Summer rescues….
During the summer there have been a lot of rescue missions at Kebnekaise. One night there were
three different rescues. The weather was misty and, the tourist/hikers didn’t have experience of
hiking in the mountains. That combined with poorly training probably was the reason. So, from that
point of view, I think it’s is important for the hut and mountain station to inform the hikers about the
risks and the condition of the trail and weather. And might suggest the clients to hire a guide. The
cost of rescue missions will increase, and there will also be a risk for the rescuers.

Becoming a Bad Ass, the way of change…the difference of wanting to change and will change…Here come some thought we need to ask us selves sometimes…

 Why you are the way you are?!
 Know where you want to go…
 Why you want to go there
 How and what you need to change to get yourself there.

About thin air.
When it comes to the atmosphere, it extends to 8000m out to space. Outside there is almost no oxygen. The surrounding air sea exert a pressure towards the earth. At sea level the air pressure
normally is 740-770mm Hg. But the higher altitude you get, the lower the air pressure will be. This means that every liter of air will contain less of oxygen, here we got what we call hypoxic. Every 12 th meter the air pressure will be reduced with 1mm Hg. At 2000m over sea level the air pressure has decreased to 596 mm Hg (vs. 740-770 at sea level). This with the result of a reduced amount of
oxygen to 80% (596/760 =0,8). To be able to do the same work, you must breath faster and deeper, you pant…At the peak of Mount Everest the air pressure will be 230-250 mmHg. This meaning a third out of the level at sea level. This is just the minimum of what a human body can manage. Climbing and working hard during this circumstance is very tough. Without a couple of month of
acclimatization, it will remain in death for the most of us.
Why is the oxygen being so important? All muscle work require energy. It can be from fat or carbonates. This substance will be converted to energy in the muscles, supported by oxygen (a so-called aerobe process). The more oxygen the muscle can get, the higher energy metabolism and more work can be done. During short moment the muscle can work without oxygen, example we can swim under the water, but at the same time lactic acid will be produced in the muscle. You that have been at high altitude know the feeling when you need to stop and take a paus and breath. That is when your body “clean” the muscle from the lactic acid. A muscle is the organ that can vary its energy metabolism most, unlike the nerve system and the brain which require an even and a permanent supply of oxygen. Reduced access for example the brain will leads to that decisions making will be affected. So, orienteering, the ability to read equipment and take decision about to turn when the situation so require will be affected. Here you can find the explanation of the accidents at “thin air”. Accidents at a level under 4000m can usually
be derived by low blood sugar levels.

We are all losers…
One way to get a better ability to adapt to lower oxygen levels is a good physical shape. This because of the capacity to transport oxygen. With a good workout of the body you will increase the blood
quantity and increased heart volume with a better stroke volume as well. A normally person can start feeling the impact of “high” altitude at 800-900m. The body ability to adept is impressing. Already after an hour has the endogenous (sv. Kroppsegna) hormone erythropoietin(Epo) increased its activity. It will stimulate formation of red blood cells. Another effect is also that the lupus pulse increase. The first days it can increase with 10-15 strokes. This means rest and recovery will be decreased. Some persons can get back to normal levels after a couple of days. The third affect is that the HRmax (sv. Maxpulsen) decrease. At a level of 2000 the result is reduced within 10-12 stoke/min. So, what does all this means in the relative? A high lupus pulse combined with a decreased HRmax,
will result in a reduced working interval for the heart. The bloods increased oxygen contain combined with decreased HRmax will result in a decreased oxygen consumption. All this result will be
individual, some can lose 7-8% at 1700 over sea level, while other can lose up to 15%. Ok, so it is individual how much the loss of oxygen will affect us. But we all get affected. Increased breathing,
increased heart rate and added lactic acid production. This means that the body will sets up to burn carbohydrates. From this point of view, it is very important to eat enough with carbohydrates, and if
the body don’t get that it will start to burn fat and protein to release energy. The increased ventilation will also affect the fluid loss. You must add one liter more /km in height. It is also worth to take in consideration that high altitude and the stress related to that affects the immune system. It is easy to get infection etc. So, the hygiene is very important. Even if you don’t have access to high mountains it still will be valuable to climb, hike and workout in a mountain environment.So, conclusions:

–We all have different prerequisites of adapting to “thin air”.
-With less oxygen, you must breath faster and deeper to be able to do the same work as at sea level.
-The loss of oxygen will affect the brain, which can lead to bad decision.
-With a good fitness level, you will have better prerequisites to adapt to Thin air.
-You need to have focus to drink more, due to the increased ventilation.
– Bring carbohydrates so you can produce lactic acid to avoid burning fat and protein.

