We invited our friend Charles Post to join us on the Harbor Dispatch. Charles made the move to Norway a few years ago, and leads quite an extrordinary life in this remote part of the world. We sat down with him to hear more about what life looks like in the Lofoten Islands.

The decision to move to Norway was as much about creating space for curiosity and growth as it was about chasing a dream. It took us 2.5 years to navigate the visa process, create a business here in Norway, apply for work and residence permits, sell nearly everything, and leave behind a life we loved so much in Montana—including our dream home, sauna and a garden I’d poured my heart into for nearly 4 years. It was a huge leap into the unknown, guided by faith that we’d find what we were looking for, inspired by a desire to prioritize the things that tug at our hearts, even when they felt risky, scary or uncertain. We knew this life wouldn’t come easy, but the chance to live on our terms in a place as wild and awe-inspiring as the Norwegian Arctic made every challenge feel worth it. There was also a bit of a full circle moment in that both Rachel’s and my family emigrated from Norway not too long ago. Our great grandparents were born and raised in southern Norway, where our families lived for generations. We actually spend between 1 and 2 months each year in the same valley where our families come from, Gudbrandsdalen. We love it so much. Not only do we feel a connection to the place because our families farmed and made a life in a place that has always had a magnetic draw but there’s something special taking in a view that, for example, my great grandfather would have enjoyed, swimming in the lake he would have swam in and enjoying the winter light just as he would have.

Life here revolves around the seasons and the outdoors. Our days are intentionally slower and more mindful. We live in a small village of 18 full time residents, 5 dogs, 2 horses and lots of sheep. Our village is on an island in western Lofoten, and even though we are 45 minutes from a larger town of 3,000 people, life here is slow and rural, which we love. Mornings often begin with a jar of water, then coffee, taking in the view  just outside our windows. Our house is on a spit of land that is surrounded by water on three sides so there is always something to see, be it the waves crashing over the rocks, sea eagles resting on the headland or birds in the fields surrounding the home. We split our time between creative work—Rachel in her studio and me balancing creative projects and environmental brand strategy and communications consulting. At the moment, I’m consulting for a few brands I really admire like Norrøna, GORE-TEX and as of this summer, I took on a role as Creative Director of Top 50 Farmers, a regenerative farming organization based in Copenhagen that is committed to the scaling and acceleration of regenerative farming across Europe. Beyond work, we intentionally prioritize moments that anchor us and give us joy, like hiking, surf, skiing, or hanging out with our Samoyeds, Knute and Rowan. Sauna has also become a cherished part of our days, a time to reflect and recharge. Each day feels like a blend of productivity, presence, and connection with nature, which is exactly what we came here for.

Scandinavia feels like a place where wildness and culture coexist beautifully. Norway, in particular, has this incredible sense of space, where rugged and beautiful landscapes stretch as far as the eye can see, and nature is mostly well respected. What I admire most is the cultural emphasis on living in connection with the land—whether it’s through friluftsliv (outdoor living) or the way people adapt their lives to the rhythms of the seasons. It’s a place that reminds you of the power and necessity of wild spaces, not just for their beauty but for the way they sustain life and inspire us. I also love the simplicity, the hygge (cozy) moments of warmth and connection, and the way people prioritize slowing down, balance, family, and time spent in nature. It’s a way of life that encourages you to pause and appreciate what truly matters.

Our retreats are about sharing the magic of Lofoten, the island and community we call home, with others, inviting people to step into the slower, more intentional rhythm we’ve embraced here. We hire some of our favorite friends to cook organic and local foods, teach yoga and mindfulness and astrology. Rachel teaches a workshop on manifestation and I teach a workshop on birding and ecology. The whole concept of the retreats is to create a space for wellness, slowing down, building community and experiencing the magic of this place in the company of friends who will leave this week together feeling like family. Sauna is an integral part of the experience—it’s a ritual that mirrors life’s cycles of heat, challenge, and renewal. Alternating between the warmth of the sauna and the icy shock of a cold plunge in the fjord in front of the house brings clarity and resilience, both physically and emotionally. It’s a space for reflection, healing, and connection, and it’s been incredible to see how it transforms people during our retreats.

The future really feels full of possibility. We’re continuing to build Arctic Dreams Retreats with two retreats open for applications this June and October, creating opportunities for people to connect with this wild landscape. We are building a cabin on our land that overlooks the sea and mountains and there’s also a sauna being built in our garden. We can’t wait! These will give us the opportunity to host individual travelers in a sort of creative and wellness retreat setting on our land. It’s been a dream for a long time to create a space where like minded people can come and plug into our little oasis here in Lofoten, slow down, create, prioritize wellness and connect with nature. I’m also diving deeper into my creative projects—writing, filmmaking, and consulting on a few new exciting sustainability and conservation initiatives. Rachel’s art business is growing in inspiring, fantastic ways, and it’s been a joy to support her vision and dream of becoming a B Corp. Last year, I joined her team to help support operations and partnerships, which has been super rewarding. I love supporting her dreams and vision for her brand! Personally, I’m also excited to explore more of Norway’s landscapes, deepen my connection to the wildlife here, and continue embracing the transformation that comes with living a life of intention and courage.