So the Life continues the Corona despite. This saturday I Went to Skuleberget for some Via Ferrata guiding. The travel trough Sweden was fabulous, the landscape is something special this time of the year. At Docksta and Skuleberget the weather still was perfect, and it become a super session. A happy guide and happy participants…New habbits and new trail to hike is something postive in the tracks out of Corona. So why dont try a new hiking trail, or a new adventure in the near? It is your own imagnination that will be the limitation for you. So get out a suprice yourself with a new adventure…
In May 2010 I started this blog, and today I will write post number 500. In the beginning it was much about workout and stuff like that, but I Think it has been developed during the year. The advent calendar is one of the most appraised parts. This week I Went to Skuleberget for the seasons first Via Ferrata, and as Always Skule delivers. I will Always be satisfied there. This week also the Swedish Tourist Assosiation prenaunced that the cabins and mountain stations will be open during the summer despite the Corona virus. So now it is high time for planning the hikes and adventures for the summer. Why dont visit Skäckerfjällen?
If you have some time I will recommend this documantary. Here you will have a view of the schuss, and the Åre mountaain. 3 minutes and 2 sek in the film you will have a perfect view over Getryggen, Norder och sönner tväråklump and Storsnasen…enjoy:-)
Sunday 24th of May, and my 499th blog. Today I will start with a reflection. Make your life become your dream…These words are very easy to say, but how to do it in reality? From my point of view I think it is very important to do the planning. Because otherwise threre will always be a reason for not doing the thing you want. I always have som plans going on in my mind, and I am planning the adventures in my head. When I feel I really want to achive it, I do the challange or the adventure. So plan your adventure, and they will be done. And I think at the situation we are living in at the moment it is more important than ever. At the time you also got the time for planning the adventure ahead.
This week I will review the GSI Perculator 8 cup coffee brewer, it will be interesting, and tasty I hope…
This week I will review the book: ”Handbok Resemedicin & Säkerhet”. This book is for traveling safety, and I think it is a very complete and extensive instruction book. For the ordenarie traveller I think it is a little premium. But for a guide, I think it is a good book to got in the luggage. So NNNN will be the value of the book.
And from the playground of Chamonix:
See ya soon…And next week the 500 blog I will have a suprice for you:-)
Today it is syttende Mai, And what would suit better than a mountain history from the World war II, and as if by mere coincidence it starts in Trondheim.
Secrets in the Mountains…
This week I will write abut secrets in the mountains. During the world war II there were some actions in the mountain area. First, we should get acquainted with the Sorko Battalion. It stood clear for the Germans that it must be by the land way to control the northern part of Norway. This since the royal navy got control over the North Sea. The choice of the mission fell on the Austrian 2. nd Mountain division. In the night of the 4th of May in 1940 one of the Austrian battalions started its succor of the German troops in Narvik. The Germans had met great resistance from the allies in the area and needed support. The German General Dietl was in a precarious situation at the time. The plan was to move troops trough a trail close to the Swedish border and North worth towards Narvik. About 2531 soldiers should be involved in what would be called the operation Böffel. A group of twenty soldiers from the Sorko Battalion would be the reconnaissance unit of the operation. The supply for the group must be handled from the air by the Luftwaffe whom need to drop supply from air. The group started from Trondheim area at the 2nd of June at 02.00 in the night. the first day’s planned march was about 20 kilometers, but what kilometers it was! After 20 hours they were still struggling over log and stone. The first part of the Operation the weather condition was in real bad, and the Luftwaffe couldn’t drop the supply to the group. But as can be reading from the diary at the time -We were between Hellemobotn and Skjomen when a stork came flying with the message that Norway has surrounded and that the allies has left.
(Since Norway has surrended, the unit could use all possbile solution to get to Narvik)
Now the group could increase their speed, and after 900km the 13 of June, 13 days later Lieutenant Fritz Gessel could shake had with General Dietl in Narvik. The operation did not make any imprint for the result of the battle in Narvik, but it has a great signaling impact of that the German got a connection between Fauske and Narvik. The Austrian 2. nd Bergsjaeger regiment was a very skilled unit. Very well known with warfare as well as mountain warfare, and still it took over 20 hours for the first 20km of the march. So, this tells us two things; we got challenging terrain in the Nordic mountains, and I think our military mountain units stands well comparing to other countries comparable units. The military historian Lars Gyllenhaal has a very good view of the Nordic Scandinavian during world war II, and he tells us that the Operation Böffel was not a success, but at least it gave the soldiers good skills and training of the terrain in the area. Lars also told me that he got a plan to hike the march the way that the unit done. (I might enjoy him) He thinks he still can find rests from the march.
