On the Trail of the Blue Fox

The call of mystery led us into the heart of the wild lands of Sweden, on the trail of the blue fox. This journey, as much an adventure as a quest, immersed us in the fascinating world of the arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), whose coat turns blue in the spring, the period of its moulting.

It is through ancestral stories and meticulous research that we have discovered the importance of this mythical animal. For the Sami, it is sacred; for trappers, it represents a source of income. The blue fox, from the last great ice age, has crossed the centuries with its magnificent camouflage, a fur armor that makes it as elusive as it is spectacular.

Our journey took us to the wild vastness of Sarek, a national park located in northern Sweden, recognized as the largest reservoir of Scandinavian biodiversity. There, in this preserved natural setting, we began our quest to observe this legendary animal.

Crossing taiga, tundra, glacial valleys and tumultuous rivers, each step brought us closer to our goal. We shared precious moments with the local inhabitants, enriching our journey with their knowledge and legends. Patience and observation were our guides in this adventure, because the blue fox, master of camouflage, reveals itself only to those who know how to wait.

Going in search of the blue fox, this mysterious inhabitant of the arctic lands, requires much more than curiosity and passion. It requires a team of diverse skills and impeccably orchestrated logistics. This is how our team was formed, each bringing their unique expertise to this quest.

Alix's passion for the great north was awakened through literary stories and her many travels. She has always been fascinated by the legendary beauty of the blue fox. It is her unwavering will to meet this mythical animal that gave birth to this adventure. Her determination and enthusiasm are the driving forces of our expedition.

A seasoned polar explorer and naturalist, Lucien brings a wealth of field experience and invaluable logistical expertise to the team. Nicknamed Tetralu for his perfect imitation of the black grouse, he is our guide through the vast wilderness. His instincts and in-depth knowledge of Arctic wildlife are crucial to the success of our mission.

A renowned photographer and tireless traveler, Anne is the artistic eye of our team. Her ability to capture the raw beauty of nature and the fleeting moments of our quest make her an indispensable member. Thanks to her talent, every footprint left by the blue fox, every amazed smile, are immortalized in images that tell our adventure better than words.

A logistician without equal and a real jack of all trades, Baudouin is our MacGyver. Nicknamed Baudibulder for his DIY skills and boundless ingenuity, he ensures that our expedition runs like a well-oiled clock. Thanks to him, we can trek for days, knowing that each camp will be set up efficiently and that our daily fire will never go out.

Each step of our journey has been meticulously planned to maximize our chances of observing the blue fox. The initial itinerary is built on the spring habitats of the arctic fox, but this remains theoretical. By following the tracks left by its previous movements, our new itinerary is born. The map of our adventure is marked by the natural challenges of Scandinavia which once again modify our itinerary but these make this quest more stimulating.

Navigating this territory requires careful preparation and constant adaptation to changing conditions. All of this has been anticipated by our equipment and our means of progression. The obstacles that we have potentially determined, whether it is crossings of icy rivers, storms, heavy snow or steep terrain. We have required preparation in advance for each one.

Our quest took us to the heart of Sarek, a true Eldorado for the arctic fox. This wild and unspoiled territory of Sweden is one of the last bastions where this majestic animal can be observed in its natural habitat.

This national park is not only a haven for biodiversity; it is also accessible by train and public transport, a key criterion for our eco-friendly adventure. The train journey allowed us to contemplate the transition of the Swedish landscape, from bustling cities to vast wilderness, while minimizing our carbon footprint.

Sarek is home to Sweden's most beautiful wild rivers, from raging torrents to tranquil streams winding through glacial valleys. These rivers added an extra dimension to our adventure.

Ultimately, our adventure in Sarek was not just in search of the arctic fox, but an exploration of our own capacity to marvel at the splendor of the natural world.

This quest took us into white areas, far from any emergency infrastructure. This reality required rigorous preparation and suitable safety equipment to deal with the unexpected events of this expedition in an isolated environment.

The lack of modern communication networks in these remote areas forced us to plan for all possible scenarios. To do this, we brought safety and emergency equipment specific to this type of adventure.

Satellite Communication (InReach): To stay in touch with the outside world and send distress signals in case of emergency, we equipped ourselves with an InReach satellite communication device. This tool allowed us to share our location and call for help if necessary, despite the lack of network coverage.

Each member of our team had been trained in first aid and remote survival techniques. This training was crucial to ensuring collective safety and to being ready to react quickly if necessary.

Advanced First Aid Kit: Aware of the risks inherent in such an expedition, we included a comprehensive first aid kit in our equipment. This included immobilization devices to treat possible fractures, adrenaline pens for severe allergic reactions, and a kit of various medications to deal with different medical emergencies.

Survival Gear: The Sarek wilderness also requires robust survival gear. Survival blankets, multi-tools, and fire-starting equipment were essential to ensure our safety and comfort during our outdoor bivouacs.

