A beautiful autumn day

This was one of those rare and absolutely beautiful autumn days in Swedish Lapland. The air was clear and fresh, nature at its best with a mix of green, yellow, orange, brown and even more colours inbetween.

From Arvidsjaur we drove first on the E45 in the direction of Arjeplog. After a few kms we turned left to a mountain called Vittjåkk. From there we followed a gravel road and parked at a lake called Stenträsket. From here we started our approx. 4hrs hike through Vittjåkk-Akkanålke fjällurskogs naturreservat.

This is the route we hiked.

Some reindeers welcoming us.

We follow the trail going an extra loop slowly up the mountain Akkanålke (750m).

Going down from here wasn't the easiest part as the trail was hard to find but eventually we found our way back on the trail and downhill.

This was a short but magical tour and the last of this kind with our dog Svempa who accompanied us ever since we moved to Sweden in 2006... the only comfort is that he lived a long and good life with a lot of travelling and adventures throughout the years...may he rest in peace.

This is how we remember him... as a happy dog full of energy!

My challenge this year!

 I wanted to challenge myself this year by taking a 60km cycle tour on gravel road through Reivo nature reserve. It was a perfect autumn day in September and I started off accompanied by a crystal blue sky.

My starting point was at a hut at the south-east point of the Reivo lake (Sör Reivokojan).

I started off by cycling north-west in the direction of Strömnäs.

I made a quick halt at a well with fresh drinking water shortly before coming to Stickudden. If there hadn't been a sign I would not have seen it and passed it without knowing as it was hidden behind bushes and you could only see a massive swamp.

In Stickudden just before coming to Strömnäs I found a nice place just by the lake Rakkur where I stayed for about half an hour to drink, eat and stretch my legs.

I continued a few steep stages on the way to Östansjö where I had to push my bike forwards at times. This was probably the most challenging part of my tour although there was more and other challenges ahead of me once I came to the crosspoint where I had to decide whether to turn right in the direction of Arjeplog or left to Arvidsjaur. I turned left to follow my loop and stayed in Östansjö for a quick stop.

That's when I took a closer look at my bike and saw that my tire wasn't in the best of conditions.

After having a chat with Jan I decided to continue my trail and see how long it takes me. He was prepared to pick me up if need be.

At my next stop while enjoying my energy bar I got company by a herd of reindeers. They are a symbol of calmness for me. Following the rule: Keep cool! I love them.

While paddling against a continuously growing opposing wind I was glad to reach the point where I turned left to continue a smaller road back into the nature reserve. By now the sky was covered by clouds and I had only one goal: to finish my tour at the point where I had started it six hours earlier.

Tired but happy!😅

Hiking Harrejaureliden

First of September. The beginning of autumn in Lapland where leaves start to turn colourful and nights get chilly. A perfect time for hiking. I just love such days...

The Harrejaureliden top lies in the Reivo nature reserve which is very close to where we live.

One of the last hikes with our dog who dies just two weeks after this hike... he has been with us for 14 years which is also the time we've been in Sweden.

Sweet and cosy hut in the woods for shelter.

On top of Harrejaureliden

Enjoying the views...

Another shelter on the way.

Gammalskog with lichen.