At the MUIN there are a lot research about the area. I have a dialogue about, it it is possible to have the ”dyving-response” effect regarding ”thin air” Is it possible to adept the body Before a climbing expedition. I will come back about this…

Programming for a mountain athlete.
When it comes to workout connected to be active in the mountains there will be a lot of different suggestions. I will start to give an example of a four-week program. So here follows a “free” program,
if you want an individual programming for an upcoming event/adventure please contact me and I willhelp you out. This program is just a start up for becoming a mountain athlete.

General instructions: Warm up until you feel warm and soft. Rest time is normally 45-60s. But big muscles-groups as arm/leg requires up to 120s. rest. In the beginning of the program take it easy
with weights. This is just a taste out of a “real” programming…

Monday: warm-up: 7min upper body exercises. 2×4(two set four reps) pull-ups. Bench-press
10,8,6,4,2,1 reps. Increase weight every step. 2×10 push-ups. 4×10 dumbbell to skull crusher.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ir5PsbniVSc 4×10 hammer-curls https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC3nLlEvin4 3×10 strict press. Ending with 7 min stretch and
cool down.
Tuesday: rest
Wednesday: Endurance day, Warm up 7min. you need an air assault bike(Aab) and a row machine.
40cal row, 40 cal air assault bike, 30cal row, 30cal Aab, 20/20 10/10. The alternative will be to run a
1k hilly track 6 times. Target will be under 30min.
Thursday: rest
Friday: Warm up 7min Lower body. 8,6,4,2,1 Deadlift. 10m walking lounges x4, 10 box jump direct
followed by 10 weighted jump(dumbbell) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOTO2qWRy9U x 4.
5×3 back squats light weight (60% of max). 10m bear crawl forward and backward x 3. Stretch and
cool down.
Saturday: Endurance day, 90min at 60% with back-pack (running, canoeing, cycling, speed-hiking,
skiing etc.)
Sunday: 3x20min endurance 70% of max.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z40AsHrVJEo

See ya soon…

A smell of autumn…
It is early morning. The air is fresh but a bit cold. The noise from the birds is away, and the forest has gone in to a silent mood. I can feel the flavor of autumn. This is the first sign that itis coming up, there will be a second wave of the bird activity. But this is the first sign of that the autumn is on its way…

Dog camp in Salen. Last week I was instructor at the Dog Camp in Salen. With a lecture of Mountain safety and some hiking with peak tours. It also included a lesson in first aid in field environment. The participant was satisfied.

Upcoming events will be a tour to Jamtland/Harjedalen and to the Outdoor feast at Docksta friluftsbyn. https://utefest.se/ I will also participate on the Tough Viking Obstacle race two weeks ahead. So, there will be reports from this events in the upcoming blogs.

News in outdoor world:
-Järvsö Skills Park is located in the middle of Järvsö next to the Doktorsdammen and is being built by the non-profit association Järvsö Mountain Bike Club. The first part is a Pump Track entirely in asphalt built by Velosolutions. The unique thing is that there is also a so-called ”bowl” in the middle that invites you to a very creative and fun cycling.
Velosolutions are experts at precisely Pump Track courses and the one now being built in Järvsö is their first in Scandinavia.
– It feels so fun to inaugurate the brand-new Pump Track track and finally get to see it in use. There has been hard work around the clock in recent weeks, says Fredrik Jelk, Chairman, Järvsö Mountain Bike Club.

The club is investing SEK 8.5 million and in addition to the Pump Track, a Dual track (also the one in asphalt) is being built. Two identical lanes where one can cycle towards each other. The dual track will be ready by the end of August. A technology and balance training area will be ready in the fall of 2019 and a dirt / freeride area will be built in the spring of 2020.

-Intersport will release two new training collections in August/September. One for adrenaline rush, the “Into the wild” collection and the “Power down” for yoga and mobility-Balance concept. The Power Down will be in the stores from week 34.

When it comes to equipment and apparel I will grab the “second layer” (L2, Layer two) this time. This layer is the one with most opportunity’s. Windstopper, microfleece, hybrids, jackets, vests so this is a mess of different ways to go. Personally, I prefer a vest, this because I have a warm body and do a lot of high intensive activities. A wind-stopper vest will be my own first choice here. At the same time, it can also be good to have a layer that got some protection for moisture, if there will be a light rain. Then you need more of a jacket. So, it is not so simple to what to choose. Another thing to take in consideration is if you need a hood? If you got a hood on your jacket, then you might not needed for layer two…I will here give you some suggestions, but when it comes to layer two it will be a personal choice. A good and affordable one will be the Tuxer Draft jacket, for just 60Euro you got a good middle layer. https://www.tuxer.se/produkt/draft-l-jacket/

Trends in outdoor 2019…
Millennials are no longer the future, they are now. By 2025 75% of the working population will be the Millennials, meaning we must understand that they will be driven the market and trends. Smart outdoor brands are adapting their marketing and business models to the experience economy and moving away from the ultra-exclusive athlete-driven inspiration of the past.
We can also see a new definition of “Outdoor”, and with it a new competitive set. Athleisure, “durable goods” and versatility trends are changing how and why consumers buy outdoor apparel. These trends are broadening definitions and blurring industry lines, and they are opening the door for new competitors to play in the outdoor space, while at the same time allowing existing outdoor brands to redefine themselves.
Bridging the Urban-Outdoor gap. The Outdoor Industry Association estimates that around 34% of outdoor consumers live in urbanized areas, and that ratio will continue to grow with ongoing urbanization trends. Many urban-dwelling outdoor consumers weren’t raised on traditional outdoor activities and don’t define themselves as “outdoorsy”, yet the activities they enjoy often take them outside. Socialization, competition and fitness drive these consumers more than a connection with nature or a passion for the outdoors. This poses a challenge to brands who’ve built their positioning around outdoor pursuits, and an opportunity for leisure and athletic brands looking to push into the outdoor space. This is how TNF adepted to the new outdoor arena..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JYwddTzPTJE

And at the end, after a good cup of coffee I was reflecting over the amount of all mindfullines aps. Seriously if we Think were the roots of mindfulliness coming from, and what is meant for. Shall we then got another requirement and demand to carry? For me it will be just Mc Mindfulliness…

See ya soon..

So it is summer again. The good thing with summer is that we can relax and plan the upcoming adventures and challenges. From my side the workout has been a bit more of cardiovascular. This because of the entry to tough Viking obstacle race in August. So the arms has been challange of lots of meters of monkey bars…So one workout at the extremefabriken and also one military obstacle track. But a lot of trail running as well…But more obstacle workout is up to come…

New clothes for testing will be the Patagonia Nano puff vest. A real good layer two vest. With its prima loft layer it is easy to bring, light and still warm. For us who likes vests it is a real good Product.

Poles from Black Diamond has often been a good complement, especially when trail or sky running. The Distance z poles will be tested at the moment. This Product is for Three season, and not for Winter is my view. They are very light, and easy to use. I will use them for running.

The story of theis week will be from Jamtland again. The year

Jamtlandia Enafors, at this time the hotel was opened, and we could by soft drinks and ice Cream. 

1980. Ten Young guys in the 15th, and there leader a 55 year old ex paratrooper shall do there first mountain hike. The night train starts at lunch-time, and will arrive in the morning at the Enafors Railway station. I look out from the train window. The view makes me excited, expectant and tingly. We started the journey directly from the train. The trail to Snasahogarna and Ulvatjarn was the target. The first nigt we spend in the tent just below the Silverfallet. A nice shieling with the sound of the waterfall. The next morning we get up early, the sun was really hot but we took us up to Snasahogarna and to a Plateau Close to Getryggen. When the tent was up and the dinner was done, we climb the peak of Getryggen. Nisse our leader said -Do that you boys I will be sitting here and waiting for you. When we arraived to the tent Three hours later he was sitting outside his tent and eating a choclate bite like eating  a sandwich. The next day we checked the map and started the hike for Sylarna. A couple of hours later, we arrived to the Place of the old Mountain station were we pitched our tents. Some of us, Went to the mountain station to buy some softdrinks and candy(at this time there has been a fire at the Mountain station so the only Place that was left, was Klappen as you can see at the Picture. So there was a Little kiosk were we could by some Coca cola) . Afterwords we took a bath in the sylriver. Cold and refreshing. The next day we startet early though we have a long Days hike. This dady the Blahammaren mountain station was the target of the day. Everything was smooth until we reached the mountain station. Nisse our leader was very quiet, and we was a bit concerned over him. Early next morning, he looked at us with a Pearl of sweat over his lip and forehead and said: -boys, I Think you can call the helicopter now. We run up to the mountain station(at this time there was no cellular phones) and asked them to call the rescue helicopter. our leader has kidney stones. The helicopter comes and we had to reach out our own way dawn back to Enafors. The sun was shining, it was mid July and we Went down to Sevedholm and Rundhogen, and walked the E14 to Enafors were we pitched the tent across Enaforsholm. This was my first trip in the mountain, and there were more to come…But I have to thank Nisse for bringin us up to the area. It will Always be in my heart and soul…

