Merry Christmas from Backpacking North

It's been six weeks since I last posted, so a quick, brandy-laced update is in order.

First: we're back in Lapland! After what seems like six months of preparations and travelling (and in fact, was six months of preparations and travelling) we arrived back in Finland mid-November, then back in Lapland at the start of December. Last week our belongings finally arrived, including my skis and showshoes which I was overjoyed to see.

You'll no doubt have noticed the lack of posts, and the observant might have wondered about my reduced presence on twitter (or at least on @bckpckingNorth).  Between moving, my new job (shameless advert), and the baby there's simply not been much time for anything else. Plus of course backpacking is not made easy when all your gear is stuck on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic. 

Nevertheless, we're here now, and things are looking more and more promising as the days go by.

It's good to be home!

Although posts have been few and far between this year, I'm hoping to get back to something more regular next year. In January I'm planning a small trip somewhere near Rovaniemi. Recently I've been less and less interested in new gear, mainly because moving back from the 'States consumes a vast amount of money.

It's interesting though that, now I'm back, I feel the need to reassess my winter clothing needs. I'm lacking a decent pair of UL boots good for Lapland. I know I could try light shoes and vapour barriers, but in all honesty, it doesn't feel like the way to go (for me). If anyone has an recommendations please lave them in the comments!

 The Ultralight Makeover series will also continue after it's brief hiatus. Next up is an edition on trail food and cooking. I recently put a call out on twitter for recipes, but I'll repeat it here: if anyone would like to contribute any of their favourite trail recipes please either email me or leave something in the comments. The recipes must be geared towards ultralight backpacking. I think a special "recipe section" from the blogosphere would be pretty cool.

 

All that remains now (before I return to unpacking boxes and finding a place for the bizarro treasures found within) is to wish every one a merry Christmas, and a happy new year – or happy holidays, whatever tickles your fancy!

Now... there's ham in the oven, glöggi on the stove, and presents to wrap and unwrap :)

It's been six weeks since I last posted, so a quick, brandy-laced update is in order.

First: we're back in Lapland! After what seems like six months of preparations and travelling (and in fact, was six months of preparations and travelling) we arrived back in Finland mid-November, then back in Lapland at the start of December. Last week our belongings finally arrived, including my skis and showshoes which I was overjoyed to see.

You'll no doubt have noticed the lack of posts, and the observant might have wondered about my reduced presence on twitter (or at least on @bckpckingNorth).  Between moving, my new job (shameless advert), and the baby there's simply not been much time for anything else. Plus of course backpacking is not made easy when all your gear is stuck on a ship in the middle of the Atlantic. 

Nevertheless, we're here now, and things are looking more and more promising as the days go by.

It's good to be home!

Although posts have been few and far between this year, I'm hoping to get back to something more regular next year. In January I'm planning a small trip somewhere near Rovaniemi. Recently I've been less and less interested in new gear, mainly because moving back from the 'States consumes a vast amount of money.

It's interesting though that, now I'm back, I feel the need to reassess my winter clothing needs. I'm lacking a decent pair of UL boots good for Lapland. I know I could try light shoes and vapour barriers, but in all honesty, it doesn't feel like the way to go (for me). If anyone has an recommendations please lave them in the comments!

 The Ultralight Makeover series will also continue after it's brief hiatus. Next up is an edition on trail food and cooking. I recently put a call out on twitter for recipes, but I'll repeat it here: if anyone would like to contribute any of their favourite trail recipes please either email me or leave something in the comments. The recipes must be geared towards ultralight backpacking. I think a special "recipe section" from the blogosphere would be pretty cool.

 

All that remains now (before I return to unpacking boxes and finding a place for the bizarro treasures found within) is to wish every one a merry Christmas, and a happy new year – or happy holidays, whatever tickles your fancy!

Now... there's ham in the oven, glöggi on the stove, and presents to wrap and unwrap :)

Merry Christmas from Backpacking North