p.1 #1 · Fall / Autumn in Lappland, Sweden - Arctic Circle
Hey folks, I finally managed to get myself to Arctic Circle to do some trail walking and hiking in Autumn/Fall colours. Whilst camping out in the wild, the temperature drops well below sub-zero with snow falling and some ice from the condensation / mist from the nature.
I arrived at Kiruna airport (10mins late) around 1.30pm, my friend picked me up and we headed straight to local Thai restaurant for lunch. Both of us ordered pad thai and tom yum as set lunch and blimey they don't taste like they do in Thailand but alas, we are in Arctic Circle so this is understandable. After that, 1.5 hours car journey into Abisko, a little town with around 100 population. At last minute, he got a text from his boss stating the Webcam at this place has broken down so he went and check whilst I've been left alone for an hour or so before the sunset. With that, trail walking springs up in mind. He was worried but I wasn't as this is exciting for me to venture into new spots!
Gear used, Canon 5DsR + 16-35mm F4L IS + 100-400mmII only and Samyang 24mm 1.4 EF (for aurora), didn't bring my tripod so borrow from my friend Benro Go Plus Travel Tripod.
Nr1 & Nr2 - the light wasn't great so I concentrate on the nature, trail condition and the general path rather than snappy snap away. I also started scouting the area for potential compositions.
Nr3 & Nr 4 - The next morning, he is utterly knackered after returning from 3 days 50km hikes so I forfeited the early sun rise. Nevertheless, we went out around 10am and came into stunning light on golden leaves. These are Arctic birch tree. Nr4 is the same spot as Nr2 but this is view is towards North.
Nr5, Nr6, Nr7 & Nr8 - following the trail walk, it is time for lunch. We went to STF centre for buffet lunch and I was surprised by the flavours. After that we did walk along Abiskojakka canyon. Actually photo Nr6 taken on the second last day but it further South on same river. After spending nearly 45mins at the canyon, we venture a bit into the woods via King's Trail light wasn't good where we are so telephoto lenses to the rescue for Nr7 & Nr8
Nr9 - Since the forecast is pretty good for the night and following morning, we decided to wild camp. Gears packed within 20 mins... all set and go!! Low and behold, clear sky but no Aurora!!!! The weather came around midnight and the temperature starts to fall rapidly. I had to layers up! At least I managed a shot at blue hour.
p.1 #2 · Fall / Autumn in Lappland, Sweden - Arctic Circle
Nr10-Nr14 - I got up at Dawn (bloody freezing!), had a peep, okay nice blue hour, look East... wham!!! nice colour in the sky. Woke my friend up but he decided to laid down so sod it, I'm getting up to play.
Nr15 & Nr16 - The weather pattern has changed dramatically in the morning hours, we had loads of snow clouds coming in so quick decision to pack and head down to village and lunch at STF again. After lunch, we went to other photo spots.
p.1 #3 · Fall / Autumn in Lappland, Sweden - Arctic Circle
With the weather wasn't up for opportunity nor the aurora, we head back and watch Netflix all night and day to kill the time. This area surprisingly have superb 4G connectivity
On the second last day before my departure in the morning, we head up to Abisko Sky Station for my last hurrah. Another grey afternoon with no signs of good light, we hike the mountain trail to look at compositions. On returning to the ski lift for the last 4pm return, we were greeted by fantastic side light from the West.
My friend had a group of Clients to take care of in the evening, so I had 2 hours of myself in the afternoon as he had to prep stuffs. So I head up into the birch woods again doing different route and I found these:
