Crossing the Arctic Circle: A Journey Into the Frozen Unknown (Ep4)
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- Опубліковано 29 гру 2024
- Winter vanlife in Norway continues | Buy the Jackery 1000 v2 here：bit.ly/3YxJHPs or
on Amazon:amzn.to/3UkIOap USE THE Discount code - "Happy03", for the additional 3% discount - which can be stacked with discounts on the product itself.
Valid time: 2024.12.14 - 2025.4.30
In this video we drive our 4x4 off road camper to the arctic circle from South Norway all the way to the Nordics with an aim to reach Lapland for Christmas #norway #vanlife #demountable
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IN THIS VIDEO
We travel north on the E6 Highway in winter from Tonsberg, to Ottar, Levenger, to Hell, to Moi i Rana to the arctic circle and Innhavet
We also delve deep into the cost of food in Norway
We also post daily updates on Instagram, please come and say Hi over there:
/ thosehappy_days
For Collabs or Promos, please contact us via our email happyadventuredays@gmail.com
BELOW IS INFO ON OUR CAMPER & ACCESSORIES 👇👇👇
GLADIATOR HOTOMOBIL CAMPER
We have ordered our own Gladiator demountable, called The Style, which is bigger than the loan one (the Expedition model) in this video.
Our camper truck will be delivered to us in January.
You can rent or buy your own Gladiator from www.wildcamper...
PRE-HEATER INFO
We got our engine pre-heater installed at adventurevanli... Where they sell everything to do with adventuring and vanlife, including reliable diesel heaters and fridges, and coolboxes
TYRES AND WHEELS
We got our wheels & tyres from www.roguealloy... where they stock an impressive range of wheels for all campervans and motorhomes
LITHIUM BATTERIES
Our lithium battery upgrade came from www.fogstar.co... where they stock a whole range of affordable batteries & accessories for off grid living
Buy the Jackery 1000 v2 here：bit.ly/3YxJHPs or
on Amazon:amzn.to/3UkIOap USE THE Discount code - "Happy03", for the additional 3% discount - which can be stacked with discounts on the product itself.
Valid time: 2024.12.14 - 2025.4.30
@@ThoseHappyDays I have 2 jackerys I wouldn't be without them on my off grid property 💪
Nice ❤ @@jacksg1809
If the first time you're video there when you were talking about changes in the weather and stuff and driving conditions.Well, I almost said welcome to Alberta.Cause it was just like Alberta end that sunset was like Alberta too.We have beautiful sunsets here.
No gloves, no scarf! Half expected Liam to be wearing his flip flops :)
Fingerless gloves at least!!! 🤣
He is just blending in with the locals. Did you not see the chap walk past at the end in short sleeves! Liam is a big boy, he knows what he needs!!
@@Jane-x6h3o I did and commented out loud about him also! He is a big boy, I think he's 6' 2" ;)
@@Jane-x6h3o of course.
@@THEMELDREWS
A few tips for ice road driving in the nordics, when there are runs from wheels in the ice never ever try to get out of them fast or by turning sharply. Slow down before trying to get out of them and keep even speed and slowly exit the runs. Breaking, accelerating or even engine braking as exciting runs is a big no no.
If you panic it's more likely you will fishtail and risk being in an accident so try to keep calm and plan your driving, always keep your eyes far ahead and not 50m in front of your car.
The "winter" tyres you got in the UK wasn't really made for the road conditions or temperatures in the nordic arctic and they will be like bambi on ice in some cases. One of the best option in your dimensions would have been Michelin X-Ice Snow SUV 275/55 R20 as it's on ice you need all the grip you can get.
Not trying to be negative but to keep you and all watching that might want to try this for themselves safe as well. Best of luck on your winter land adventure. :)
You do need to insulate the pipe and gas regulator on your gas bottle. It's not the gas that is a problem, it's the moisture in the parts freezing that is a problem. Clear it, wrap it in a towel and cover it in plastic. We have to do this to our gas bottles on the boats....on the South Coast of England!
You've got this. Like I said on FB, captain Scott had nothing like you do!
I did laugh at the end....the guy in the background with a short sleeved shirt on !!!
