At dinner that night I sat with some newly made friends and had some enlightening conversations. It started out with Michi Albin telling a funny story in his animated style and led into all kinds of great talks about anything and everything in the "big picture." That night in the wood-heated hot tub I felt an electric chi energy between my hands and the stars. I channeled the current and howled out at the scattered rock islands. A sea of echoes was created throughout the bay. The whole trip seemed to be filled with days and nights like these.

The next morning was yet another sunny day. By the time I got to the pipe they had already run the second chance qualifier...OOPS! I thought we didn't have to be up there till 1pm. Oh well, Kier, Trevor, and Jarret (J.J.) missed it as well. The finals were not the best I've ever seen, but it was unbelievable to say the least. More photographers than riders and a mini remote-controlled helicopter filming the scene. The fact that I was able to watch Terje, the most intoxicating and powerful pipe rider more than made my day. Also, Iker was throwing some large McTwists; Marco Coski was busting some of the best toeside ally oops; Bjorn (Leines) was throwing some sick backside sevens; Ann Molin Kongsgaard, the only female invited, was busting just as large as the guys.

After stopping in to congratulate Terje and hanging with his crew, Julie and I went and hung with Ari Metropolis, Michi (Albin), Jeff Gailbreth, and a few others. Ari was giving Michi the first glimpse of the pictures for his book. Ari worked with Andy Warhol in the '60s and is "The Man" when it comes to photography. He went off on explaining some of the literature that he wanted amongst the pictures. I forget exactly what he said but it was something to the effect of how snowboarders are a special breed of human beings and how we're not bound by the confines of any particular area. That when the world becomes your home you see through cultural differences and grasp the limitless possibilities of life. He was just going off blurting out all this brilliant perspective on something that we all understand and see, but never put into words. He was so eloquent, we had to give him a round of applause. Later that night the sun started coming up at like 2:30am, so Jarret, Bjorn, Keir, Julie and I soaked in the hot tub and again busted more good rhythms about life and all kinds of crazy jive.

The monstrous 27-foot walls of the quarter pipe were baking in the sun by the time we got there the following morning. It wasn't long before a session was in full swing. A 30-foot height meter lay behind to measure all the action. Roma De Marchi and Shaun White charged at the quarterpipe with the most speed and did some amazing spins and flips. Roma is not afraid to go as fast as humanly possible at a wall or kicker. I just watched him ride a bit in Mammoth, California, for the Snowboarder photo shoot and was again amazed by his cat-like skills. Kier Dillon started upping the ante with the first extra large airs. I saw Terje getting his board waxed and knew something was coming. His technical mastery of transitions propelled about four feet higher than Kier, 22 feet above the deck.

The awards were in a fish bunker in town. A huge party was thrown for the occasion. Daniel Franck kept his rock star status alive performing on the microphone to the delight of many Norwegians. Ingemar Backman won for best trick with his backside five indy. Although Terje did the largest air, Roma took first cause of his mad max style with Terje in second and Kier in third. Shaun and Ann Molin were also honored just 'cause they deserved some props. I forget all the results for the pipe but it was no surprise that Terje had won. After watching him ride for the week I re-realized that he is still the king.

The event had been blessed with great weather all week so it was no surprise to wake on the departure day greeted by clouds. Luckily we had many great memories to ease the long flights ahead. Experiences like these remind me of how life is a series of moments. The Arctic Challenge was an extraordinary experience that gave inspiration to everyone, hope it did the same for you.