Everlasting: The Mountains are Calling Again

“The Mountains are Calling Again” by Ben Skaar - Edition of 21

Gazing over a remote beach on the Lofoten archipelago after a grueling and muddy hike.

My twenties have begun! This year I won Sam Spratt’s Monument Game, I ran my first half marathon, Victor and I made a time machine out of a shopping cart, I went to Venice to look at art, and I completed my second year of university in New York.

Year twenty was largely defined by my time in Norway; two weeks in January and then two months in June and July. I officially became a Norwegian citizen and lived in the scenic village of Henningsvær for the summer, where I worked at a cafe. On my days off, I hitchhiked around Lofoten and summited many peaks along the archipelago. I was even fortunate enough to share some adventures with my Bestemor, including sailing traditional Nordlands boats across Vestfjorden.

I learned that curiosity and passion must always stay at my core. I learned to feel a little heartbreak. I set goals to improve my physical health and my mental clarity. All with the intention to be the best man I can be.

-Ben (8/11/2024)