He also will release a new book I June; Trail to 200 Swedish monuments during WWII. Here he describe how you can hike to memories from the WWII. And here you can hear him talk about bargains from the war….
And if have got enough of the historical wingspan you might like this movie as well. A German and British air crew think they have destroyed each other but both survival, but have to cooperate to outlive the wilderness together.
Another good suggestion for the outdoor libary will be this book:
And a bonus quiz this week, how many bloggs has been made so far? A: 298 B: 398 C: 498 Guess and send the answer to +46-702509028.
Today I will write about how to choose and take care of your hiking boots.
First of all, your feet are just your feet. This meaning our feet are individual, so it is important to choose a pair that suits just you. When choosing what type of boot, you will buy, you must decide for what purpose you will use them for. Is it mountaineering in high altitude, in cold climate or just hiking on trails? Is it important for you that the boot should manage very wet climate you should go for one with membrane. So, what is the advantage and disadvantage of membrane? To be honest, some membrane works better than others, but are seldom perfect and lose their function over time. If you will use the boots under longer period in cold climate, you should consider a boot without membrane. Because it will dry faster when it got wet. Ok, so now you have decided if you shall have membrane or not. Now you must decide how stable the boot shall be, and high or low shaft? The higher and often heavier a boot is the more stable and of course more expensive. Now you probably got a range of different brand to choose from. Next step now will be to check the fit. Number one will be volume, your ankles size will be crucial when choosing boot. If you got a low ankle, it is important to select a boot that will keep your feet in place. If not, your toes will slip forward in downhill terrain. The second is the length, try the boot with double pair of socks. Press you heal backwards, lacing the boot and walk around. You should be able to move your toes. A golden rule of thumb is to have 1cm before the toes…Width your feet should not moving around in the boot, and not sit to tight. Then you will get blisters. So, know you just must choose the one that suits best.
(This boot with Gore-Tex lining you should use wax, and not grease)
When it comes shoe care it is a chapter of its own. Your new boots life-span will be affected of your ability to take care of them. Use a sponge and lukewarm water to remove dust and dirt from the boot. Remove the shoelace, clean the boot under there as well. If you have a boot with membrane you can use a toothbrush to clean it inside. If the membrane get dirty it will not work. Remove gravel from the sole and now the boot is clean. Now its time for new waterproofing. Here we use two different products; Wax or grease. Normally people do not know the difference of those twos, but that can makes a disaster. Never use grease on a membrane boot. This will go in under the surface and lock the membrane, so use the wax for these boots. If you have a nubuck boot and you don’t want to destroy the surface, you must use a Gore-Tex spray. But sooner o later you will need to use wax for those ones as well.
Today the workout contained 15k hiking and 1h at hte gym. 10×10 cal rowing and 10×10 push-ups. All under 10 min(09.32) So focus of the cardio…During the hike it started to rain. And I thaught there is a thin line between bad weather condtion and bad attitude condition:-)
Now we closing up the quiz, the price you can win is this:
The top of the day is 1768m and it is the highest peak in the Vasterbottens county.
Often, we have the view ahead in focus, the future and upcoming events. But today I will look backwards. Because we always have a lot to learn from the past. Both from a personally view, but
also in a history view. The history and the culture also go hand in hand, and that why culture is so important. Many people mean that we not should put money into culture project and activities. But I
support that. Because it is important for that will set the footprints for the future…Well today I will take you on a journey, first to a Sami story including a helicopter accident. And, a bit about our mountain sport history. I hope you will enjoy the travel. In my early teens I went up to Jamtland, and I think that that have made who I am today. And this may be why I want to tell this history for today.
The story of the silver reindeer calf. In the end of the 1600 a Sami family have their Sami grazing land on the Bastunasfjallets northside. The father of the family was a wise man a so called Nåid (shaman). So, at one of the reindeers calving period he chooses one of the calves and silver it. He announces it as “seite”. He hides it in a crevice, and one it was time for the movement of the rein herd from
summer to winter pasture and vice versa he took out the “seite” and worshiped it for securing his own and his family their happiness and prosperity. When he the first time placed the silver calf in the
crevice, he read a incantation that meant if some else not from the family would see the silver reindeer(seite) he would die before he could tell were it was. And if today the incantation has been working, and no one have told that they have seen the silver reindeer calf. In 1977 a helicopter was flying in the area. One of the crew was Kent Lillspokis Andersson the son of Spokis the mountain pilot. The helicopter crashed and all members of the crew died. The question was having they seen something on the slope of Bastunasfjallet, the silver reindeer calf? We will never know…
The beginning of the mountain tourism.
