New Beginnings: Embracing Change on the Road

The past year has brought significant change and transformation to my life, from personal relationships to my home and creative focus. Kaddy and I have made the mutual decision to part ways as a couple, but our friendship remains strong. As Kaddy embarks on a new chapter in Tromsø, I'm establishing a winter base in the woods and embracing a new direction with the New Knotten. My journey will now focus more deeply on photography, exploring and capturing the intimate landscapes of Norway. Stay tuned for more updates as Ludde and I continue our adventures.

A Year of Transformation

The past year has been one of significant change and transformation for me. As the seasons shifted, so did many aspects of my life—my life, my relationship, my home, and my focus. Change, while sometimes challenging, has a way of guiding us to where we need to be, and I’ve come to embrace it with an open heart. I’d like to share with you some of the major changes that have unfolded, and how they are shaping the journey ahead for Ludde and me.


The globe at North Cape
Sunrise at the North Cape. Embracing the changes to come.

Toffa and Kaddy at the globe at North Cape
Kaddy and me on our last trip to North Cape. First time we were here, we were a couple. Now we’re here as good friends.

A Personal Update: The End of a Chapter

Life has a way of bringing on change when we least expect it. This was true during easter last year, and over the past year, there have been a few more. The most personal of these changes, that sparked of all the changes in the first place, is that Kaddy and I are no longer a couple. This was a mutual decision that came about in May of this year. It was made with respect and understanding that our friendship is more important to us than trying to keep a romantic relationship alive. While our relationship has evolved, our friendship remains as strong as ever. We continue to support one another and cherish the many adventures we’ve shared. What the future will bring of the type of adventure we shared with you guys is yet to be seen, but in one way or the other, there will come more shared adventures for you guys to take part in.

Kaddy’s New Journey in Tromsø

Kaddy is embarking on an exciting new chapter of her own. She moved to Tromsø now in August (2024) to start a new life and a career in tourism, leaving behind her role in civil service in Germany. With her is Peachy, her loyal companion. Tromsø offers her a fresh start, and I do not doubt that she’ll bring her passion for travel, people, and culture to this new role, thriving in the stunning landscapes of Northern Norway.


Ludde and Peachy cuddeling up together in Peachy's new bed in Kiel.
Two good friends cuddeling up together in Peachy’s new bed in Kaddy’s old kitchen in Kiel.

Toffa and Kaddy at the globe at North Cape
Kaddy wanted to take a selfie at the globe and ended up using me as the “background” as I was trying to get some shots of the sunrise.

Establishing a Winter Base in the Woods

As for me, one of the biggest changes has been establishing a winter base that lets me indulge in vanlife more than I had the chance to earlier. I sold my old apartment which was a money drain for me, and moved in at my family’s cabin in the woods. This cabin has always been a place of refuge and inspiration, and now it serves as a sanctuary where I can immerse myself in nature and focus on my photography during the colder months. It’s a space that offers peace, reflection, and the quiet I need to recharge for the year ahead.


My cabin in the woods.
When you#ve dreaming of living in cabin in the woods, and the dream turn out to be true.

Knotten in the sun.
Knotten, or as talk about in this blogpost “The New Knotten” baking in the sun on the road to North Cape.

The New Knotten: A Fresh Start on the Road

Another significant change from last year has been upgrading from the old camper, which many of you know as Knotten, to a new one—still bearing the name of Knotten. The Old Knotten was the backdrop for many unforgettable adventures last year, but as we also saw, had its bouquet of problems. The “New Knotten” represents a fresh start and is more equipped for my further journey with Ludde and the camera. Knotten is more than just a vehicle; it’s a home, a place to operate from, and a trusted companion on the road. Later this fall/winter I will come back to the “new” Knotten in more detail.

Moving Forward: More Focus on Photography and Purposeful Travel

With these changes comes a shift in focus. While vanlife will for the foreseeable future be a part of my identity, I’m now placing a stronger emphasis on my photography than earlier. Knotten will still be my mobile home and base of operations, but my travels will be more purposeful—focused on exploring and capturing my favourite locations in more detail. This journey is no longer just about moving from place to place to explore; it’s about digging deeper into these locations that inspire me and call me back again and again in the search for more photographs.


My gear setup.
My setup for capturing this scene.

A Heartfelt Thank You

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of my journey so far. Your support means the world to me, and I hope you’ll continue to follow along as I embrace these changes and embark on new adventures. Join Ludde and me in Knotten as we explore Norway, and our favourite locations with a fresh perspective, ready to capture the beauty of the landscapes and the moments that make life extraordinary.


Ludde and me.
Ludde and me ready to embrace the changes to our life and the time ahead.

Me at the North Cape.
One of the more rare selfies where I actually smile.

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