See ya soon…

It is early but it is already Bright outside. I look out from the window and the sun is already high on the sky. I put on my cloth quickly and the dog is already up wating for going out. I got an hour before the breakfast. I choose the trail to Silverfallet. After a half hour I got to the Point were I can see Storsnasen being kissed of the sun. And what a view…

(Photo Ulf Bergman)

A fast breakfast and now it is time for the trail towards Blåhammaren from Rundhogen. The plan of running has been ruined of the heat. So there will be more of a jogging and fast Walking rather then running. The trail is nice and follows the Tvararscreek in the beginning. Something the husky likes. He stops for drinking and bathing his paws. Get new energy and starting to go fast again. Soon the summer and Winter trail crosses, and at the same time I can see the windshelter. We stop for drinking some water and taking a photo over the Blahammarklappen and Blahammar mountain station.

Soon we are on the track again, and after just 1,5h we arrive to the mountainstation. But almost at once we continue to the top of Blahammarklappen. The view from here is fabulous. and every altimeter is Worth it…

(Photo Ulf Bergman, Jamtlands own Lapport and Blahammaren Mountain station)

Down to the station and home again. The bridge over Enan is a challenge for the Husky:-). This trail is a special one, due to the fact that no so much people choose it..

The next day we hidding for Storulvafjallet. The husky is eager. He run and jumps over stones and puddles. The Clouds hanging Heavy over the heaven and Mountains, it almost licking the valleys with its White cotton quilt. Just over 9 degrees the air is almost perfect for running. After 30 minutes we reach the peak. My dog vent with his nose, I try to understand if he sees some reindeers. Then of a sudden I can see what he is smelling. On the hillside two big mountain mooses coming running towards to us. I dont want to stay and risk a confrontaion with the dog and mooses so we start to run downhills. I can tell it goes fast… And with that Another history of Jamtland has been done…

(photo Ulf Bergman, the husky smells the mooses)

And now something about aging. Age has never been a big issue for me. With my almost 55 year, I love Life. But you have to challenge yourself, and most important, do what you really want. Age can never be an excuse for not doing a thing. Of course you have to do compromises, but that is a part of the Life…Love yourself and your Life, and you will get the same back. Getting old is nice, and I am proud of every grey hair and furrow, I have struggle for it:-). If the Mountains are Calling, Go!

See ya soon

So here i am, sittning with a cup of coffee in my hand and starting to blog. This ha been a tough workout week. Two one and a half hour of fightting and also climbing running and workout at the gym. The core of the body starts to get modifyied of the fighting workout. Thats nice.

When the mountains are Calling I must go, and there we are… So planning for a upcoming tour to Jamtland. I found a trail I havent walked, so this one must be hiked…reporting will come.

The tour to tell about today will be from Sylarna. In 2003 I was asked to guide a Group from a Company towards Sylarna. I accepted and in beginning of September it was time for the occasion. The Group was all together 15 people. I realised that I should need a guide assistant. so I choose one from the Group, one which I did know got some skills of navigation etc. We got walkie talkies so we could communicate. Following radio sequense I got to my ear: -Hey, we got some problem here, Kristian have problem with his backback. The Wheel is hurting his back. I answered: -what? what is it for Wheel you are talking about? -Well, it was in the early morning yesterday, he must have tking the wrong backpack when he was leaving his home. Well six hours later we all have arrived to Sylarnas mountain station. Next day the sun was shining and the goal for the day as the Sylarna summit 1762m. After a while upphills Three of the Group decided to turn back. Their cotton underwear was wet, and Heavy. We continued up to the peak of Lillsylen. Everyone was satisfyed, and we turn back to the mountain station. So what was the learing from this guiding? Well, number one be sure that you are enaugh with guides. Secure that all got the right Equipment. Otherwise you will spendto much time of wrong things.

