Finding amber in the spring storms
In the early days of spring, as the Scandinavian coastlines brace against the changing moods of the Baltic and North Sea, a unique treasure awaits those with a keen eye and a bit of local knowledge. Amber, the golden relic of ancient forests, finds its way to the sandy beaches, entangled in seaweed or buried just beneath the surface, a gift from the sea to the patient and observant.
Our family tradition of amber hunting is deeply rooted in the lore and expertise passed down by our grandfather, a seasoned member of the North Sea fishing community. He had an uncanny ability to predict when the conditions were just right for amber to wash ashore, following storms that churned the ocean depths and brought these golden nuggets to the light of day. Armed with his homemade net, a clever contraption crafted from a repurposed antenna, he joined the ranks of amber fishers, a sight as traditional as the landscape itself.
Today, our approach to this age-old pursuit is more leisurely but no less enthusiastic. When our internal "amber alert" signals the right conditions, we make our way to the beach, eyes peeled and spirits high, ready to comb through the seaweed and sand for our own pieces of sunshine. This task, best done in the remaining light of day, becomes a race against time and the tide, a challenge eagerly accepted by our youngest, Bear. With an uncanny ability to spot even the tiniest fragments of amber, Bear dashes along the shore, each find adding to the growing collection in our little bottle.
As dusk approaches and the beach begins to welcome the night-time enthusiasts with their UV lamps, transforming the sands into a starry landscape of glowing amber, we make our way home. Our bottle, filled with amber of various sizes, is a testament to the day's adventure, a tangible connection to the sea and the stories it holds.
