The north of Sweden is thick with beautiful forests, which are dotted with hundreds of small, sparkling, crystal-clear lakes and small town or villages spaced few and far between. One could nearly get bored driving for miles through the forest, but it's the occasional group (or whole herd) of reindeer meandering along those forest roads that keep things interesting. The herds are not exactly wild - they're owned by members of the Sami tribe, which are the indigenous people of northern Europe (Scandinavia). Reindeer breeding is the traditional work, mainstay, and lifestyle of the Sami (previously known as Laplanders).
Each reindeer is marked by its owner, then sent out to graze and forage for food in the forests. Any given herd might consist of the reindeer of several owners. In the autumn the herds are rounded up from the forests and the outlying wilderness into a special corral where they are then sorted out according to owner. Then owner can then choose which reindeer will be sold for slaughter, and which will be released back out into the forest in preparation for breeding season. Interesting reading can be found here if you're curious to know more: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sami_people
There are thousands of reindeer running around loose in the wilderness of northern Sweden. They are sweet and totally harmless critters, but very dumb. So, it's not at all unusual to have the road blocked by hundreds of reindeer milling about - and some even lying on the road napping! Oddly, they aren't always smart enough to run directly into the forest when you toot the car horn. No, they quite often try to out-run you along the road in front of your car - stopping periodically to look back and see if they're out-run you! One of my pictures shows just such a group of reindeer that had done just that. Most drivers are kind with these creatures, and even if it takes a little time and a gentle nudge with the front of your car, the reindeer will eventually leave the road and let you pass. If you ever get the opportunity to drive around northern Sweden, do it! It's a positively charming and thrilling experience!
So, how did we spend our time in Greater Arjeplog? Just read my next story entitled "Music in the Boondocks" and I'll tell you all about it!
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