And now time for some notalgica…

https://www.facebook.com/klovsjopanorama/videos/470038773053980/

Enjoy the Syltraveresen with Rikard Westling. Honor his memory with a mountain adventure…

See ya soon

It has been a lot of climbing latly, good for the technique and for the strength. Hopefully it will be some Days hanging outdoor on the Cliffs.

Todays story will be about a tour in Harjedalsfjallen. It is a early March morning. I put on my tour-skies at the bridge over Ljusnan. The weather is ok, a bit cold and cloudy. but almost no wind. The plan is to go the whole way to Helags. The distance is almost 30km. After 15km i am passing Faltjagarstugan, I stay for cooking some lunch. The view from the cabin is fantastic. When the body is loaded with new carbonates it is time to move on. The weather is getting better, and I got a bit sun on my way to Helags. After totally five hours of skiing I reach the mountain station, I get my bed. I will eat the dinner they serve at the mountain station, and early next morning get up for a peak tour to the Helags peak. This day the weather is even better, the sun is on its way up. The snow is crispy from the Cold of the night. The first twenty minutes I go without skins, but then the elevation make me lose the grip. After a short stop, the skins is on. I keep up in good speed, and after Another twenty minutes I can see two other skiiers. At this early time I thought I was lonely. Soon I reach then, and it is two ski-alpinists. With my tour Equipment, I pass them with a smile. The two Young dudes with the special light equipment is left behind. After reaching the peak, I turn South and then follows the trail back to Faltjagarcabin. In late evening I reach the cabin, and the view in the dawn is even more fantastic than the day Before…I start to make myself a dinner. I am the only guest at the cabin. I Think to myself that it will be a calm evening. But at nine a Clock a couple open the door and they will be spending the night in the cabin. We have a long nice talk about Svalbard were they have been. After a long talk a fall asleep. Early, early next morning I make a short fast breakfast, and put on my clothes. The morning air is Cold, the body a bit stiff. I put on my skies and heading towards to Ramundberget. I Always get a feeling of sadness while leaving the Mountains. I got the feeling the whole way trought the trail including Slanggungan. A funny but understandable name, fast and with a lot of curves…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HC_7EKPYXQ

See you soon…

Mountain safety. 

This topic can never be too much spoken. Last weekend a Ski-alpinist was founddead close to a snow-bridge at Are, in Jamtland. This days there is another type of environment and different types of activities that will affect us. First, the global warming will influence the quality of ice and snow. This means that the knowledge and rules are out of play. We must rethink about the quality and form of it. For a ice climber this is crucial. But this meaning that even x-country skiers also must bear in mind that routes over ices and mores will not have the same buoyance as before. The ground of safety you need to consider: adapt the activity to the conditions and your skills. You might should think like a guide, and not
like you are a gud (Sv. For God don’t forget the “I”). Question yourself: Would I have done this with others and with responsibility of  their safety? Or why not hire a guide, at least the first day or days
of the activity to get the knowledge over the area. You often got the culture and history of the area and if you are lucky even a good chef, that will make you nice dinner:-). When it comes to safety,
statistics can be interesting. But notice it is still just statistics. France is one of the country that have a good following up of accidents. When it comes to mountain related activities and accidents in 2012
it was the hiking and mountaineering that was the two most represented in the area. With 38 trauma related death in
hiking and 35 related to mountaineering. This compered to rock climbing with 5 and 1 of Ice/waterfall climbing. When it comes to hiking and mountaineering the most common cause will be slip on snow or ice, and the second is related to falls. Three climbers fall 800m at aiguille du Midi. In theChamonix area the Valle Blanche/Aiguille du Midi area is one of the most exposed, and most visit in the alp area. In 2018 there was 20 deaths related to the area and falls. And looking into avalange area, it is interresting to see that most of the accidents will appear during risk level two and three. We might feel safety with good Equipment and a reliance over our own knowledge level..

