I celebrated my birthday over the weekend.

Last year on the same day, I celebrated my birthday alone while traveling through the fjords and fells in a rented camper van for two weeks across Lapland and Northern Norway. If you want to read more about last year's trip, you can find the story here.

This year, a kind of circle closed. A year ago, at the same time, I traveled here in the north without a destination, but with a small glimmer of hope in my mind and the thought that I might someday live here.

Just one year later, I am surrounded by a group of new and old friends, and we are celebrating my birthday by my riverbank in Kolari, under the northern starry sky. We are singing, playing, and dancing by the warmth of the campfire.

4o mini

Photo By: Salla Penttilä

In reality, the celebration began a few days earlier. A friend from the south had been with me for a week, and it felt like almost the entire week was a continuous celebration filled with nature experiences, good food, and great company.

First, my friend and I, along with my neighbor, enjoyed the misty and damp landscapes of Aakenustunturi and had a lovely lunch in a warm and cozy wilderness hut.

Photo by: Salla Penttilä

Photo by: Salla Penttilä

In the aftermath of the campfire celebration, we went for a hike in the twilight around Lake Äkäsaivo, nestled at the foot of the Yllästunturi mountains. That night, we warmed ourselves by the stove in the small wilderness hut, lying on the wooden bunk while admiring the starry sky through the window.

Last year, I imagined that there could be no better way to celebrate my birthday than by adventuring alone under the northern sky. How much a person can change their opinions and thoughts! This year, I believe my birthday would have been nothing without my friends around me. Thank you to each and every one of you; this was the best celebration I've had so far ❤️

To keep the celebration going just a bit longer, I’m setting off alone for a few more days of adventure, heading even further north in the spirit of last year. My car has temporarily been converted into a cozy accommodation space with mattresses, a camping stove, and mood lights.

I’ll share more about this adventure later 😎

Wishing you all a wonderful autumn break!

With hugs, Sanna