Friday Photo #239 – Bunes Beach

Photo: Summer light over Bunes beach from Storskiva, Moskenesøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway. July 22, 2017. 22:40

In October last year I made my first attempt to camp on the summit of Storskiva. It didn’t go so well and high winds forced me down from the summit. But I do not give up so easily. And even with dozens of other mountains to hike on Lofoten, a night on Storskiva remained a priority coming into summer 2017.

In late July, a good weekend forecast (for my friends to come along) finally led to the the realisation of a night on the summit.

The original plan had been to go up on Friday night, but a delayed ferry to Vindstad due to the summer crowds, and some other planning issues meant we saved the mountain for Saturday. The forecast wasn’t as reliable, but as things turned out, it was near perfect – for camping that is, the light itself might have been a bit on the boring side.

With no trees or shade in sight, I was cooking under the near 20˚ temperatures and powerful sun. Only carrying 2.5 liters of water, I was on the low side for the temperatures. And I had to setup my tent to have a bit of shade to hide behind throughout the afternoon, which I mostly lazed about and took a bit of a nap.

Finally, in the late evening the sun was approaching the horizon to the north. The light was a bit on the hazy side, but there was a warm glow across the granite peaks of west Lofoten, fading endlessly into the distance.

Bunes itself was quite crowded down below, but up here, there was only 3 of us, with the entire mountain for ourselves. Finally, a bit after midnight and after plenty of wine and whisky, it was time for bed. Maybe in previous years I would have stayed up through the night shooting. But I think I have become a bit spoiled, or perhaps just lazy. I enjoy the moments I have, and when it has been enough, I am content.

Camera Info:
Nikon D800
Nikon 14-24mm f/2.8
20mm
ISO 100
f 10
1/20 second
WB Daylight