Norway: North of 70
Between Seasons in Troms
We arrive to spring, but we’ll soon return to winter.
On the approach to Tromsø, a low haze clings to the curving edge of alpine earth. Snow-caked islands and mountains and fjords and more islands stretch into oblivion. I’m with Forrest Shearer, and after landing, we’ll drive through a tunnel under one fjord and along the edge of another fjord eastward to meet Antti Autti.
It’s here in northern Norway that Antti spends several months each year dissecting the patchwork of ocean and glaciers and couloirs. He has been doing so since 2010. He’s now ready to host us, another incoming crew in search of Arctic Lines™. He’s no doubt glued to his phone, analyzing forecasts, topographical maps, wind speeds—he’s a post-doctorate student of this place, and there’s always more to learn.
The sprawling county of Troms is defined by mountains. Home to just 169,610 folks (half in Tromsø proper), there’s ample room to explore. Upon our mid-April arrival, it’s sunny—borderline T-shirt weather. The snow has melted down low. Soon, we’ll know what it looks like up high.
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