Take care.
The gas bottle and the diesel heater, need to be in an insulated enclosure, that will be in version 2 of that camper conversion I bet.
Gas issues wise i'm not qualified to say, but, i'm guessing it's the regulator but don't know exactly why, frozen moisture maybe.
It always makes me chuckle when people that haven’t been in real cold are surprised at cold temperatures and all that comes with it.what did you think it would be like. Come on now
@@lisasmith2065 Brits 👋
Just looks like Canada in winter. I drove by myself to meet my husband in northern Manitoba about 5 years ago. It’s fine. You’ve got this !
Thousands and thousands of ordinary people do this every day. You’re not out of your depth it’s just something you’ve not done before! Enjoy !!!
Yeah so true, complete alien territory unless you have done it before
Can you get a train for the last bit?
Great advice. Something I would need to hear too in their situation. 🥰
@@tracycroll4325 And you can slow it down, life should be enjoyed at pace not marathon speed. It’s not Everest you’re climbing. Remember it’s Christmas try and enjoy the trip and the epic landscape. It’s an adventure one to saviour and remember forever. You like a challenge, but don’t terrify yourselves.
@@MegaFoggy123 🤦♀️. Don’t take away the adventure. It’s all fine!
This 74 year old Grandma has watched all of your travels. This trip has been, just like you two, totally outstanding. I have watched it twice!!! Thank you so much for sharing your life with us❤❤❤❤
@@elainemcmahon4889 wow thank you
We travelled in 1969-70 in a combi all over Europe ( including Sweden) - I was a child. No weather apps or radio warnings. Old fashioned chains wrapped around tires. Heating and cooking - old kerosene style. We had guns pointed at us. Saw cars go over the edge of ravines that we couldn't help. Had to huddle for warmth when the parents didn't know how to turn on the heat (first days). Had accidents and slide outs. Survived it all. I learnt to be adventurous. Be adventurous you two. You can survive this (probably). Enjoy the thrill of living.
From someone who lived in one of the villages you passed by: a tip for driving on icy roads. If ever you feel like you are sliding and losing control absolutely never stomp or really even press the brakes. At that point you don’t have any traction. The best thing to do is release both the gas and the brakes to allow the wheels to start spinning again and regain control.
That way you can at least decide where the car goes. Do some brake checks every now and then (after making sure there aren’t anyone behind you) to test the road conditions and keep a safe distance to anyone in front of you and you should be golden.
Also, the mountains are not always the worst, it’s often the coast where the temperature is hovering around zero degrees. If the snow melts and then freezes, you’ve got pure ice - which unless you have studded tires is the worst.
That's great advice thank you
Like stated by many already the gas bottle needs to be inside if you travel in colder environment. However, if you need to use it get a plastic bag and fill it with warm water. Hot water from the tap in a gasstaion will do ok. Then place the bag on top of the gas regulator. That will melt the ice and allow you to use the stove. If you need gas for some longer time, place a jacket or blanket around the water bag and the gas bottle. A Zipper-bag with 3-5 l volume will be a good option. Same method can be used to defrost many things like frozen lock etc that will happen due to the mixed temperaturs.. This weather and road conditions are very average for this time of the year in the north.
Ziplock bag with styrofoam beads works too. Fix with zip ties
@@not_so_far_away_Adventure great tips!
A yes a delux hot waterbottle, I have a few of these, just around the house! Scotland
Hmm I would park here and get the train to the Arctic circle!
Weight distribution is crucial together with speed..
Levanger is where I live 😊 Fun to see what I consider easy winter conditions be described as extreme in this video 😂
@@trygveplhn3111 haha well it's the opposite of where we live. But to be honest, Levanger wasn't too bad for us it was north of there that was a shock to the system. The Arctic Circle is a different ball game
@@ThoseHappyDays Well, it is oftem far bollow 20 negative degrees in Levanger also when we go up in the mountains.
I was far north of the arctic circle when I was in the army so did a lot of nights outside in tents and such during winter so I have been freezing cold a lot😂.
