The river flows in you - My favorite spot along the Muonio River

I've introduced my favorite spot along the river on Instagram many times, but not yet here. Welcome to my favorite place!

In itself, there’s nothing extraordinary about it. A long, empty shoreline with beautiful northern meadow plants and stones polished smooth by the gentle eddies of the river. On the other side, the forests of Sweden, with a few clearings where small farms were once carved out. But you know how some places just feel right? Some might call it good feng shui. I’m not an expert on that, but you can feel it. Something is in balance, and it’s a place where you feel at peace.

I often visit my favorite spot along the river, a few kilometers north of my own riverbank, and it’s the perfect place to admire the sunset.

When we were little, my younger sister was learning about cardinal directions and the sun’s path, and she solemnly told us that the sun sets in Sweden. She was even a bit concerned about how our neighbors across the border would manage at sunset. To this day, whenever I watch the sun in nature, I still remember which way it rises and which way it sets.😄

The sun has set in Sweden. I hope the Swedes made it through again today.

Earlier this summer, the riverbank was full of long, wooden salmon boats. The salmon fishing season ended at the end of July, and now almost all the boats have been taken away for the winter, waiting for next summer. Every boat I've seen has always been left unlocked, peacefully in its place. Apparently, there's no need to worry about boat thieves around here.

From the end of September, all fishing in the river, except for angling and using fish traps, is prohibited. The Tornio-Muonio River, being the longest free-flowing salmon river in Europe, is unique, which is why fishing here is governed by strict rules and regulations. In many other rivers, salmon populations have decreased or disappeared entirely due to damming—a good reminder that “green” climate solutions like hydropower have another side. It’s important to remember that few things are black and white, and consumption isn’t automatically good for the environment just because it’s marketed with "green" values. But let’s not dive too deep into that topic. We’re all doing our best for the common good, right? 🤗

The fall color season is starting to show its brilliance. Each day, more green disappears, giving way to warm browns and yellows. The locals (I always forget that I’m now considered one of them 😄) often talk about whether it’s a good or bad year for fall colors, how much frost there was the night before, and how it will affect the colors. Apparently, even the fish “hide from the fall colors,” meaning they don’t move much during this time.

The surrounding nature truly influences daily life because it’s everywhere. There’s more of it than “non-nature,” and it controls not just the topics of conversation but practical life as well—preparing for winter, preparing for the darkness. It feels like a natural way to live, being connected to what’s outside the walls. There’s no separate life between nature and non-nature. They are one and the same.

Thank you for visiting my favorite spot. Wishing you warmth as the days grow darker!🤗

♥: Sanna