As I Xi It

Months before my trip to Sweden in 2010, I brought a book called True North by Gavin Francis about his travels in and around arctic Europe. I had been meaning to read it prior to my departure, but it just never happened and so I forgot about it until I booked a trip to Iceland later that year in June. Again, I thought I should definitely read it before I go. There was little point in bringing the book as I generally prefer to stare off into the blue yonder while plugged into my iPod when waiting, flying, whatever.

February 2011 rolled around and Gauss and I are booked to cross the arctic circle again, this time to Norway. Yet again, I gave myself the task of reading it before I went. I did consider taking the book with me but it would seem far too cheesy and besides, I was already weighed down with tins of beans and Sainsbury’s instant mashed potatoes. Although the pages would’ve been a source of fibre, I can’t say that it’d provide much in the way of sustenance so it was left behind.

So, here we are in February 2012, over two years since I brought the book and I’m due to head off on my third aurora hunt. I’m going back to Iceland and have finally started reading True North. Hurrah! However, I doubt I’ll manage to finish it before I leave but at the very least I ought to complete the chapter on Iceland.

What was initially a fun activity has slowly drifted to becoming a chore as I try to fit it around all the other things I’m up to. When I first brought it, I didn’t expect to frequent these northern regions as much as I have. I still have The Faroes, Greenland and Svalbard to conquer. At this rate, I’ll probably cross those off before I finish the book!

There’s nothing quite like being at one with nature to really clear one’s mind and to reflect on things. Mmm…crisp, crisp, arctic air, nothing compares. Keeps ya on yer toes.

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Pics from my trip up into Swedish lapland. Trip report to come.

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