Actually it is the mountains that usually are most challinging and not the arctic cicle itself, though the arctic cicle center is high up in the mountain so the it can be quite extreme. The arctic circle itself is just the definition of the southernmost point to experience polar night during winter and midnight sun during summer.
You should come back in June an drive the coastal road to Bodø and experience the fantastic coastal area and the midnight sun. This toad is regarded as one of the 10 most senic and beutiful roads in the world.
I have ridden that 750 km road five times on a bicycle, one time on a motorcycle and two time in my westfalia campervan ... there is a reason for that 🙂 I can highly reccomemd it 👍
Sorry for all the misspellings.
@trygveplhn3111 I totally get it, in southern Norway we hit our coldest temps so far 👌
I'm surprised you turn the engine off while on the side of the road in such an extreme environment whilst in the middle of nowhere. You are utterly screwed if it doesn't start... Would HIGHLY recommend you only turn it off when you stop for extended breaks, are in civilisation or overnight.
I learnt this the hard way myself in my younger years.. Thankfully I had mates with me that could help, had I been on my own it would have been a long mountainous walk back to civilisation. You, out there, won't even have that option.. (I was only in Wales in winter)
I did notice that too.
Not to mention standing with the door open in sub-zero temperatures while filming! Gotta keep that heat in!!
Agree with the above. Spent many winters in the Yorkshire Dales!
They are driving a newish ford Truck, I wouldn’t worry about it not restarting.
Up to -25 it’s not even cold enough to not start the engine without preheater 😁 none of my cars had preheater when I lived up north. And they started in up to -30 with no issues apart from cranking the engine a couple of seconds more than usual. You really need to start thinking about those things when you go into proper cold but in their current conditions they’ll be fine engine on or off at stops.
Why do you wear hats and coats whilst driving, as you have nothing extra to put on when you get out. Surely the Ranger has a great heater.
If you drive in Winter in these countries, it is better to wear some warm clothes. Because if you have an accident there is not always help available immediately. Sometimes i could takes time . And when its cold you could freeze to death, while you are trapped in your car.
That is when you put on your clothes. No need to wear hats and coats inside a modern car.
Well theres someone whos never driven in these conditions.... you have to be prepared at all times to abandon your vehicle. Trust us, we are doing Iceland at present and everything Janine and liam have been through so have we!!!!
Including sliding on black ice towards a river!!!!
Stay safe lil chiks you will look back on this as the Grandest of Adventures.
Big love
You are doing the route I am planning on doing in my van next summer, so I am loving your journey, thanks.
@@timludwig2974 it's better not to wear wintercoats while driving, it's more dangerous if you crash. Fyi. Greetings from Norway!
That outside gas bottle was a very silly design fault whatever the temperatures. Well done you two though ye nutters. 😂 😊
It is so interesting how you are perceiving the environment. For us it is just another day at work.
December 16, 2024 Maryland USA: Your talent for capturing breathtaking locations and heartwarming moments that impress. Jen, from the start, your fearless approach to every challenge has been nothing short of inspiring. You consistently push both your body and mind to new heights, and your resilience and spirit serve as a powerful motivation for us all. It's truly remarkable to witness your journey, expertly conveyed through the lens of a passionate videographer. Here’s to you both-your incredible story deserves to be celebrated!
When you first announced where you were going, I made the comment that you need studded tyres up there. Believe me I have a lot of experience driving the roads up there. Why do you think all those articulated trucks are not having a problem it’s because they are on studs. The difference between any winter tyre and studs is night and day. You would make your trip much easier and safer if you had the correct tyres.
Great advice. Wouldn't take long for a shop to install the studs on their current tires (tyres).
