A Spontaneous Motorcycle Trip to: Byrum Strand
Yesterday was one of those days when I just needed to get away and have some time to myself. After work, I packed my motorcycle and decided to head out to Byrum Strand on Öland. It’s a place I really like – remote, peaceful, and with very little light pollution. I was hoping to catch a glimpse of the northern lights and maybe even get some photos.
A Quick Pack and Off We Go...
I quickly packed after work, throwing my hammock, camping stove (which I didn’t even end up using), and a few other essentials into the saddlebags, and hit the road. The route from Äleklinta to Byrum is one of my favorite roads on the island. It winds along the coast and offers some amazing views of the sea. The feeling of freedom when riding along that road, with the wind in your face and the ocean on one side, is hard to beat.
Byrum Strand - Peaceful and secluded
When I arrived at Byrum Strand, it felt like all the stress just melted away. This place is truly special – sparse trees with sand between them, and a perfect view of the sea. It’s far enough away from everything that you can enjoy a clear night sky without any interference from city lights or roads.
I set up my hammock in the same spot as last year, then just sat back to take in the view. No camping stove this time – I had brought some snacks, but mostly, I just sat there waiting for the sunset. It was one of those evenings where everything just felt right – the sky slowly turned shades of pink and orange, and I felt completely at peace with my surroundings.
Chasing the Northern Lights
One of the main reasons I chose Byrum Strand that evening was because there had been reports of possible northern lights. I love photography, and the idea of capturing the aurora over Öland was something I couldn’t resist. Unfortunately, I wasn’t as lucky as I had hoped – no northern lights this time, but just sitting there under a clear, starry sky was pretty magical.
The Youtube Project That Didn’t Happen
The idea was to make this trip my first real Youtube video. I had a lot of ideas in my head about what to film, but it didn’t quite go as planned. Filming while riding a motorcycle is a challenge in itself, and I quickly realized I didn’t have the experience to capture those really great shots. I also forgot to document important parts of the trip, like setting up the hammock or just enjoying the view. So now I’m left with a bunch of clips from the ride there, but nothing that really makes for a good video. It was a good lesson – to plan a bit more carefully and maybe practice filming before the next trip.
Early Morning and the Ride Home
The next morning, I woke up early. The sun had barely started to rise as I packed up my hammock and got ready to head home. I had to be back early because I had a workday ahead of me, but even the short time I spent at Byrum Strand was worth every minute. Riding home in the early morning air, with just the sound of the motorcycle and the birds waking up, was the perfect ending to a quick but much-needed getaway.
Reflections
Even though I didn’t end up with an epic Youtube video and the northern lights didn’t show up, I genuinely appreciated the trip. There’s something refreshing about a quick escape, even if it’s just for one night. It gave me a chance to unwind and experience a different pace of life, and Byrum Strand remains a spot I’m excited to return to.
However, this trip highlighted some areas where I can improve my vlogging game. To make my videos more engaging and well-organized in the future, I need to develop a better routine and plan my adventures more thoroughly. One key lesson from this experience is the importance of preparation. Creating a detailed script or checklist before heading out could help ensure that I capture all the essential moments and avoid missing important footage.
For instance, having a list of the shots I want to get, the sequence of events, and key locations to film can make a big difference. It would also help to have a plan for the type of content I want to include, whether it’s scenic views, personal reflections, or behind-the-scenes moments. By setting up a structured approach, I can avoid the common pitfalls of spontaneous filming and make my vlogs more cohesive and interesting.
Additionally, practicing my filming techniques and becoming more familiar with my equipment will also be crucial. The goal is to make the filming process smoother and more intuitive, so that when I’m on the road, I can focus on enjoying the adventure rather than scrambling to capture the right footage.
Overall, while this trip didn’t result in the perfect video, it was a valuable learning experience. I’m looking forward to applying these lessons to future adventures and improving my vlogging skills. With better planning and preparation, I’m confident that my next trip will yield the kind of content that truly reflects the excitement and beauty of my journeys.