When visiting Inari, Finland several weeks ago (blog on my trip to Sampi-Lappland is still in the works) I decided to do a hike. When in Inari- above the arctic circle, you are already a bit in the middle of nowhere as this video landing in Ivalo shows, but I had seen a map showing some hiking trails in the area and figured- why not I guess I need to get further in to nowhere.
There was a trail, about 5km, going from a parking area to the Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church- somehow it always seems to feel more like an accomplishment going to specific destination, and for architects buildings are even better. Although after just reading and learning more about the Sami history I was conflicted about visiting a church here, but nonetheless parked the car and headed out.
I had talked to a woman at the SIIDA visitor’s center who had described some aspects of the hike- fences and gates for reindeer and some rests along the way but the trail was clearly marked by trail markers- red for summer, blue for winter (over the ice).
At one point after reaching daycamp buildings (Punstijärvi on the map), down a path that was worn into the groundcover but after 5 minutes or so I realized I hadn’t seen any markers in a while. To the distance I saw a blue marker- but those aren’t the ones I was following. At that point I realized I must have taken a wrong turn and went back the way I came until I once again found the comfort of the red markers. It got me thinking what a great comfort it was, that every once in a while you get confirmation that you are fact headed in the right direction. Wouldn’t it be nice to have that in life? Even with this trip, I often wonder am I doing the right things, going to the right places. In some ways it’s wonderful and a rare opportunity to have quite an open experiential plate, but it can also be quite daunting.
My hike continued and I came across one of the first wooden plank water crossings.
At that moment I had déjà vu… I don’t remember exactly when but I had a dream where I had been in a very similar place. It was one of those moments that hits you to the core. Perhaps life does have trailmarkers- not as obvious as the bright red ones, but little queues that you are in fact on the right track you just have to be paying attention and open to seeing them.
See some more photos of my Pielpajärvi Wilderness Church hike here on my flikr page. https://www.flickr.com/photos/127462028@N06/sets/72157646431924784/