From the Sea of distraction to the Ocean’s edge of Norway
As part of our evolutionary heritage, human beings - both children and adults - have a profound need for time in wild, outdoor spaces.
In this Virtual Age of overwelming tecnology we need more than ever to relate to the natural world. Richard Louv, the author of Last Child in the Woods & Nature Principles, coined the term “nature-deficit disorder” to describe the way children grow up deprived of wandering in muddy creeks. Reconnecting to the natural world is fundamental to human well-being, spirit, and survival - not only to children.
This summer we brought our two boys on an Adventure in Solund, at the ocean’s edge of Norway. Encompassing 1,700 islands, islets and skerries Solund archipelago is perfect for outdoor activities. In Hardbakke we rented kayaks at the local guidecompany Sognefjorden Active and headed for the ocean. With no WiFi and no electricity our primary intention was to plunge deeply into the wilderness without any disruptions.
Our first stop was Råkeneset, the westernmost cabin maintained by the Norwegian Trekking Assosiation (DNT), Ytre Sogn Turlag. Råkeneset is an 250 year old homestead protected by the Directorate for Cultural Heritage. The walls of these buildings holds the story of the life of the farmer fisherman and invite you the enter the essence level of experience. This level host the deepest and subtlest feelings, visions and dreams of our ancestors and brings a sense of unity.
The next day the wind picked up so we changed our plan on visiting Lågøystolane. Beeing in nature demands better use of our senses, we need to look at the entire surroundings. We decided to paddle inshore, found a peaceful place to savour our lunch and for the boys to test their fishing luck. In the evening we went ashore at Litle Færøyna where we enjoyed the hospitality of local islander Roar.
Both Råkeneset and Litle Færøyna are a part of “Kystleden”, a unique offer for those seeking outdoor recreation along the coast. The intention of “Kystleden” is to convey coastal culture and provide good experiences with nature and outdoor life.
This is not to argue against the concept of tecnology. Nevertheless more and more people show symptoms of “nature-deficit-disorder”, overwelmed by the sea of distraction constructing our everyday life. Allowing yourself to go into the wilderness, reconnecting with the essence level of nature you can break the pattern. The more high -tech we become, the more nature we need.
Go on an Adventure - Unplug - Come back renewed.
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