Now things are gathering around the question of the right to lease the land around west Jämtland. Many are those who will be affected of the result depending of what decision it will be taken. The Samis will point to the Girjas verdict, and claim the land as theirs. The locals on the other side, meaning that they having been living here for ages in many generations so the hunting and fishing should be for every one. Then we have the Swedish tourist association, that have a lot of economical interest in the tourism in the area. And we also got all the outdoor people who want to practice mountain sports in all its forms. So from that perspective it is a very complex question of course.

But is it not here all of it starts? Go back to the word sustainability…That might be the gordian knot. (den gordiska knuten) If we want to have a mountain environment that is genuine, we might need to adept the the requirements. If it should be a living countryside the locals might got the right of fishing and hunting for be able to stay in the area. And maybe the area where the reindeer will be during the calving period should be protected from external disturbance? Maybe I am wrong, but with a sustainability mindset I think it can dissolve some of the communication within the basic question…But sustainability is far more then the environmental part. It is about leadership and culture, diversity and a global thinking. I will not pointing finger, it is everyone’s choice. But with all the visible signs of the global warming I will draw my straw to the stack.

Nina Simone – Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood – YouTube

See ya soon….

Today is the seventh day in a row of workout. And I must confess, it feels great. Cycling, gym, running, speed walk among others makes me feel alright, and not tired. It really gives me energy. The most powerful moment was yesterday when one of the twenty five year athlete at the gym stepped forward to me, looked at my body from top to toe and comment; hey you are really fit man. Well becoming almost 59 I was really happy. If I as old guy can be a role model for others I really enjoy, and of course become humble as well. And just that moment was worth all time of workout:-).

At the moment I am sitting and preparing the upcoming training and assessment of this years IML’s. Navigation, leadership, river crossing, weather knowledge and steep ground is jus a part of all the things they(we) need to got skills and knowledge of. But teaching means you must become expert of the subject.

Last blog I was promising some more knowledge about weather in general and clouds in particular. So how can cloud help us to get knowledge about the weather? First of all we must understand that 15-20 days of the month cloud covers 73% of the sky. So bear that in mind when you counting with clear weather of the peak. But the clouds can also help us to predict the weather, at least the upcoming 6-12 hours.

(This Cumulus cloud, is ok and it will probably disappear in the evening)

(This Cumulus cloud is growing vertical, with energy from the sun it will grow and the rain is not far away now)

Cumulus clouds, normally is growing during the afternoon. Due to the fact that the sun does not having so much impact in the noon so normally it will be no rain, and the clouds will disappear under the evening. But keep a look of the clouds if they grow vertically., if there is no clear border of the cloud it will soon start to rain.

Cirrus clouds, when there is a warm front is coming , the initially signs can be cirrus clouds in a distinct direction, and with hooks in the ends. This might be a sign of weather deterioration.  You now got 6 hours before the bad weather will appear. If the Cirrus clouds don’t pull up, the weather will be continued stable.  The cloud at the picture, with its ”hooks” in the end tell us that a shift in the weather probably will appear. Rain within 6 hours is to count in…

Shane Smith & The Saints – All I See Is You – LIVE from the Desert – YouTube

That was all for today, see ya soon:-)

Today it will be about weather in general and the  temperature in particular. When going to a tour in the mountains the weather is always in focus. The naturally thing to do is to check the forecast of the are a at least a month ahead. I normally check it at least a quarter ahead, just to build my own view. But we always says that, is it something we cant affect it is the weather. That is true, but we can affect how we adept to the weather. The most important thing to start to consider about will be the temperature. That is something within the weather we actually can affect. We need to understand how it will affect us. In the summer when its hot in the days and the son reflect the sun it will be warm and we need to keep up the fluid intake. At high altitude we need to warm up the air we breath and have to take that in consideration. In the winter (and summer) we need to understand how to use the layer system. Ok, so this means when it comes to temperature of the weather we got the opportunity to influence, or? Where will I end up with this facts? Well, we might cant influence the weather, but we can influence its affect on us. This is why the clothing will be so important in mountain sport of all kind. When to use down, when to use wool etc. So you have to plan, check forecast and so on for understanding what to bring in apparel/garment choice. But the most important will be to understand the layer principal.