The mountain tourism begun in the end of the 1800 in Sweden. But before that the science has started exploring the northern part of Sweden. This paved the way to open the mountains, . The year
was 1895 Astrid Cleve and Lilly Paijkull begun their hiking towards Kvikkjokk and Stora sjofallet. They have changed their skirts to a more comfortable waterproofed and shortened skirts. This short one just reached down to the ankles. These two women represents in many ways a transitional period in the Swedes relation towards the mountain world. Her travel contributes not only the science science part but even that they were emotionally affected of the mountain environment. This travels also resulted in the doctoral degree she earned at Uppsala University. But before this Carl von Linné already in 1735 was traveling from Kvikkjokk as well and write a lot of diaries and books about the environment. And now the science has got their eyes on the nature, but it needs to be spectacular. In 1835 Karl XIV Johan was visiting Tannforsen close to Åre. (Called the Nordics Niagara fall). The landscape painters and the Science contributed now the knowledge of the fabulous mountain environment up in the north. The English tourist Alex H Hutchinson meant that if possible, go to the Swedish mountains because is a relatively "cheap" alternative to the over-exploited Alp in his book Try Lapland a fresh field for summer tourists .
The importance of the communications.
(A company of tourists enjoying dinner at Sylarnas mountain lodge in 1962)
One very important reason for traveling towards north was the development of communications. During the year of famine, in late 1860 new roads was built in northern part of Sweden. But for
reaching Jamtland the easiest way was to go for Oslo and from there train to Röros. And from there transportation towards the jamtlands mountain environment. When the Norrlandska tvarbanan(today the mittbanan) was build in 1882, the mountain in Jamtland could be reach by train from southern part of Sweden. This opened up the mountain tourism in a broader way. In 1885 the Swedish Tourism Association was founded and that history we know all about��. In 1897 the first mountain hut with food service was promoted, the Syl-cabin. Worth to mention is that during the world wars the mountain tourism was slowed down. But during 1926-27 the downhill skiing was introduced in Sweden. The Austrian officer Georg Bilgeri held courses in Solleftea in downhill skiing. The first ski lift was build in Are in 1940 and it was here the first World Championship in alpine ski-sport was held in 1956.
This weekend I have trekking the Malardalstrail. Nice and good for preparing for the mountain trails…With a fantastic view over Malaren the beginning of todays trail was good. The uneven ground is good for the feets..
Todays quiz will be about a peak at the height of 2016m. It is a dubbel peak, and you might know the name from Selma Lagerlofs book Nils Holgersson wounderful journey. The name of the peak is Sami and means ”Old woman”. Send an SMS with right answer to +46-702509028 and your name.
One thing for sure, it will not be the same as before the pandemic. And I think that is can come something good out of it. We sometimes need to rethink our values and choice we do. Everyday decision is done without thinking. I am longing for the mountains I can tell, but at the same time I have the gift of hiking new trails in Stockholm area. Also my workout of course has been changed. I have just started a new programming with a new target:-). I also think is good for us all to rethink our travel planning and also how the economical part, how does the ”market” affect us. (don’t misunderstand me, I really feel sorry for thous ho is permitted or dismissed. And that is shit) But I think and hope something good will come out of it in the end…
Today I have hiked another part of the Upplandsleden. From Yttergran(Balsta) toward Haggevik and Varpsund. Bird of prey, A snook and a pheasant was some of the animals we meet at today’s trail.
Both me and the husky was satisfied with today’s hike…
When it comes to the Outdoor market, we got some news:
Addnature have donated 50 000:- To the Swedish Tourist Association(STF)., and also give 3% of the income from there profit from the sales of there Outlet. Great and seriously for us loving the the Swedish mountains.
And over to some result of tests:
Book: AMC Outdoor Leadership Review.
