Before a share a heavy post tomorrow let’s do a fun quick post about t things I learned on my arctic adventure. Things I knew nothing about. It’s always fun to learn and with my word of the year being CURIOUS I especially enjoyed to discover this knowledge.
- Norther Lights
I have mentioned in my previous post that apparently locals can smell if the northern lights will be happening. It has something to do with the air. When the air is colder northern nights will happen. When the air smells wet they will not happen. Some googling could not verify this so it might just be subjective experience. Old knowledge. In the genes of ancestors of Samí decent? My googling listed reports of people saying they can smell ozone (I usually smell that in summer too but I cannot confirm for northern lights), of burnt leaves or barbecue or garlic. Description of crisp, clean air also. Which would tie back to the local I talked to. I guess I need to see a few more to come to my own conclusion. - Meänkieli
I learned that the area we visited actually spoke three languages and if you were from Samí decent the tribe language as well. Many locals speak Swedish but als Finnish and a language called Meänkieli – a distinct Finnish dialect in a small regional area. It is disputed if it counts as independent language but it is being distinct enough that Finnish speakers may not understand. And it also a written form has only been developed since the 1970s. The language is listed as critically endanger by the UNESCO. Isn’t that amazing? - Sunscreening your nostrils
When you apply sunscreen do you poke your sunscreen into your nostrils? Are you thinking uhhh? I did so too at first. But the snow reflecting from below has you get sunburn in your nostrils and that is why it is important to apply sunscreen there as well. And I can confirm that it might be good to do. I was a bit lazy about it one day and I could feel it later at night. So make sure to not forget your nostrils next time you are in snowy, sunny conditions for a longer stretch of time. - Snow Compacting
Every night we had to stomp our campsite with our feet. Treading snow. To make it compact. Apparently even in the most powdery condition this treading will result in the snow changing texture. It takes about 30 minutes but then the snow will agglutinate again and be more firm. Who knew? - Snow Melting
I actually learned a few things about snow melting to gain drinking water. For one it takes forever to melt snow. It is a bit faster if you press and compact the snow into your pot. But the most fascinating and to me unknown thing is that melted snow water is completely devoid of minerals. It can be compared with distilled water. If you continue to only drink snow water for three weeks you will feel the effects. That is why having some electrolytes with you can be a life saver.
Have you seen Northern Lights and smelled something? Have you ever heard of Meänkieli? Ever melted snow to get some water? Some snow compacting in your life? Ever had nostril sunburn?
This is list #5 in my “Do a 50 lists blog project” from my 101 in 1001 days goal list.
