You only fail when you stop trying

Time flies. It was almost a week ago that I hiked to the Pyramides. As you can tell by looking at the pictures, it was a pretty cloudy day. The weather forecast was a lot more optimistic than the weather actually turned out. But still, I reckon I got at least a few decent shots and with all the clouds the images get a bit more depth and colour. 

On days like these, you appreciate it even more when the sun does come out for a bit. 

But if I'm honest, I wished I had a bit more sun. So I've made a promise to myself to go back here at least once (and maybe meet the king and his following). 

I actually learned a lot of this trip. I shot some really bad pictures, some pictures that are OK but could be way better and just a couple of images that I really like. I've found that with my photography and I guess with photography in general it's a matter of learning and trying. And I consider it really important to be really critical when looking at your own images. What do you like, what can be improved and how do you reckon you'll achieve that next time? 

A few days earlier I took a stroll along the lakeside close to where we live. Although weather predictions change by the hour here, I did look at the weather forecast before I set off. It was predicted that the sun would come out in about an hour. And yep. The forecast changed while I was out because I ended up never seeing the sun! 

Wandering along the lake side in the rain I did take some pictures, trying to capture the autumnal beauty. Turned out that of all the pictures I took, there was only 1 worth saving: the one I took with my Samsung phone, go figure. 

Don't overthink your pictures. There's beauty in simplicity. 

This weekend we're off to Trondheim. I'm really looking forward to doing some architectural and street photography. I haven't looked at the weather forecast in the past days, but I'm hoping for some sunshine or at least a great sunrise and sunset to take pictures in the blue and golden hour.  

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Travel tip! Swedish pyramids...

A little bit of a different post today. We're taking you to one of those hidden Swedish gems: the pyramids of Jämtland. 

I have to admit, we were kinda surprised to learn that there are actually pyramids only an hour's drive away from where we live. No need to scramble onto a charter to Egypt, just get yourself to Jämtland to visit one of natures beautiful surprises. 

The pyramide in Grönvallen is one of the mountainworld's most interesting places from a geological point of view. You'll find traces of the ice age, including sources, erosion valleys, and kettle holes. The most spectacular signs from former times are usually considered to be the pyramids. Perfectly shaped by glacial erosion residues and isälvssediment, these structures resemble the form of the Egyptian pyramids. 

The pyramides are located in Grönvallen in the county Jämtland, in the north of Sweden.

One of the best known hiking starting points in the vicinity is Vålådalen. You'll find Vålådalen in Åre kommun, about 20 km away from the biggest ski resort in Sweden Åre and about an hour's drive away from Östersund, the winter capital of Sweden. 

Hiking from Vålådalen to the pyramides is a 12 km route (one way) and the trail is relatively easy and very well marked. I started the hike in Vålådalen from the parking lot, but you can also choose to start the hike in Vallbo. 

After about a kilometer you pass a wobbly walking bridge. Having passed the bridge, the trail meanders along the river bank for a while. Then the route goes slightly up through the forrest. Hiking this trail takes you through a whole lot of Jämtland forrest, including boulders and tree roots. Sometimes you pass the open wet fields. Easy to get through because planks have been laid out across the fields. 

9 km after having left the parking lot, I came to Grönvallen. Grönvallen is a well-preserved Sami camp located in the forest between the tree line and civilization. Huts and buildings remain, and shelters are available for those who wish refreshments in the shelter. The trail continues through the birch forests along the winding roads, and is an excellent alternative when the wind is fierce in the mountains.

 Grönvallen

Only 3 more kilometers to the pyramids. A further 2 kilometers through dense forrest and then suddenly the forrest opens up into a wide open space and you'll get your first view of the pyramides, surrounded by mountains. Only a small river (easy to cross) between you and the pyramids now! 

I spent about an hour walking around the pyramids and taking pictures. It would've been easy to spend even more time there, the views are amazing and it's just so peaceful there. 

You can take the same route back to Vålådalen. Or, as an alternative there's the trail via Issjön to Grönvallen and then back to Vålådalen.  

I've been told the best period to hike here is from June to September when the days are long. And if you'd like to spend some more time at the pyramids, it's also possible to pitch your tent near the pyramids or a little bit further along the trail and then hike back the next day. 

And you might just bump into Swedish royalty whilst out on the trail, as the king of Sweden has his hunting lodge close to the pyramids! 

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