First, I will state that is difficult to review a book. You must choose your angle from who the book is written for. This book is written for Outdoor Leaders, Guides, educators etc. The book includes leadership, decision making, pedagogy, safety, communication, trip planning, organizational Risk Management and more. So, it’s all over cover the areas the pointed-out readers need to know. Reading the chapter of decision making, I get positive surprised. Really good explenation of the area, and how to make good decisions. As an instructor I can have one point of view; it is good to have some questions after every chapter. Here you got a summing up but not any questions. But overall comparing to other instruction books, this is will land on the top three list. So, I will give it a grade of NNNNN. Very explanatory and informative. Easy to read and find the area you need before a guiding session to wrap up. So, this one is good.
Jacket: Mammut Aenergy Pro so Hooded jacket.
Mammut is a brand known for its quality and finish. The Extreme series was fine. This jacket is good, and I like to use it. It has alpine fit, and with size M it is sitting tight as I want it. To big pockets, easy to use even carry a backpack or/and harness. It has reinforcements at shoulder and the elbow areas. So far so good. It has no membrane but got windproof areas at exposed parts. The price of the jacket will be 256Euro. So, to my grading; this is a nice and flexible jacket, with nice finish. But the price is to high for what you got. For this price you will get a hybride (with membrane) for the same price. So I will give it a NNNN (4,5).
This week I will review the Blue Ice Kume38 back-pack. A back-pack dedicated for ski-mountainering. This ine got two compartments, one for avalange equipment and one for the ordanairy pack. so it looks intresting and got a lot of real good features. So it will become intersting to test.
And at last a competition to get something else to think of. From now on I will have a completion about peaks in Sweden. And you can get a nice price. The first to get three peaks right will have the price. The first peak I am searching is in Jamtland. and it is 1704m The first part of the name is a direction. And the second part two Majolkie on Samis.
You cant travel, you must working from home…So what to do? I did take the decision to hike a new trail. I have not hike the Upplands trail.
So I take the car towards Skokloster castle. Just after 10 am. I started the hike. The trail was really nice. A bit hilly, and follows the water almost the whole time. The husky was satisfied. I really liked all the different type of terrain. Hilly, easy, and sometime open areas.
Being early means you can go almost alone. Later on the day small groups of 5-7 people meet me on the trail, and I almost got the feeling being in the alps. Meeting lot of people with trekking poles. The Corona have make new habits for people. And this in a good way…And at the end of this part of the trail a distinguished view. This was a really nice trail walk, I recommend it if you haven’t done it…
During the walk to day, i memory came up on my mind. In my youth I ve been hikin at Glaskogen in Varmland. That will be this weeks adventure suggestion for this summer. A fabulous area with nice trails and small lakes. Lots of birds and interesting plants. If you are lucky you might even can see the eagle here…
And now over to this weeks reviews:
This week I have starting the test of Fjallravens Keb jacket. It is a nice jacket, the price is 250 Euro. With that price I have high expectation for a hiking jacket without membrane. This jacket can be a favorite, i like it and it suits well. Two big pockets. It also got two big zippers for ventilation among the sides. But you have to take in consideration that you will need to bring a rain jacket as well in your packing (add that to the price of 250 Euro).
This week I also will review the book AMC guide to Outdoor leadership. A guide instruction book, so it will be interesting…
When it comes to outdoor-activities, the importance of having a mental strength will be crucial. Whatever you are a guide or a practitioner, you will need to have this strength. As I got the background from elite sports and from the service I now this is very important. I also know that this subject is very individually how to develop and strengthen up. So this will just be a suggestion of how you can build it up. Why is it so important then? Suppose you are cough in a eastern storm at the mountain, you must be able to calm you mind to take the right decisions. Or if you are on a cliff wall and must continue to a safe place, for being able to set up a belay etc. First of all, you have to work with a positive mind. This will help you to see the possibilities instead of the obstacles. This you can find at YouTube, or . This will be the base to star with. Having a strong mind, means you have to workout as much as you workout your body. The truth is that this two parts work together. This meaning you need to compete with your brain when it wants to quit. So how to do it?! Now we have come to the hard part. You have to work it out, sorry to say. The mental strength ”you have to earn it, every day”. So start with habits. If you want something bad you need to focus on it every day. Even when its tough. It can be push-ups, or study for an exam or what ever…Stay motivated, and it is your responsibility. Secure you come closer to your target step by step. Get yourself a quote that motivates you. Take command over your mind. This can be trained. During long runs, or canoeing or hiking, your body and mind will tell you to stop. Then you must have a tool to handle it. Find a mental comfort sight were you can place your mind. You also have to understand and define your own ”mental” weaknesses. Build a plan for develop your weak skills. And as I begun most of all, stay positive and laugh a lot, because this will help you. Hope I have help you to start your way to a better mental strength…
This week I will be testing a Soft-shell jacket from Mammut and a layer 2 jacket from Snickers.