Hi guys, just a quick message to say how much I'm enjoying the trip- especially today's episode travelling to get arctic circle. Soo exciting. Like Janine I need a lie down in a dark room after watching it! Very best wishes, Ros xx
@OldLady-p9i thanks for watching and commenting Ros 👌 💓
The 30 quid coffee you got there is for the cup alone, wich gives you free coffee for a whole year.. not a bad deal… Btw, if you think the weather and wind in this video is bad, please keep a keen eye on the forecast on your norwegian journey, you may be suprised and then some…
We are building up to it 🙌 we know more is to come
@ Your equipped for it so shouldnt be a problem, just be sure to keep spare gas for heating on hand and if the forecast turns bad just find a sheltered spot to stay for a few days. Behind a grocerystore or gasstation is convenient. If your unsure about the forcast, ask some locals as local weather can differ from the forecast .. we live on an island just west of saltfjellet rigth above the polar circle😊 lapland should be less wind but way colder. Have a great trip and marry christmas to you☺️
Having watched other van lifers go to the artic circle in winter, you looked so under prepared in comparison but you are smashing it, I’d say crack on, you’re doing great.
Looks amazing there. With your gas issue, its the lines and regulator that's freezing not the bottle itself. Lag the lines and cover the regulator. Keep on rolling.
Those little moments in life are how you know your alive. Embrace them, share them move on from them....but always forward ever ever backward...
Don't forget your snow chains on your wheels or place the studs on your wheels to keep you both safe on the road
These are normal temperatures for me, so it's great to see the genuine emotions that these frosts cause. To prevent cold air from reaching the radiator, it's a good idea to put something in front of the car's grille. A piece of cardboard, for example, works well.
Thank you 😊
Umm hi guys , I think your somewhat ill prepared especially as Jeanine hates being cold don't look like she's enjoying it, but do take you coats off in the car you will find it much more beneficial when you get outside then.
I've experienced a minute or so of spinning down the road in the snow and ice in Canada. It reminded me to never take my shoes off, always wear my coat, and to have my gloves in my coat pocket! You'll both be fine x
😮😅
Good to know we've all been there then haha
Great vlog as always. Good luck with the rest of the journey. Stay safe and keep warm.
Yep same here. Plus mobile phone in your pocket
@@ThoseHappyDaysfifty years ago I lost it going down a hill in snow. There was a parked car, a vehicle coming towards me and the decision what to do. I managed to swerve into the curb, the car behind ran into me and it’s as clear today as it was then in flashbacks! I feel for you, and I know exactly where janine is coming from, bless you both
NEVER pass snowploughs...… Pass snow plows. It's not safe. The plow could be equipped with a wing blade on its left or right side, which can be obstructed by the snow it's throwing. The plow also may be the first of a series of two to five more plows, staggered diagonally across the road to clear all lanes simultaneously.......Where is black ice most likely to occur?
Bridges and overpasses are particularly dangerous because temperatures drop rapidly on elevated surfaces. Black ice is also more prevalent on parts of the road that don't get direct sunlight, such as tree-lined roads.
Well done to you both ❤️. Having lived in the Yorkshire Pennines for many years I got accustomed to commuting through 4 ft snowdrifts in winter. I look back at the experiences I had with fondness so please take heart and don't give up. ❤❤❤
Thank you ❤
Child’s winter coat and a few zip ties will make the perfect tank insulator 👍🏻
Just need to steal a child's jacket now...
Probably the cheapest thing you can buy in Norway where nothing is cheap, that you could get to fix the problem
@danielmullen3569 its a great hack! We might try and fashion something, although it's the pipe going into the wall that's frozen (as well)
Maybe a sock?
Pipe lagging that plumbers us, to protect pipe from freezing and the child's coat for gas tank and zip tie😊
This is one of your best videos yet. Also, there’s no shame in giving up. Safety is the most important factor.
@@hegedusuk thank you 😊
Move the gas bottle inside the camper
I'm surprised yr surprised by it being cold and snowy on ur way to lap land 🤔🤔
We aren't surprised by that...more that we went from British weather to -22 in a day
I think you both understand that you’re not prepared for driving and living in your camper in Norway. Please be careful if you proceed any further.
@jms8346 we are about to leave norway, and have enjoyed it all (minus the skidding across the road 😀)
@@ThoseHappyDays Ah, so that new info is 1 video ahead, at least we know you're both ok now!
I am so here for this trip. Absolutely loving your vlogs. Love how adventurous you are. Janine you are a legend. You face your fears and it’s great to see you push your boundaries. What a great life you two have. Best video yet guys. Don’t delay with another one or we will all be worried about you. ❤ total respect for whatever you guys decide to do next 🎅🏻
@hevsrevs3916 thank you 😊
The reason your not seeing anyone using snow chains is because here in Tromsø 99% of us use studded tyres. All terrains become useless in the ice.
