The Land of the Long Night

I left Haparanda, Sweden in the beginning of January. The atmosphere was clear. Not a cloud could be seen in the pale blue sky, turning into greenish as it approached the horizon. There was not a breath of wind. Once, the thermometer marked 30 degrees below zero.

"Be careful," said my friends. "This is treacherous weather for ears and noses. There is danger of their getting frozen. Rub them, and also your face, now and then with snow. Keep your ears covered, and protect them with your hood. If it becomes colder, put on your mask."