Avalange level 2-3 is over represented related to Avalanche accidents.

There is a debate ongoing about the service level of the Swedish mountain stations. One part means that it is good with a high level of service. The otherside means that is to high level, and soon there will be roads to all stations. From my Point of view, I think the Mountains can be open for all categories. If you dont need the high level of service you can still use the smaller cabins. In the long term I Think it will look diffrent out than today. I will write about later here.

When it comes to books for the mountain libary i will suggest two new ones. One old and one new. So lets start with the new one. Fredrik Neregard has written a book about Kebnekaise, Abisko and Riksgränsen. This is a book in the Calazo serie and a very fine guide book over the area. Here you get real good suggeestion of path and places you never been aware of. Maybe one example:

The other book is from 1935 and still up to date. Torsten Boberg and Gosta Olanders ”Till Fjälls i västra Jämtland, en turbok” decribes the routes in the area. Here you can learn a lot over trails that has been forgotten in the area. Also a history discription, such as you have to row about in Enafors over Enan to be able to reach Sylarna. When Reading this book I Think the long trailers will come back in the near future. With the climate debate, and the strive of being extreme and have mountain knowledge, this type of challanges might be more on peoples minds. A seven day tour in the Jamtland will be a real challenge, and with a Boberg mindset it will be real nice. So I Think this will have the impact on mountain stations service level etc. This adventureers will not have the service, or maybe just in the end of the tour..

See ya soon…

So here I sit after 30k of movement. 15k speed hike with the husky and 15k X-country running. I Think I am a really mountain man. And how do I define one? well, if the two most important thoughts going on in your mind is the last mountain tour and your next upcoming. Then you are a real mountain man:-)

It is late June, and the sun is already high in the sky even if it’s still morning. The air is crispy, and stilla bit cold. With just a small degree over zero. I’ve park the car in Vallbo a Sami village, known by its chapel. I can see were the trail starts and I am getting ready for the days challenge. Today I am heading for the
isjodalen towards Halladalen to Anaris mountain cabin. The first part of the trail is big and easy to
follow. After a couple of kilometer, I pass a couple of hikers in their tent. It is early season, so I am a
bit surprise that is more people here. The weather is fine, and I have good speed. I am not aware of
the trouble that is awaiting ahead. The surface under my feet starting to get wet, and when I am
close to Gronvallen its not a trail anymore. It has now become a creek and the closer I got to
Gronvallen the more it looks like a flood. I jump over the tuft and try to avoid the cold water until I
give up and run in the flood. I pass the sign that direct me toward the Issjodalen. Suddenly, the water
under my feet disappear. And I got into the valley. The sun his heating the air, and it’s a fantastic day.
It’s like being in a movie like the lords of the rings. In front of me ridges with snow, and on the right
mounds. Soon I reach the kings hunting cabin and passed uphill’s toward Halladalen. Haven’t meet a
person since the hikers the first kilometer. When passing the passage between Stor-anahogen and
Tjearmehketjoele I got the first snow under my trail shoes. From here the trail will be less used, and I
must look to the ground to not lose it. When I pass Tjielkenjuenie on my right hand, I can see the
target of the day for the first time. Far away there it is, a small cabin the Anaris cabin. The trail down
(yes it goes down, but now my feet and legs are tired) to the cabin is nice, but heavy. When reaching
the cabin, I can find it empty. The cabin host is probably out for an adventure. I take a refreshing bath
in the small mountain lake near the cabin. Later in the evening the cabin host is back, and I got the
opportunity to be able to by some things. So, meatballs with mashed potatoes will be the dinner of
the day. After a long day on the run, it’s time to sleep. The view from the cabin is fantastic, and that
is the last scenery before I passed out in the land of dreams. Next morning its early morning. Just
after 0500 I am on track again. Now following the north side of Kruptjie and Staalavielie down toward
to the transition of Tvaran and further towards Tomroven (such a funny name) and to Vallbo. The last
part of the trail goes by ski track, and easy to run. A fast shower at Per-Ols courtyard, and then
heading toward home…

And what was the experience of this tour? Well first, understand the Sami’seight seasons. (Spring Winter, spring, pre summer, summer, pre autumn, autumn, pre Winter and last Winter) That will help you to choose when you should go to the mountains. Contact the locals
to check the water levels and status. But here I must say, use your instinct. Yoy and the locals might not have the same experince about what high water level is:-) Third, it is very important to stop and check map and terrain. Idid a big mistake here, I thought a ridge was another and thought it was less left to go than it really
was. (This will be more important when you run). So plan the day tour in detail. Identify some Catch up signs among the route, that will help you to navigate and plan the time left to go.