This describes it quite well, how to use the layer system. Never ever get wet, that the ground rule. Use the zippers in the cloth for getting rid off the moist/heat. Next lesson will be about clouds…

This one will be a good choice in cold condition (middle layer) with wool…

or this one in primaloft from Rab, in not so cold environment..

The New Basement Tapes – Kansas City – YouTube

See ya soon..

Today I reflect over that I got 106 years of experience. Well, you think how can it be? He is just 58 years and got 103 years experience. 40 years of work life, 43 years in the mountains and 23 year as Commercial guide. But still learning and still developing…One thing I find important is all that small things that will help us out in the mountains. Things that I really want to bring with me. So here is some of those things; one extra compass, a small light stove, a tent lamp (I prefer one with heat, so warm up a reduce the moist in the tent in the morning) a bivy bag, a multitool, a small saw, a spoon, a fire steel, a charger, cable ties, gorilla (silver) tape. A cord., a energy gel, a PLB (InReach) This will be a good start of small things to carry with you.

A week ago I was up to Helags for a tour. The weather forecast was ok but get worse during the week,  and it looked out we was going to get dew. The 12K up to the mountain station was passed quite quickly and a waffle when we arrived was just perfect. We got our room and stared planning for the top attempt the next day.  A breakfast and then we where on the go. The rain has resulted in higher flows in the creeks, but not any big issues. We chosen the north way up and soon we reach a snow filed we just passed. Sometimes the clouds open up and we got sight for a while. After passing another small snow field we begun to get top weathering. 20 minutes later we where standing of the top of Helags 1789m. No wind, no precipitation and…no sight. But everyone was satisfied by standing at the top. With at least 10 winter summiting and at least 10 summer summiting even I as guide was satisfied. But as we always says half way done, it is now the real work begins…As the nature agency protection has painted stones from the south way up, it was quite easy to descend. At the mountain station I decided to take a tour among the trail towards the cabin of Gåsen. After a while I turned off the trail and went in direction to Snusestöten. A check of the watch told me I was out of time so I turned back towards Jalkedsaåjja  and back to the mountain station. The day after it was time for going back, at as always it is with the feeling of sadness leaving the mountains. I am so ready for a real long tour in the near future, I have to plan that…

As always the weather has an impact of the tour, it always have and next blog(tomorrow) will be about the weather,,,

Rebel on the Run – YouTube

See you soon..

Today we start with some statistics. When we look at the mountain stations and mountain huts in Sweden the visit numbers has increased almost everywhere comparing to 2022 (Jan-April).  The Vindelälven area and Saltouloukta  has decreased. A explanation could be the transportation to the area. The statistics 2019-2023 show us that the number of visit has decreased over all. From -2% to -37% in the worst case. It is only Rogen Hut and Abisko mountain station that has increased. This numbers can be interesting to look at how the visit is pread over the year at Kebnekaise and Sylarna/Helags area.

When it comes to Svelav statistics the number of people who has had participate in avalanche training was 650 persons. A bit less than 2021-2022 (~750). The pandemic can be a explanation.

When it comes to the mountain rescue, there is still a decrease of numbers of rescues in North part of Sweden, and a small increase in Dalarna and Jämtland(quite stabile numbers).

So what can we find out of all this then? Well the tourism is slowly getting back to the level as before the pandemic. We can se that the area Skäckerfjällen has an increase numbers of visitors. With a good training we probably will decrease the numbers of avalanche victims (6 totally this season, and just one in Sweden). But we also still has an important job and responsible to keep up the mountain safety work with information, training and good leadership in mountain activities.