The Mammut Aenergy Pro So Hooded jacket is a nice Soft Shell jacket. The weight of 460g is good. It got reinforcement at the right place and is perfect fit for climbing and alpine activities. The Finnish is also nice, but with a price over 250Euro I expect something more. Ventilation zipper under the arms for example. But I will test it and come back with grading.
Next up is the Snickers Hoodie fleece. This one is nice with lot of good pockets. It also got a good price as well. So this garment will be interesting to test. Grading will come.
And at last a really good book for us outdoor nerds. The ”International mountain trekking” book from Mountain training is real good. Here we got a lot of good information and knowledge..
So it Tuesday and I have promise a blog about gear. Today I will talk a bit about Soft-Shell. Soft shell is what the name tell us, a soft shell. There can be different types of solution for this apparel. For me it should be some kind of just ”shell”. So at least some kind of wind-stopper, or water repellent function should be included. So lets begin with the jackets. From my point of view a Soft-shell jacket over 140 Euro I expect it should have ventilation zippers. Also at least two big pockets and one small, and also a hood.
(This jacket from Mountain Equipment lives up to my expectation)
This jacket have wind-stopper membrane, three pockets and a hood. It also got a draw string in the waist. If the price will be over 190 Euro I certainly expect some kind of water proof membrane.
And now over to trousers. Soft-Shell should be able to be used in spring, summer and autumn. Therefore a trouser shall have reinforcement over knees, in the buttocks and also in the ankle this to avoid the crampons to make damage out of it. A trouser over 120 Euro I expect to have reinforcement and at least three big pockets. Over 140 Euro I also expect ventilation zippers. And over 175 Euro there should be some kind of membrane.( it do not need to be Gore-Tex, it can be some kind of hybrid)
(Lundhags Makke pant may not be a unique Soft shell pant, but this is a example of the area)
So if you are going to buy a soft shell apparel, check the small details. That will make sure you will be satisfied with a gear and that you can live with for at least a couple of years. (If you add a par of rain wear you will have the optimal hiking clothing for several of years.) The advantage of Soft-shell is its way of become breathable. You also have a choice of choosing alpine fit or normal/loose fit. I prefer to have alpine fit, especially in spring, summer and autumn. This for the layer one to transpire the moister to the layer 2/3.
And over to some test of some gear. Today I will present the Norrona Falketind. and a…Soft-shell trouser as per order:-). This one cost ~164 Euro, and I do have some expectation on this pant.
(Soft-Shell trouser Norrona Flex1 pant NNN)
This pant have some wind-stopper membrane but not the fully function. It got a lot of pockets and big zipper holder. So far so good. It is a light and flexible pant, so the name flex is correct. But this at expense of reinforcement and ventilation zippers. I also expect that a trouser in this price level shall have a Velcro at the ankle, it has a snap fastener. I want to have free choice of how much I want to tighten around the leg. So the grade will be NNN. Expensive with to few features made this. I still like it, but a bit cheaper had been better…
When it comes to harness we normally need to have some real well built up ones. Here I have tested one light and fast alpine harness. the Simond Edge. Normally I am against light and fast stuff, but when you need to have a harness that dont will take space or weight, this one is perfect for that type of use. Bring it with you everywhere and you can go alpine skiing or Via Ferrata in a easy way. I would not use this one for challenging climbing..With the price of 55 Euro you got a good Alpine harness. But it never could not get any higher grade than NNN, because it is not for tough uses. But for its purpose it is perfect.
(Simond Edge, produce at Chamonix Mont Blanc NNN)
And last a book for the mountaineer. ”Klattring i Kebnekaise” This book describes a lot of routes in the Kebnekaise area. And even bad weather suggestions while being in the area. This is a treasure for the Kebnekaise lover, a must have. So I will give it NNNNN. Real nice one..
The travel trough Sweden was fabulous, the landscape is something special this time of the year. At Docksta and Skuleberget the weather still was perfect, and it become a super session. A happy guide and happy participants…New habbits and new trail to hike is something postive in the tracks out of Corona. So why dont try a new hiking trail, or a new adventure in the near? It is your own imagnination that will be the limitation for you. So get out a suprice yourself with a new adventure…
(open areas and deep forest, the landscape is changing the whole time. You never get bored)