Leadership from a view…Working with groups can be challenging. Here come some thoughts aboutit. First people love to form groups. It is nailed in our DNS for survival. With requirement for being in
the group makes it more interesting. We value more to be in a group with requirement. To follow the valuable norms and rules is also important, this for being a part of the group. Being a leader of a
group includes high status. Normally it is better to point out a leader from the own organization. If he or she have follows the rules and norms and had add new good ideas it will benefit the Groups development. Rumors and gossip, when it comes to this area the research has conclude that 80% of this got some true within it. You must decide how much you should listen to it…Today we have a lot
of thing that we use to value us with. Social media, series on the television youtuber etc. I think we as leader have a very important job to missionary the positivism. If it takes four time to get positive
after one negative thought, so here we all got a mission…

Reading the book Swedish mountain sport by Torsten Boberg and Gosta Olander will teach us a lot about mountain knoeledge. Even if the book is from 1935. Today I will give you an example of their view of wading. A princip of wading is to do it were the river is broad. The water will here be spread over a bigger area. But there is Always a furrow were it is deeper. It Always looks less Deep, then it really is. The speed of the stream is Always something you have to count on. A wade will take a lot of effert from you, so ypu have to be prepared. So if you are going to wade, rest and eventually eat so you are ready for it.

A friend ask me one time, -if you have to choose a motor bike, what type would it be? Well, i asked a costoum like HD or a real killer a Kawasaki was my answer. So its Cleardance Clearwater revival or Brittney Spear he said. -well something like that i asked. So here is the Music of the day related to that:-)

See ya soon..

This week will include a new series. From now on there will be a history from the real life every week. This will includes a good history, different types of experience, pictures and photos.

In two thousand two I went to Ljungdalen/Klappen for a journey with 13 persons. Their manager ask me to be there guide. I asked him about the physical status of the Group. He replied it was good, and I did not asked more. I started to plan the whole activity. I fixed to borrow all Equipment the Group needed. So far so good. I had a meeting and explained the set up of all things. The day of the adventure has come and we Went ahead to Harjedalen. One car have to come later due to some work issues. Here starts the trouble. The crew of the car have not listen to the instruction and vent the wrong way, with the result that they arrived at 03.00. Because of that the whole Group have to take a late wake up. When we arrived at Klappen the next morning, we discover that we lacked a pair of skies. 14 persons but just 13 skies. Whatever I got the Group to fit in skies and boots, and I solved the issue with the lost skies during that time. Now we started the route to Helags. After an hour we realized that the trail was bad marked. It was not a big problem because I did now the area good. The most well trained and competition oriented started to go fast to the target. Three members of the team got tired and was lacking behind, a lot…We also got a big sledge with all the groups commons stuff. After seven hours I reach the mountain station with 12km behind me, and the whole Group was gathered.

So what was my reflexion and experience of the adventure? First of all, you must be sure that the participants really understand what they have for adventure ahead. In this case the manager have told them that it was simple and no problem. Secure that you start in good time. The weather is normally better in the morning, and you will have spare time for upcoming difficulties. In this case I got an old map, the winter trail was removed so it was just the summer trail that was marked. So be sure you got the latest map of the area. With a Group over 6 persons you might should consider to be two guides. Over eight persons definitely be two guides. Double and triple check the Equipment when loading. Dont take it for granted that someone else do it in any way…With a Group of different physical status, you must take care of that challenge. Use the Group for that mission. Let the best trained together with one of the one that its not so good trained to take care of the navigation in the front of the Group. So get the Group to work in pair with different types of tasks. Most important of all – never-ever let no one go before you without permission. So that was one history from the reality, hope you enjoyed and might get any impuls out of it:-)

When it comes to gear, I will Review Climbing Technologys Alpine up. A belay gear for climbing. This can be used in different kind of ways. But got a ”auto lock” solution.

