The wave climbs higher and higher, riding the edge, until it has no other choice then come crashing down with so much power that it splashes white foamy water all over. Again and again, I see the waves coming in and crashing down. Today, the south/western wind blows hard and tries its very best to hold back the waves. But nothing, nothing holds back the powerful waves that come rolling 
in. I never get tired of looking at the constant motion of the sea. Or, though seldom here, to see the almost perfect stillness of the water. So still, it becomes a mirror that reflects the light of the sun into one huge bath of sunlight. Always the sea changes, from one moment to the other. And I am completely fascinated by this play of light, movement and power.
In all honesty, I like the sea best from the shore. I remember a few times of seasickness and I have to tell you: that is noooo fun at all. But I can also proudly say, that I passed my first test on the wild waters in a little boat. Over a week ago, I was invited to come on a boat trip to pick up some materials. Here, not every cabin is reachable by car, so in summer the sea is the most obvious choice of transport for heavy materials, in winter it is the snow scooter. It was a windy day and I looked a little doubtful at the waves. ‘Is it safe to go out on the sea right now?’, I asked (in Norwegian!). The answer was a (not so) very reassuring: ‘Bob Bob’. Which is like: ‘So so’. We got into the little boat and immediately, the boat went into a fight with the incoming waves. ‘Whammmm!!’, the boat smashed down on the waves that were higher than the boat itself. A seal came up from the churning waters and looked at us like: ‘What are YOU
doing here on a day like this ?’.I looked at the boatman and asked again if it was safe to continue. He said it was on the edge, but we could do it. At that moment I knew I had a choice, either to trust his years of experience with these waters or go into panic. I looked at the high waves, back to the boatman and decided to let go of my fears. At that moment of letting go, I felt excitement creeping in! Because what a ride it was :-). The boat tilted from left to right, water sprayed over us with every bump into the waves, up the boat went, crashing down again and all the while I felt sooo alive! I finally understood why so many people seem to thrive on danger. This was riding on the edge. And wasn’t that exactly one of the things I came to experience here?
Luckily we returned safely, with all the materials, to the cabin. This was only one exciting challenge and I know there are many more to come. Whenever I speak to one of the locals and say that I am going to live for a whole year here in Slettnes fyr, ALL of them ask me: ‘in the winter as well?’. When they hear my confirming answer, they cannot hide that look of undisguised amusement. I can read their mind well now, for that look says: ‘Well woman, you are in for a 
treat!’. Apparently the powerful autumn/winter storms here are not for the softies! I am apprehensive about the storms and at the same time, this newly discovered thrill seeking part of me, looks forward to an exciting time. Will I pass the stormtest? I do not know. All I can do is waiting for the first storm to hit the lighthouse and see how I will cope....
But first I want to enjoy the autumn here, with the beautiful colours and light. I already went cloudberry picking , fishing and chopped wood for the coming winter. There are more berries to pick, juice to make and maybe even some hunting. For as I 
live in the arctic now, I want to immerge myself in all aspects of ‘fjell livet’. Even though that means doing something that I would never, ever consider in the Netherlands. Now THAT will be a challenge !
With love from the lighthouse!
Video from Slettnes
This time I have not made the video myself. Allan Klo has been so kind to share his video link with me. He made a wonderful video off Slettnes fyr, with a drone. A camera that goes up in the air, like a helicopter and makes video from quite a different point of view :-). With a big thank you for Allan!
fijn om van je te lezen. Weet je, in jouw introductiefilmpje voor de newsletters beloofde je ons mee te nemen op avontuur,, in welke dimensie dan ook, en dat gaat je goed af. En de inspiratie die je beloofde komt ook binnen hoor. Dank.
En ik wil ook nog even kwijt dat ik jouw foto's bewonder om compositie, lichtspel en detail. Dat haalt ze boven standaard foto's uit.
Stor klem
I am so excited by reading your blogs and watching your videos. WOW!!! How fantastic to be living in Slettnes fyr in Gamvik, the northenmost part of Norway. It must be like being a shaman living close to the elements. I would LOVE to be so invovled with the sea on a daily basis! I owuldn't be so concerned about the autumn and winter storms---it would be the darkness that would get me. I would need about 50 candles all the time during the day to feel good. I guess you will just have to be your own light!!! Lykke til!!! All min kjærlighet! Jeg elsker deg!!!
Dikke tút, N
ervaringen. We denken aan je.
Knuffel voor Bijou.
Zet 'em op. Daaaaag.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, it is lovely to hear about all of it: where you live, your accomodation, your surroundings, your new friends and how you deal with all of it. I admire you, and I somewhat envy you (in a good way) for the courage to do this. You are in an amazing place, and the ocean is such a special energy. I live by the sea and love it in the winter, rainy and windy days. The ocean transforms itself, there is such power in that, so I am very curious to see how your year unfolds.
Sending you my love
Maria
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us, it is lovely to hear about all of it: where you live, your accomodation, your surroundings, your new friends and how you deal with all of it. I admire you, and I somewhat envy you (in a good way) for the courage to do this. You are in an amazing place, and the ocean is such a special energy. I live by the sea and love it in the winter, rainy and windy days. The ocean transforms itself, there is such power in that, so I am very curious to see how your year unfolds.
Sending you my love
Maria
Bedankt voor je bericht. Was weer leuk/interessant om te lezen.
Alle goeds,
Michiel
Fijn weer nieuws van je te krijgen en wetende dat het goed met je gaat.
Geniet van de prachtige foto's die je stuurde.
Liefs Joke
Blessings!
Thanks for including my video in your story. It puts the recordings into context, to which I am grateful.
Best of luck during your stay in one of Norway´s northern frontiers. If I have a job assignment in Gamvik, I´ll definately try to visit Slettnes.
Take care!
Erna & Allan
dankje Mariëlle en heel veel goeds voor de komende tijd!
wonderful to catch up with your adventures, I really feel like I am living them with you (a bit!). I love your thrills of the sea adventure and the cold water challenge.....so inspiring to know how you are taking your courageous steps...well you did not go out there to pussy foot around did you? i am sure the Lighthouse has its own guardian angel, as you do of course, for when the autumn storms roll in. Hold on to your h(e)a(r)t!!
love, Diana
Wat een schitterende natuur en wat prachtig onder woorden gebracht. Dankje voor het delen. Ik voel uit je energie hoe thuis je bent daar in die woeste natuur. Geniet ervan. Tot de volgende keer. Dikke hels van ons beiden vanuit een mooi herfstig Nederland.
In Nederland is het nog steeds best lekker weer. Ik moest aan je denken. Hoe zou het met Mariëlle zijn...Ik hoop vlug weer zo'n een fantastisch bericht te lezen. Kijk er naar uit!
Liefs Lotte