Our adventure is much more than just an expedition into the wild. It is a total immersion in the habitat of the blue fox, an attempt to understand and appreciate the beauty of this animal in its natural environment. Each day brought its share of surprises and challenges, constantly reminding us that we were only guests in the kingdom of this mystical fox.

Our approach consisted of organizing observation points near the signs of the presence of the blue fox. Whether it was footprints in the snow, burrows or the presence of its prey (Ptarmigan), each sign guided us to strategic places where we could hope to see this mythical animal. These observation points, carefully chosen, were essential to maximize our chances of encountering it.

Observation equipment, while crucial, added an extra dimension to our logistics. Binoculars and cameras had to be constantly at hand, hanging around our necks, ready to be used at any moment. This need for continuous vigilance required us to be always on the alert, attentive to the slightest movements and sounds of the surrounding nature.

Managing our camera batteries was another challenge. While roaming, far from any power source, we had to carefully plan how each battery would be used and carry enough recharges to last the entire expedition. The cold weather conditions in Sarek meant that the batteries would last less, forcing us to find ingenious ways to keep them warm and operational.

However, all this effort was rewarded with moments of pure magic. Observing Arctic wildlife in its natural habitat, seeing them move with grace and agility, was a priceless experience. Each observation, each photograph captured, became a testament to our adventure and our patience.

A Swedish word often resonated: Fjällräven. Literally translated, "Fjäll" means mountain and "Räven" means fox, thus forming "the mountain fox." This term does not just describe a simple animal; it embodies a symbol deeply rooted in Swedish culture and history.

The Arctic fox, or mountain fox, has been a protected species in Sweden for several decades. This protection is essential for the preservation of this iconic animal, which has seen its populations decline dangerously over the years due to various environmental and human factors. Conservation efforts have helped stabilize some populations, but the mountain fox remains a vulnerable species.

For the Sami people, indigenous to the region, the mountain fox is more than just an animal. It is revered and respected, symbolizing wisdom and cunning, qualities essential for survival in the harsh Arctic conditions. Legends and stories passed down through generations often feature this fox, creating a deep connection between the Sami and their natural environment.

This protocol with the location of the bivouac and the security process was put in place well in advance, before leaving the Hautes Alpes.

Our adventure in search of the mountain fox was much more than a simple naturalist expedition. It was a journey into the heart of Swedish culture, an immersion in Sami legends, and a lesson in respect for nature. The mountain fox, with its history and symbolism, enriched our quest, transforming our adventure into a true odyssey.

This year, winter was late in coming to Scandinavia, and May was still tinged with white. Despite weather forecasts and conversations with locals confirming exceptionally high snowfall, we refused to give up on our quest. On the contrary, we saw this situation as a unique adventure opportunity, a total immersion in the snowy landscapes of Sarek.

At the foot of the Sarek Mountains, we were finalizing our preparations, aware of the importance of adapting to changing conditions. Lucien, our logistics expert, was reanalyzing the maps, looking for potential passages through the snow drifts. The question of snowshoes loomed large, and a decision had to be made quickly. In the face of these unforeseen challenges, we remained resolute and determined.

On the day of departure, we boarded the municipal bus, our means of transport to the village of Kvikkjokk. It was not a simple transfer bus, but also a utility vehicle used for school pick-ups and mail delivery. As we stopped, we discovered hidden havens of peace, remote corners of Scandinavia that only the locals knew about.

The closer we got to Sarek, the more winter nature revealed itself to us. The lakes were still frozen, the taiga was covered with snow, and the air was filled with intense cold. Sitting on the bus, we were silent, absorbed in the grandeur and beauty of this wild environment. At that moment, a common thought crossed our minds: to let nature guide us.

The taiga, also known as the boreal forest, may seem austere at first glance, but it is home to an incredible natural wealth. From our first steps in this expanse of Scots pines, our gaze is lost in the immensity of this dense canopy. Accustomed to the reliefs and diversity of habitats in Western Europe, we find ourselves immersed under this boreal forest, with no indication of our progress on the marked route.

After several hours of walking, we begin to gain altitude, gaining a little height. Openings in the dense foliage reveal the first foothills of the Sarek mountains, like windows onto an unknown world. This progression through the taiga, with its small colored clearings, its tracks of elk and its furtive sounds of wings, imbues us with a new energy. We feel the awakening of a totally different universe, an atmosphere charged with mystery and promise.

At the gates of this new world, we decide to set up our first camp. Under the dense canopy of the taiga, we find an ideal spot, sheltered from prying eyes. Joining forces, we pitch the tent and prepare our camp, ready to explore this unique environment further. The twilight in the taiga is a spectacle in itself, with its soft glows and moving shadows, enveloping us in a magical atmosphere.

