeed - they cannot. Some babies don't take to it, some mums find it impossible and stressful. Breastfeeding is great but sometimes just not possible - ignore the nazis who tell you otherwise - you've got enough stress;
Read as much as you can on crying, controlled crying and crying out as you need to know something about this so you can make an informed decision about how long you'll let baby cry before going to them. Opinion is divided and you don't want to be reading about this when baby is actually crying. I won't tell you what to do - make your own mind up, but have all the information before you make a decision;
Make time for you and your partner - alone;
Your parents and hers will completely ignore you and fall in love with baby - they may even try to tell you how to raise baby - it's natural but frustrating. Don't shoot them - apparently, murder is illegal (go figure);
Don't buy too many clothes ahead of time - you've no idea how big the little blighter will be - so keep tags on them so you can return them if they're too small. Use eBay and car boot sales - mums are fastidious about selling clean and tidy baby clothes to other mums - it's like a cult. When it comes to vests and baby-grows (look them up) buy three times as many as you think you'll need. Poo gets EVERYWHERE - trust me on this;
Get at least one book on the First Year - it'll save your sanity;
Breastmilk is a great cure for many ills - expressing into your baby's eyes, for example, when they have sticky eye, is perfect cure (but seems nuts) - research is everything here.
Anyway, hope that's not preaching but if you read my blog as often as you seem to, you'll know how anal I am...
Finally - good luck. It's a ride.
Cheers Andrew, points noted! We're already well into research and book reading, but I'd not read anything about breast milk and eye problems. It's interesting, existing between different countries, the methods that different cultures consider important - the things you absolutely MUST do in one country are not done at all in another. We aim to take the best of all worlds; the best being what suits us the most, and whatever works.
ReplyDeleteI'm not going to worry too much about it though. One day at a time.