We lived in Moscow for seven years and often had -25C temps. As long as you have the right clothes all is good.
How did you heat your home ?
@@foyerfelinset fire to the furniture. 😂
@@foyerfelin Hi,I also stayed in Moscow for a while in an apartment and it was heated much the same as central heating is in the uk,however it was controlled by a caretaker so it was on for a few hours in the morning and a few hours in the evening
@ the apartment building had communal heating through radiators, which was turned on when temps went under 8C and off in the spring when it was over 8C! Our first night I turned off the heating in our bedroom and was told next morning that I had turned off all the heating on that side of the building! Opening a window was the only way to regulate it. All a holdover from Soviet times.
Coming from sunny South Africa that looks pretty ominous and scary to me. No thanks. 😂
Thanks
Thank you mate...really appreciate the support from you 🙏
Wow, thank you , tousen takk, I'm overwhelmed happy memories in Nordland, lovely people. God speed.
@@JaneBowles-z3f ✨️👌🥶
Janine and Liam, THANK YOU for taking us through Norway. My Daddy was born on an island near Stavanger. His family came to America in 1903 (he was 4 yrs old). I’ve had Norway on my bucket list most of my adult life. Unfortunately my oncologist won’t let me travel out of the country. Your trip has given me eyes into what I’m missing. Again I Thank You! PLEASE BE SAFE OUT THERE and at the same time, ENJOY!
@sharondensmore8151 you're more than welcome! And thanks for joining us, you are here in spiritt
thank you so much for taking me to the artic circle from the warm and comfort of my own armchair, well done both of you, keep save xx
@@audreychellew9940 our pleasure
-20c is not cold … your rigg is wrong you should put the gas bottle inside while driving and put it outside only 4 cooking use wool and feather coats
Wow! What a life changing trip. .Certainly an inspiration.
🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧You need to be driving in 4WD High Box when the road is icey or snow covered. the truck will drive more stable and less likely to skid about than in 2WD Highbox use 2WD for normal toad conditions . I’m an offroad driver myself just trying to give you a little advice. Good luck up there I’ve driven up there also.
Fabulous video, really enjoying watching this trip…take care guys 😊
Wow you did amazingly well to drive in those conditions. Hope Janine is feeling better. Totally get it, I was feeling anxious for you just watching. Trusting you will make the right decision for you both. Stay safe and see you next week ❤️
Thank you ❤
Wow. that is a challenging journey. I am rooting for you!. am sure you will reach your destination very soon. Looking forward to the next video. Thanks for sharing
Put an insulated cover over the external gas bottle. You should be able to fashion one from something you already have or can purchase easily. We’re really enjoying watching your adventure. Stay safe.
We think the problem is where the pipes join onto the camper, it was all frozen there. Whether it was frozen on the regulator also I don't know
Agree a thermal jacket and insulated pipes easy fix .
@dedethesprintervan the interesting thing was that Gaslow were sure it wasn't going to happen
@@ThoseHappyDaysSeems like they’ve never been anywhere cold then. It felt pretty strange with an exposed gas bottle at all like that.
@@ThoseHappyDays an external gas tank without insulation isn't a good idea it freezes as travelling at 80kph has a windchill of - 40°C. Recommend you add neat screen wash and not water when you top it up.
The crud on the back is grit and sand, salt is useless and illegal to use as its harmful for the plants/natural environment
The wet slippy conditions was experienced a couple of hundred km inland, welcome to global warming in the artic
💟 " TOP JOB " lol my eyes were on stalks just watching. Well done both 👏
Why do you not cover your windscreen overnight??????
And lift the wiper blades off & cover them
Minus 22, the last thing you want to do is leave the car door open lol
❤ from teesside 🏴
I couldn't believe it!
Hilarious they are surprised their car got dirty driving in winter.
