Perched
Lapland in Black and White
Lapland to many people is a winter destination and during the summer it receives very little international visitors. In my opinion there are two reasons for this. Firstly, it is difficult to reach Lapland during this time of year as the regularity of international flights are far less, most domestic visitors will travel by car.
Lastly and maybe more importantly is people’s image of Lapland and the way in which it is marketed to an international audience. Lapland is often seen as a winter destination and many people are visiting during this time of year, particularly around Christmas. A majority of the services and facilities in the region are suited to this season.
But Lapland has a lot to offer throughout the summer, for example the beautiful and untouched nature that Finland has become famous for. What needs to change is the image that people have of this region and their motivations to visit, this can be done through marketing and showing how wondrous Lapland is during this time of the year.
Below are a few images in black and white from a summer in the Arctic Circle to show another side to Lapland that people may not be as familiar with.
What do you think? Is this your image of Finnish Lapland and life above the Arctic Circle?
Ylläs Fell
If you would like to see more reasons why you should visit Lapland during the summer you can see other photographs in my post Lapland in Colour.
This post is in reply to the theme Muse.
Lakeside
Grazing Reindeer
The Rocky Road
Today’s view.
Well worth the steep and rocky climb to look over Kesänkijärvi below and the Ylläs fell in the back ground, you can just make out the lines of the ski runs.
For another view of the Ylläs fell in the summer take a look HERE.
Stamp Collecting
The Finnish postal service, Posti, is have a competition. They are asking people to submit Photographs with the chance of them being made into a stamp, the theme is Finnish barns. Below is a gallery of images that I feel suit that theme.
What do you think? Could you imagine any of these as a stamp?
If you are from Finland or have any photographs that suit this theme why don’t you enter. You can find the entrance page HERE.
For other great photographs from Lapland see my posts The Norwegian Landscape or Ripple in the Water.
By the River
Seems hard to believe that these two photographs are actually taken at the same place but once you look closely you start to see a few similarities.
See my post Levi Ski Resort for more summer and winter comparisons.
Ripple in the Water
On the Roadside
Caution: Moose!
A few times a week I drive along a stretch of road that sees regular moose activity. There is a road sign to alert drivers that moose often cross the road and that they should drive with caution for the next couple of miles. This sign alerts me to the chances of a moose sighting.
I have only once seen a moose on this stretch as it disappeared from the roadside into the dense forest that lines the road. Since then I have continuously been on the lookout to see the animal again. Each time I drive the road I am filled with hope that I may get another chance sighting of the magnificent animal as it takes refuge in the forest.
Until the other day.
As I was driving I could see ahead of me a smashed up van that was pulled in and abandoned on the side of the road. It wasn’t until I was closer that I could see the reason why, the moose! The animal lay motionless in front of the wrecked vehicle.
This was upsetting for two reason. Firstly and most obviously, an animal had been killed in what was most likely an unintentional accident caused by our interference into its natural habitat. Secondly, the mystery and intrigue that came from driving that stretch of road was now gone. I suddenly realised that I wouldn’t see the moose again and would from now on remember it in this sad way.
I have only seen a moose a handful of times. Read my post about when I assisted in rescuing a moose while working in Canada and was able to get up close to this fascinating animal:
Our Shadows Will Remain 