The Scandinavian Alps, although different from their European counterparts, offer a nature as pure as it is diverse. Between the steep peaks and majestic ridges, stretch glacial valleys lined with glaciers and waterfalls, pouring into lakes and peat bogs. These wild landscapes are connected by rivers with icy blue waters, evoking the graceful movements of the blue fox.

In this captivating atmosphere, we began our journey in search of the blue fox, scrutinizing every corner for the slightest sign of its presence. This mythical animal finds its preferred habitat among the scree slopes, where it blends perfectly into the rocky landscape. Using the element of surprise, it hunts the ptarmigan and the mountain hare, perfectly mastering its mountainous environment. To progress efficiently across these steep terrains, we made the most of the still frozen snowfields. These fields of compact snow allowed us to avoid the scree slopes and difficult slopes, thus lightening the load on our heavily loaded bags. Each step brought us a little closer to our objective.

Inspired by the Arctic fox and its seasonal adaptation, we too have adopted a flexible approach to our means of transport in our quest for the blue fox. The Scandinavian spring, with its special magic and natural challenges, has pushed us to innovate by combining trekking and packrafting to traverse the wild landscapes of Sarek.

Spring in Sarek is a season of renewal and transformation. Nature awakens, migratory birds return, and births punctuate the cycle of life. However, this time of rebirth comes with formidable challenges: melting snow brings high water levels, resilient snowfields dot the mountains, and forests reorganize after winter.

To reach the Blue Fox Mountains, we had to factor these factors into our planning. Each natural element became a potential obstacle to overcome, requiring careful preparation and constant adaptation of our means of travel.

Faced with these challenges, we opted for packrafts, light and portable boats, to optimize our movements by using the power of the water. These boats allowed us to navigate on rivers swollen by snowmelt, thus connecting the different habitats of the blue fox more quickly and efficiently.

Our bi-disciplinary approach, mixing trekking and packrafting, proved to be the key to our success in this quest for the blue fox. By adapting our means of transport to the changing natural conditions, we were able to explore more deeply and more efficiently. The packraft, light and resistant, was an essential tool to cross the waters of the Sarek and reach the fox mountains.

This combination of trekking and packrafting, inspired by the seasonal adaptation of the arctic fox, enriched our adventure.

Our Mekong packrafts proved to be valuable allies in our quest. Their minimal weight and optimized design allowed us to carry them during the four days of approach march without difficulty. Once deployed, they were sturdy and spacious enough to transport all our equipment safely.

Navigating the turbulent waters of the Sarek, facing winding rapids and unpredictable water movements, was an exhilarating experience. Despite the challenges, we always felt safe thanks to the stability and maneuverability of our packrafts. Their performance allowed us to overcome natural obstacles otherwise impassable on foot, and to penetrate deeper into the Blue Fox’s territory.

With just a month to go before the summer solstice, we immersed ourselves in the Scandinavian magic of permanent daylight. The uninterrupted daylight was a real asset to our adventure, allowing us to fully enjoy every moment without the constraints of night.

The permanent day offered a feeling of total freedom, abolishing the boundary between day and night. Very quickly, we let ourselves be absorbed by this continuous life, stretching our days well beyond the usual limits. The absence of nighttime darkness removed any notion of stress related to nightfall, allowing us to progress without haste and to immerse ourselves completely in our quest for the blue fox.

In this constant light, the only real rhythm that guided our days was that of our own bodies. The weight of the bags on our shoulders, the accumulated physical fatigue and hunger became our only temporal markers. Each step of our journey was regulated by these bodily sensations.

Physical fatigue, although present, did not slow us down but guided us. It told us when it was time to take a break, set up camp and recharge our strength. Each meal taken in the open air, each bivouac set up under the permanent light, was a well-deserved moment of rest and an opportunity to savour the beauty of Sarek.

Like all human beings, we feel an almost instinctive attraction to fire, this primordial force that provides us with warmth, security and comfort. In the heart of Sarek, this ancestral force becomes even more precious, helping us to cook our meals, to warm us after days of exploration, and to create a gathering point around which to share our experiences and stories.

At each camp site, we take great care to designate a fire site in a thoughtful and environmentally friendly manner. We know that in these wild and unspoiled areas, minimizing our impact is crucial. By selecting sites that are already in use or creating secure fire pits, we ensure that we leave as little trace of our passage as possible.

The dancing glow of the fire, its soothing crackle, and its comforting warmth create a special, almost magical atmosphere every evening. The fire brings us together, allowing us to relive the highlights of the day, discuss our observations, and plan our next steps. Sitting around the fire, we share stories, laughter, and reflections, strengthening the bonds that unite us as a team.

Lighting a fire in the heart of Sarek connects us to our ancestors, who also used this life force to survive and thrive. This historical connection reminds us of our place in the long chain of humanity and our dependence on nature. The fire, the central element of our camp, is a symbol of this continuity and our respect for ancient traditions.