I have just started to use it, and I am not convinced about its exellence yet. The weight is a bit lighter then the Grigri.

I also test the Mountain Equipments Frontier hooded jacket. A soft Shell jacket produced for the alpine adventures. It got all you need for a jacket of that type and price class. I like to have zippers in the armpits, but that is also the only thing I have complains about. High quality and alpine fit, I like…

The sky running and trail running season is coming up, and if you need a new shoe I will recomend the VJ IRock. A perfect trail shoe for the mountains. Normally this kind of shoes is hard, and stiff. This ones will suprice you. And really nice to run in. This Product got highest rating from my side.(I got narrow feet)

At last there is a new coffee for us wilderness freaks. So why dont try ”Vildmarkskaffe” from Karlbergs roasting..

When it comes to the workout the week has been quite interesting. Fighting, running, gymming and climbing so the variation will not be a issue. I will not be bored for sure…

See ya soon

Concluding , the  spring has been interesting. With ice climbing at Alvdalen and Abisko, ski-tour to Salen, a guiding session at Kebnekaise and a visit at Enaforsholm makes it a to a real Active one. From a experince perspective there is a lot to think about. When it comes to safety, it is really important to consider the evironmental impact. The snow will come later on the season, and it will not be in the same structure as before. Ski-alpinism has become a real popular activity which also have its impact, for example with a lot of helicopters in the areas.

When it comes to visit of the mountain areas, it is positive. But due to the knowledge the Mountain safety concil have some interesting facts. As a Mountain Leader I can see that a guide should have a lot of assignment ahead…

It is gratifying with the positive visitor development but worrying that many first-time visitors come with expectations based on pictures of beautiful weather in social media,” says Per-Olov Wikberg, coordinator at the Fjällsäkerhetsrådet at the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency.
Fjällsäkerhetsrådets survey shows that six out of ten mountain destinations and mountain stations have experienced an increase in inexperienced visitors in the past five years. Half of the respondents agree, in whole or in part, to the claim that ”an increasing proportion of our first-time visitors are too influenced by beautiful-weather images in social media and are not sufficiently prepared for harsh wind, cold and rain”.
According to just over eight out of ten who responded to the survey, the most common mistake that visitors make is to underestimate the weather and the rapid weather changes in the mountains. Three out of ten estimate that safety consciousness has fallen among the visitors during the past five years. Slightly fewer judge that the quality of mountain visitors’ equipment has deteriorated.
To increase understanding and significance of the mountain weather, a compilation has been made based on data from SMHI’s weather stations between 2002 and 2017 at six different weather stations in the mountains. The statistics show that, on average, precipitation falls to some extent 15 to 20 days each month between May and September. The statistics also show that frost nights occur during the same period, especially in May and September, and that winds of up to 15 meters per second are not uncommon in the caldera during the summer months.
”We do not intend to discourage visitors with reference to the weather statistics, on the contrary it has been designed to help inexperienced visitors and prepare them for a successful mountain stay,” says Per-Olov Wikberg.
The Mountain Safety Council has put together five tips that specifically address first-time visitors but can also help more experienced walkers:
1. Bring clothes that can withstand fast weather changes. Always wear wind and rainproof shell garments as well as warm clotes and a dry replacement in the backpack.
2. Check and follow local weather forecasts. The weather can change quickly. Respect local weather alerts.
3. Leave the route announcement. Always inform a friend or relative of your planned itinerary.
4. Follow marked trails. Use a mountain map printed on moisture-resistant paper. Mountain maps can be purchased in well-stocked sports and outdoor shops or can be downloaded from the Lantmäteriet website.
5. Use map and compass. In the mountains, mobile coverage is often lacking, you learn to use map and compass before you leave.

The weekend bofore this I went to Enaforsholm for meeting in the Swedish Mountain Leader Association. A good meeting at a good place. Discussion the Mountain Leader standard etc. I also got some nice tour in the neighborhood…

Some news in the area:

Bo Hilleberg was rewarded by the Swedish king for his work as a tent maker.

Black Diamonds trail, Distance FLZ and Distance Carbon  hiking sticks was on the top when consumer Agency did a test of hiking sticks. The workout goes as planned, but this week I got a challenge…80 minutes of Fighting workout. Real tough…

See ya soon…