We've just landed in Trondheim, Norway, marking our 2000th kilometer pedaled.
Forests have been our constant companions from the very beginning, stretching through Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, and now Norway. Forests and woodlands hold countless metaphorical messages. They have, in many ways, been our guide—not the forests themselves, but the roads and pathways through them. However, one cannot survive on a pathway alone. Forests have sustained travelers for eons, providing plants, shrubs, animals, and birds. They symbolize home, offering firewood for warmth, cooking, and shelter materials.
This author has pedaled past endless forests for seemingly endless days, and they've anchored him in the present, echoing the thoughts of Ajmal Samuel and famous forest-related philosophical musings.
In Eckhart Tolle's exploration of the 'Power of Now,' he beautifully unveils the wisdom found within the simplicity of a forest. He encourages us to step into the woods, where every element has its place, from the delicate leaf to the shape and position of each tree and fern. The forest floor clutter of fallen leaves and branches reminds us that in the grand tapestry of existence, everything has a purpose, an innate belonging, and there is an exquisite order in what appears to be chaos.
This concept mirrors the profound truth that the past is but a history lesson, the future an enigmatic mystery yet to be unveiled, but the present—the now—is a gift of immeasurable value. It is the epicenter of our existence, where time stands still, and we find our truest connection to the universe and ourselves.
Within the now, this moment, we discover the timeless dance of existence. It is here that we have choices each passing moment, to accept or reject what is happening now.
In the stillness of the forest, there is no past or future—only the now, the present moment.
This present moment is not merely a fleeting interlude; it is the crucible of transformation, the canvas upon which we paint the colors of our life's journey. It beckons us to embrace the beauty of the ephemeral, relish simple pleasures, and cherish connections enriching our souls. In the now, we find profound revelations, deep self-understanding, and an unwavering connection to the universe's grand design.
The forest and its now power teach us that within the present moment, we unlock a deep connection to the power of 'possibility.' Here, we release the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future, engaging with the miraculous gift of life—the ever-unfolding now.
In the enchanting realm of a forest, one witnesses a harmonious symphony of existence. As you stand beneath the forest canopy in awe, you realize that every leaf, twig, towering tree, fallen leaf, or branch has found its rightful place in this grand performance, a true example of performance art.
Within this sacred space, one feels the whispers of eternity, a reminder that in the dance of creation, nothing is in excess, and nothing is lacking. It is a place where one breathes in the timeless wisdom of the forest, embracing the profound truth that in the grand design of life, everything has its place—nothing more, nothing less.
The question, 'If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?' is a classic philosophical thought experiment that probes the nature of reality, perception, and the role of observation in shaping our understanding of the world.
Philosophical Implications: This thought experiment has broader philosophical implications, challenging us to consider the nature of existence, consciousness, and the relationship between observer and observed. It invites us to contemplate whether something exists if it goes unobserved.
In essence, the question serves as a reminder of the intricate interplay between the external world and our internal perception. It encourages philosophical inquiry and a deeper examination of the relationship between observer and observed.
How do all of these musings have any bearing on the current Scandic journey Ajmal Samuel and his tribe are undertaking?
Well, there is evidence of fatigue among his tribe. This is their 38th day on the road together, the final push towards Oslo, the climax of a testing, exhilarating 2000km journey so far. Now, they must reach inside to find the inner physical and mental strength to coax themselves through the last exhausting days. Stepping into the stillness of the forest from time to time centers them, calms them, rejuvenates them, and sustains them.
From atop a high pass about 10km outside Trondheim, we gazed upon the panoramic view of Trondheim Fjord. It was one of the many challenging ascents we conquered on this 39th day of our journey. As we stood there, we couldn't help but reflect that, metaphorically, it's all downhill from Trondheim to Oslo
Onwards we go to Oslo (it rhymes 🙂)
TOTAL DISTANCE COVERED: 2,031.46 Km (29 September 2023)
Day 38- Sticklestad to Trondheim 95.50km
Day 37-Kvam to Sticklestad 56.46km
Day 36 -Harran to Steinkjer 71.98km
Day 35 -Namsskogen to Harran 61.60km
Day 34 -Mosjoen to Namsskogen (Car)
Day 33 -Rest day Mosjoen
Day 32 -Nensa to Mosjoen 70km
Day 31 -Mo I Rana to Nensa 66.45Km
Day 30 -Rest day Mo I Rana
Day 29 -Meravan to Mo I Rana 98.01km
Day 28 -Slussfors to Hermavan 85.17km
Day 27 -Storuman to Slussfors. 62.00km
Day 26 -Lycksele to Storuman 102.9km
Day 25 -Vindeln to Lycksele 75.75 km
Day 24 -Holmsund to Vindeln 75.7km
Day 23 -Vaasa to Holmsund (Ferry Ride)
Day 22 -Rest day Vaasa
Day 21- Rest day Vaasa
Day 20 -Narpes to Vaasa 79.8km
Day 19- Merikarvia to Närpes 93.76 km
Day 18 -Pori to Merikarvia 52.8km
Day 17- Rauma to Pori 57.9km
Day 16 -Uusikaupunki to Rauma 47.4km
Day 15 -Turku to Uusikaupunki 73.5km
Day 14 -Helsinki to Turku (Car)
Day 13 -Tallin to Helsinki (Ferry ride)
Day 12- Tallin Rest & Recharge
Day 11- Märjamaa to Tallin 72.17
Day 10 -Pärnu linn to Märjamaa 64.1km
Day 9- Pärnu Rest & Recharge
Day 8 - Salacgriva to Pärnu 75km
Day 7 - Riga to Salacgriva 104.4km
Day 6 - Riga Rest and Recharge
Day 5 - Plieņciema kāpa to Riga 60.14Km
Day 4 - Kuldiga to Plieņciema kāpa 108.59Km
Day 3 - Liepāja to Kuldīga 97.34Km
Day 2 - Sventājato Liepāja 62.11Km
Day 1 - Klaipeda to Sventāja 42.89Km
Join the expedition, follow updates, and tag along on this inspiring adventure."
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