Every time we pass this adorable little lighthouse in the Skjomen fjord in the high north of Norway, I have to think of the definition of picturesque (visually charming or quaint, as if resembling or suitable for a painting).

Every time again, though, I just pass that little spot, admire it through the window of the car. Never stopping, just to hurry on to the fieldwork that awaits a bit further in the next – luckily almost as picturesque – valley.

This year, I decided to break the ban on this spot, that grew into one of my favourite views of our recurring Scandinavian fieldwork trip.

Sometimes, you just have to allow yourself that one minute of admiration in between all the work. Or else, in your hurrying search for data and results, you might miss out on why you wanted to work here in the first place.

Luckily, work is becoming more predictable and manageable every year, with my growing experience with fieldwork in the north. My little lighthouse has been here every year since the beginning, and finally, I can cross it off my list.

Most likely, however, I will stop here again next year, as now I am definitely hooked.