The muck managed to reach 3 metres over the top of the whole thing in a drive haha, was remarkable
@@ThoseHappyDays A lot comes from your own slipstream and wheels, but you only need to pass one semi-truck to get covered in dirt. Tip, use washing program for removing salt under your car. Remember always have car chains, full tank, extra blankets and some food + healthy car battery when doing Norwegian mountains in the winter. Also a bag of sand. Stay safe.
I think you two need certified!
I remember everyone in the comment already said that putting the gas outside is a bad idea during the winter... -_-
Look like the Cairngorms in Scotland great video guys 🏴
Really enjoyed that. You’re certainly on a great adventure. Whatever you have decided to do, stay safe ❤
Thanks guys 🙏😊
Such a stunning and exhilarating ride, both for those of us viewing at home and of course for the both of you. Don’t doubt yourselves, this is something you’ve never experienced before, these levels of cold and how they affect everything from your vehicle to all of the components of your living box set up. It’s easy for others to say you should expect the severe cold but when you’ve never physically experienced it to that degree any amount of predicting and planning will not stop it being a shock to the system and a total learning curve. Just remember that you’ve got through many challenging travel situations before and only personal experience can teach you how to get through these new challenges now. Let the amazing landscapes and your hopes and dreams for witnessing the auroras and Xmas in Lapland spur you on. Also remember you’re not alone, there are plenty of locals who as you said yourselves deal with these conditions every winter and I’m sure will offer a helping hand if you need it and just ask.
Eagerly awaiting the next instalment. ☃️
@@journeytakesatrip thank you so much ✨️
I live in Tromsø, and now I'm so curious if you ever got here.. For some reason it is so fascinating to see people being hit with the snowy, arctic, winter weather for the first time. That being said, we have had some nasty weather lately, so that makes everything way harder. Drive safe 😊
Really hope you're feeling better Janine, sending a big hug. Take care x
💓💓💓
The high prices for food is same in northern Canada because it cost a lot to transport the items.
Wishing you guys all the best as you continue your journey.
Just a recommendation .. you might want to put chains on the tires. It will help you driving out of a big snowfall.
Thank you, snow chains are at arms reach if we need them
Great vlog again guys, ur doing so well,,,go get to lapand,,,
Thanks for all ur effort into filming \ editing etc
Rich
👍
I tell you every week don’t forget those snow chains Liam !! It will catch you out. Good vid x
@@garyhillman4993 we got them, but no locals are using them...literally none. We are trying to do as the locals do
@@ThoseHappyDaysyou are right. I am a local and I have never used snow chains on a car during the 30 years I have been driving.
All the locals have studs that’s why! We did it in our van last year for 2 months.
What a beautiful experience and video...thankyou for sharing this...may God and HIs angels be with you....God bless...
Gosh that road was magnificent - like driving along a frozen waterfall ! Congrats on reaching the Arctic Circle Woowoo !!
Like a different world 😲
Me again - that skid must have been extremely frightening!! I know how you felt as we had a major skid after a back wheel blowout while pulling a caravan - you have absolute NO control of the vehicle and are all over the road. We had had frequent huge trucks on the other side, yet, when it happened- nothing ! Our guardian angels were watching over us 💙🦋
@@didevilliers1238 feels like someone is watching over you doesn't ti
Here in Canada we get tastes of those conditions yearly, although I find each winter seems to be milder on the whole but with nastier ice storms & blizzards instead of snow storms and heavy snowfalls. Be careful, black ice and freezing rain can be deadly. Be safe!
They sell propane insulation covers. Usually it is nice to have them in enclosed box to shield it from wind. I was wondering when I saw it exposed how it would work out for you.
Wow congrats❤🎉. I knew you could handle it because of the high skill set , including concentration (with a wee bit of madness no less)it took to drive Pete the Tuk Tuk. Thank you for taking me there, and the music was perfect. Good luck for the rest of the road :)
I have been stranded 3 times, in -25°, with my old vehicles. Frozen all fingers and toes. I hate the cold...!!!
So, I wonder what in hell are You doing up there ?? 😱😱😱
Pitch black the whole day, more snow than you can imagine AND minus degrees no people can stand for a long time.