The preparation for the upcoming Helags tour is in full action, soon its time for the trip, looking forward to be in the mountains again…

BEST Summit Hike in Sweden? | Helags Mountain Summit – YouTube

Wake Your Soul – YouTube

See ya soon…

With just eleven days ahead it will be a tour to Helags. National Geographic present the Helags to number three of the worlds best hikes, so this is a real good one. It situated as a hub in the Jämtland hiking area. It is easy to access and got a lot of different way to access. The normal rout goes from the parking at Kläppen, but from there you got two different choice. Either you go towards Himmelsrasta or you go through the Kesu valley.  During winter you can also go the winter trail passing the Kesu lake. You can also go from Torkilsstöten toward Himmelsrasta. The nice thing with this trail is that you will have the days target in the fund the whole day.  The peak of Helags is the highest peak south of the artic circle. With its 1796m and quite easy access, the peak is well worth a visit. What more can you do in the area then? A suggestion could be to visit the Predikstolen south of the Helags peak. Another suggestion will be to visit some of the peaks close to the mountain station, Soenheketjärra or Mieshekehtjahke.

From here you got a wonderful view over the Jämtland/Härjedalen mountain’s.

Have the environment been affected of the climate change? Well when the measure of  where the tree line was at Getryggen in Jämtland started in 1915 it was at 810m today it is 235m over that, so it is obvious that the climate has changed… We all got a responsible to take car of our mountain environment…

WATZMANN – ÜBERSCHREITUNG | Tagestour – YouTube

Where Have All The Flowers Gone? (Remastered) – YouTube

Se ya soon…

It is spring and it is expectations in the air. A whole summer and vacation is upcoming. It feels limitless with a lot of options. But as I usual say -strive for planning, it is the things you plan that will be done. And looking in the mirror you can be satisfied and relaxes about what you have archived and experienced. I am planning for a trip to Helags, a training session at Enafors and a assessment in Offerdalsfjällen in October.

Today I think I will write about positive thinking, this area is very important for all of us. So the first practice I suggest is to exert thankfulness. When you go to bed to night (and all evening this week) Think about three things in your life you are thankful for. This will help us to programing our brain to focusing of our lives positive ingredients. My next suggestion is that you will be aware of your breathing. When you wake up every morning this week, use 5 minutes to reflect of your breathing, This will be your first step into meditation. So a real good exercise. Smile. the research show us that people who got near to a smile, will live a happier and more satisfied life. Surround you with people who makes you smile, read books and listen to pods which make you happy and make you laugh. I think this will be a good start of the summer of 2023….

Next week the blog will be about mountain weather so don’t miss that…

Tom Tom Club – Genius of Love – YouTube

See ya soon…

The Swedish mountains is fantastic, and one of the gems will of course be one, but lets start with a option in the low land. As I am from Värmland, I will give you a nice suggestion. The Glaskogen reservation between Årjäng and Arvika. This is a unknown gem that no so many knows. To do a long weekend tour her during the winter is fantastic. And for beginners the area is perfect preparation for a tough mountain tour. With 300km trails you will find a nice one…

Why don’t you start from Finntorp towards Lenungshammar. It is about 16km and a good start…There is a lot of wind shelter you csan use.

(Sofia Ohlsén)

The second one will be the Sonfjället at Hedeviken. This is the reservation were the bear lives. This is one of the area with most bears in Sweden. My suggestion here will be to stay at Nysätern and hike to the Sodo dalen. From there it is only 2km to the top of Sonfjaället.  Stay at the windshelter eat something and leave some equipment for the peak-tour. 18km round trip. Winter or summer. You will have a wonderful view of the whole Jämtlands mountains, Funäsdalen at west and Lunndörrsfjällen and the whole way to Oviksfjällen. You will not regret that, I di promise…

This week Inhave been testing one of the Power bank from last weeks blog, the Lippa Solcelle Power bank 20.000mAh. And what will be my result? Well, it is a real good charger. With 45% and I put it into the charger and 30 minutes later it was 76%. So it is good.

This is a equipment for long tours. The weight of 410g is to heavy for shorter tours, but I will for sure bring it with me on long tours. A inbuilt led lamp is also very useful. With the price of 45,46 Euro 8 499:-) you got a real good friend for a good price. So the judge? NNNN. The reason for not getting 5 N:s is the weight…But with solar cells and the power of being able to chare 8st iPhone’s of a fully charge Power bank is great, that for sure…

”Dragonfly Lullaby” by Paul Izak and Seed of Love – YouTube

See ya soon…

When it comes to mountain safety we relay on our mobile phone, the GPS, the PLB (personal locator beacon). But if you out for a longer adventure, you need to load this equipment. When you don’t get access to mains, you can use a power bank. But how should I chose one, there is an abundance of brands and models in all price ranges from 10 Euro up 500 Euro? I will help you out a bit here. As always you start with defining what your need of use are? If you will use it in tough outdoor environment, you need one with a good shell and cover over the connections. When it comes to the quality of a Power Bank, the mAh milliamp-hour capacity  will be a important information. High capacity of charging – the higher mAh value. Next important value will be the in and -out chargeable capacity. In value tells you how long time it will take to charge your Power bank, and the output power the time it will take to charge your equipment.

