In Sámi it’s called Geargevággi, which translates to Stone Valley in English. But in real life, it might as well be a fairytale.
— What the —-, have you seen anything cooler than this, Zach?
The American photographer Andy Anderson calls out to his son Zach, and the Stone Valley is filled with echoes. But the son doesn’t answer; he seems absorbed behind his own camera.
— Zach, are you there? I’m trying to make contact.
— Umm…
— Isn’t it? Isn’t it just great?
And then Andy starts working again with model Ellinor Hansson Baas running up and down one of the many massive rock formations in the valley. Behind the camera I hear Andy mumble something about magic.
When the day comes to an end and darkness descends, walking down to Torneträsk again, the award-winning photographer asks me:
— How can it be that no one knows about this place? It has to be one of the most beautiful places in Sweden.
— Yes, but there are some who know about it. I skirt around the question.
— Eh, today we’ve been practically alone here. Have we seen more than ten people in the entire valley? I mean, if this had been the States there would at least have been a large sign by the road, a sign to tell you where it is.
— I know. But sometimes I’m glad there are magical places like this that don’t feature on everyone’s bucket list.
— Hey man, I know. This was friggin’ epic.