And I also thought, when I saw the gas bottle for the first time, hanging Outside of the vehicle - it is going to freeze sooner or later..!! It should be mounted inside AND with any type of thermo insulation wrapped around it.
Well, foolish or not - Wish you good luck, and remember: BETTER SAFE THAN SORRY 🌺🌺🌺
Very enjoyable to see all the beautiful snow scenery. Hope all goes well for next leg of your journey. Thank you!
Try to be careful when coming over the top of any hill, even a tiny one, because you have too much weight on the back and your front wheels don’t have as much grip. Skidding wheels take the lead whether you like it or not.
What an adventure you are having! Liam, you are a rockstar driver. Janine, I hope that you are over that scary event. It's a horrible thing that happened. You are both safe and that's what's important. Take care.❤❤
@jilldinneen4271 thank you 😊
Hi Liam,
We did the same proposed route as you in 2023, but in reverse, Bournemouth to Stockholm crossing in to Finland, going through the flat wilderness, crossing the mountain range north of Tromso and dropping South on the E6 to Narvik. By the way "Lapland" can be seen by some as a derogatory term used by the southern settlers name for the Sami peoples who herd raindeer across Norway, Finland and Russia. Samiland is the correct term. There is a Sami centre well worth a visit for the history and culture, including raindeer to pet.
The area makes the E6 look like the M25, in terms of remoteness, it was wonderful in May, but we still got snow even then. The lakes were frozen. The roads are hundreds of miles without settlement or turn off. It really is remote. The climb off the E6 into Finland is fairly steep but well paved. There is one decent settlement just on the other side of the pass, complete with raindeer roaming the streets. Personally, id continue up the E6 past Hammerfest (the most northerly city), past Alta famous for the Terpitze hidding in the nearby Fjords and on to Honnigvagen. This is accessed via a deep tunnel under the sea. The most northerly place you can drive to in Europe is the Nordcapp. This is a stunning drive and requires an escorted convoy by a snow plough. The destination is iconic and stunning. From there, the roads are better to come due south into Sweeden via a short crossing via Finland. This is the main route, well maintained for supplies.
Whichever you decide, we will be tunning in on you're epic travels.
Good luck and adventures!
Victor
I really enjoyed this vlog. I was sitting in front of the log burner though. I'm your typical armchair adventurer. Well done Liam for keeping you both safe. You did amazingly well. 👏
Glad you enjoyed it
I missed the bit where you screwed your studs into the tyres..... arctic circle is a clue
The Moomins are from Moominvalley, a peaceful and idyllic valley in Finland ❤
@@SteveHarwoodTV can we visit? 👀
There is only the Moominworld in southwestern Finland but it's closed for the winter and mainly intended for children. But moomins were really created by a Finnish artist, Tove Jansson.
Some amazing footage. Thank you for sharing!
Go go guys🎉 enjoying a lot your adventures ❤
Propane doesn’t freeze at -44° it’s still a liquid but it stops becoming a gas. It shouldn’t be causing you a problem at -7° I think the issue is water vapour in the regulator. Try a new regulator and a gas bottle sourced locally.
It might be that true, but the pipe was frozen to the outside of the camper too
might be moisture in that bottle of gas. Is it from the UK? I was a gas engineer in my previous job and worked on caravans and motor homes and butane and propane.
I am really enjoying your journey! Well done!
Thank you so much!
What a beautiful place, and yes the first time we anything new our anxiety rises for sure its suppose to. However your confidence is already above most in choosing to drive on those roads. And enjoy its a luxury most will never try . You got this , and look forward to the next episode
An amazing achievement to get that far. No shame in turning around. Exploring bigger places and enjoying christmas markets. Safe trip whatever you decide we will watch.
You must both have a strong love for visiting Lapland I would not go through that at all. I hate being cold with a passion, having been anaemic most of my life. I wish you both good luck xx
We will do the journey with you in spirit ✨️
38:55 - looks very similar to my daily winter commute to work. With proper winter tyres, you can drive pretty much like as if the going was normal. But ofc you need to be used to and comfortable with it. And yeah, doing a full fishtail is not fun at all, regardless how experienced you are with driving in winter.