Voltage (V) and amperage (A) represent the charge levels of your portable battery. The voltage determines the charging process, while the amperage determines the landing speed. The following table simplifies the selection process based on output power.

Slow charging 5V/1A middle charging 5V/2A fast charging 5V/2,4A Quick charge 9V/3A.

The fast charging is the most popular, and will have almost the same effect as charging from mains. But back to the choice of power bank, the number of ports can be important. But at the same time if you charge several equipment it will slow down the speed of charging of course. There is also a lot of extra features of different power banks. One with solar panels is good to have for us outdoorer. But this will also add weight. Also a built in lamp can be good. And you will need different kind of ports due to different kind of your equipment. And I also want a indicator for seeing how much power it is left in the power bank.

Here follows some good suggestion you can look into…

Lippa Solar Cell Powerbank 20.000mAh 20W 3 x USB-A  1 x USB-C 45,46 Euro (499:-)

Lippa Solcelle PowerBank 20.000 mAh 20W 3 x USB-A & 1 x USB-C- Sort / Orange (inskal.se) 

Xstorm Rugged Powerbank  10000 Powerbank  63,68 Euro (699:-)

Xtorm RUGGED POWER BANK 10000 – Powerbank | Naturkompaniet

Lippa foldable solar Powerbank  10 000 mAh 10,5W 2 x USB-A

Lippa Foldable Solar PowerBank 10 000 mAh 10,5W 2 x USB-A med Ljus – Svart / Orange (inskal.se) 50,93 Euro (559:-)

David Radcliffe AS THE WORLD FADES AWAY -The Ghost of Johnny Cash #johnnycash – YouTube

See ya soon…

Early morning 05.30 am. Already up and awake even though it Sunday. The sun is raising and it will be a great day. So I now knew I got 5 hours in the car towards the mountain. It is a Sweden waking up in the grand spring. It is with enthusiasm I am plowing mile after mile in the car. Sitting relaxed enjoying the nature and landscape passing outside. I am listening to the radio. And this is what’s playing…

You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling Righteous Brothers JAR-ReMix Stereo HiQ Hybrid JARichardsFilm – YouTube

I continue and after Sundsvall the landscape profile shifts. The feeling of expectation and excitement will take over. And there of a sudden after passing the bridge of the high coast, the mountain appears in front of my eyes, yes I am here again.  After a short greeting ceremony I put on my gear and start the climbing. The muscle memory is there and after just a minute I am on it as it was yesterday…And as always Skuleberget delivers. After the yellow trail, I’ll go with the red one. The feeling of being there is liberating, and joyful. My inner compass stand still…

ROGER RÖNNING Vår inre kompass – YouTube

We all got different drivers, as the one you can read about above for example…So what is it that drive us ahead then? Here we talking about the seven head groups of drivers, namely;  Economical, practical, knowledge, self-fulfillment, consideration, power/influence, ethical-morality.  So here you can start to dig, what is your driver or drivers? What makes you feel the best and make you comfort with being you?

This week I will do a review of the Helikon-tex Windrunner-Windshirt. This is a light shell jacket which will protect from wind and rain. A ultra light shell layer when approaching a peak etc. It also can be used for running etc. (due to the description) Hm. here I am a bit sceptic though. The reason is the ventilation of the jacket. But with its 226g it is quite interesting.

At the first sight i looks good and a real fast shell when the wind or rain comes of a sudden. This is not something to keep on in hard weather condition, but on fast peak tour I for sure would have bring it on with me. But I will test it for sure…

Stick Figure – ”Edge of the Ocean” (Official Music Video) – YouTube

See ya soon…