*22 August 2025* We spent today in Kautokeino and surroundings. With rain forecast from mid morning, we set off around 9 and drove to the little village of Avzi for a walk in the wilderness. ![[10-GNT - 4.jpeg]] ![[10-GNT - 6.jpeg]] The vegetation is typical of the far north. Regular silver birches do not grow here, just two relatives - the downy or mountain birch which may grow to 10 metres or so, and has oval leaves; and the dwarf birch, rarely taller than 1-2 metres and nearly round leaves. ![[10-GNT - 2.jpeg]] Some of the vegetation is so beautiful, even on an overcast day. ![[10-GNT - 3.jpeg]] ![[10-GNT - 5.jpeg]] We saw plenty of signs of the Sami herders who live in the area and use these paths. ![[10-GNT - 1.jpeg]] ![[10-GNT - 7.jpeg]] We dropped in at Avzi Design, down a side road, no one around - but found Sami artist May Toril Hætta at work on her loom. ![[10-GNT - 8.jpeg]] After lunch back at the ranch we visited Kautokeino Museum with some fascinating artefacts from Sami culture. It was interesting to learn that Sami objects are nearly always functional rather than decorative. Nomadic people could not afford to carry too much stuff with them. The well-known Juhls Silver Gallery was an unexpected treat - a remarkable building with many sections, and art from many parts of the world. And a good view of the town.... ![[10-GNT - 9.jpeg]] Unfortunately the church was closed. It was built in 1958, after the previous one was burnt down during the war. ![[10-GNT - 10.jpeg]] It rained continuously all afternoon, but we were not deterred from having a sauna and a dip in the lake (12 degrees). ![[10-GNT - 11.jpeg]] Tomorrow we will reach our most northerly point - Alta. The weather is looking grim for the next couple of days - but next week should be mainly dry. << [[The GNT, Day 9 - Karesuando to Kautokeino]]