@@stormbrewer3004 I absolutely agree
Finally, you get to experience what Alaska feels like so so cold but so beautiful 😍 safe travels 😊
Yes! Thank you!
14:24 I love this!! Growing up here in the 🇺🇸 Circle K was my favorite mini-mart❤🎉
It sounds like you hit ice. If it snows and starts to melt due to higher temperatures it turns to slush. When the temperature drops again it freezes again and turns into black ice. Depending on how bad it is, the only options are chains or studded tyres.
I think plenty of us told you that outside LPG tank wouldn't work. If the liquid in the tank is already below freezing, it means it isn't going to get through the regulator before icing it up. I've had regulators and valves freeze up at seven or eight degrees above freezing after a few minutes, so you need to be quick. People running outside tanks in that kind of weather will be using heated regulators, which would have been an option for you.
Oh, and when you stop to get out and take photographs or go to the toilet, don't turn the engine off. It's actually better to keep it running in those situations which is why I like diesels - they use almost no fuel at idle. If you look around when you get out you'll probably see that's what most people are doing except to refuel. This will be particularly important once you hit -20 C temperatures, which will chill the oil in the sump faster than you can spit.
Well done both . I love watching your adventures. Ignore the negative comments not many would have the nerve or gumption to do what you both do . ❤
Thanks 👍
Have you put the studs in the tyres. I think it's time you did if not.
now the fun begins stay warm stay safe enjoy the reason you are there. The video was great just like Scottish highlands
A great relief to know that you emerged out of that scary episode without injury! Apart from that I really am enjoying watching you on your amazing journey! Stay safe and I hope you do manage to continue and get to the furthest point in the Artic but at a nice easy pace!😊
Thank you 🙏✨️
Wow, I was having a panic attack just watching this 😮, can’t imagine how you two were feeling. Stay safe and keep warm. You are both very brave and amazing xxx
OK, why on earth didn't you insulate the gas bottle and outside components. I thought you talked about that B4 you left the UK. When you wake up ready to go, start your engine and let the vehicle defrost your screen and heat up the cab. Lastly, just remember it's your choice. You could be back working a 9-5 job back in the UK. Maybe, just maybe you should have planned your adventure better. Having said all this I hope you turn this around and enjoy your trip and reach your goal for Christmas.
They are vanity van lifers just for the clicks
You guys are both an inspiration to us all! True adventurers. Whatever you decide, we are all so thankful for this wonderful adventure we can enjoy vicariously. TY both xx Go steady.
@marketstallfacts4723 thank you
Btw… why don’t you put on the studs or the snow chains?
The locals aren't
@ I’m sure the locals have studs though.
@@ThoseHappyDaysthe locals are experienced drivers in those conditions, put the studs on!
Normal winter morning here in Ottawa at -11! Glad you are wearing your toques! Don’t touch any metal without gloves! 🙏✌️
Why have you not put snow chains on ? 🤔 You are making it very difficult for yourselves.
Because the locals haven't yet...literally no one 🤪
@ThoseHappyDays but you are not local, they are experienced drivers in these conditions
Brilliant video, what an amazing trip this is, unbelievably beautiful. Glad you are both okay after your scary episode. Keep safe 🙏
Thank you! Will do!
Love the fifty minutes long vlogs! What a treat ! Janine words as you crossed the artic circle were so beautiful ❤ Both of you are really brave , Take care 🙏
@@Audrey-mh1pq thank you, really pleased you enjoyed it
Well done both of you ❄️☃️ stay safe and good luck on your way to Lapland. Life is for living and you’re doing it! ❄️❄️❄️❄️
Liam if your aiming for Lapland why head up the west coast of Norway ? The best route and roads are up through Sweden and also Sweden is cheaper than Norway. Safe Travels.
Lapland stretches across northern Norway, Sweden, Finland and parts of Northern Russia. 😊
@hilleviasp1876 yes but the capital is just north of Sweden and the main highway up through Sweden is a better and quicker route than the slower and not so well maintained route up the west side of Norway.
It's a coastal route that apparently was full of black ice 🧊 over the last couple of weeks.