Alla inlägg av Ulfons

Trail running and the soul of the mountain…

The spring is coming in full speed, and the sun warms us. Every year at this time I want to get out and run. It is a feeling of freedom to put on the trail shoes and run. Trail-running, cross country-running, sky-running you can do it or call it whatever you like, but it will be just…running. The base of all my training will be the running. With speed play (sv. fartlek) or hill running is really good for become prepared for the upcoming summer season in the mountains. There are some really nice place to run in the Swedish mountains. Idre is one really nice place, The kungsleden is also a good choice. And why dont you try the Jämtlandsleden from Ramundberget-Helags-Sylarna-Blåhammaren-Storulvån. My favourite is to run from Tossåsen towards Lunndörren and from there towards Vålåstugorna and so on….If you want some challenge and some goal- check here: Outnorth Trailtour – korar Sveriges bästa traillöpare och team Trailrunning Sweden

When it comes to the mindset in the mountains I can see a change the last years. People become more selfishly. My take on that is that the influencers and  social media is a part or reason of that. It has become more of an competition of doing most and more challenging adventures. It is easy to forgot the spirit the soul of the nature and why we really are there, the experience shall be the reason. But sometimes we need to stop and reflect and enjoy the silence and the slow speed for get a full minded experience…or what do you think…

Jah Cure – All Of Me (Audio) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Gruvfjället & Lunndörren…

Think now that you’ve been out skiing or hiking, your body feels slightly cold from the humidity. You approach the mountain hut and can already smell the smell of the wood burning in the hut. That feeling is hard to beat…Many are the cabins and mountain stations I visited and spent the night in, but the experience of coming in after a long day on the mountain is great. Today’s blog will be about the area around Lunndörren. A cabin with four-bed room, with a fireplace in every room. There is also a sauna next to the cabin. The cabin i situated close to the Lunndörrs U valley. In the valley the gruvfjället rises majestically, and tell us a bit about the history in the area. It is here on the slopes if you look carefully you can spot the trace from the earlier copper mining from the middle of the 1800s. The power man from Vallbo Jon Olofsson with the nick name Stor-jo could be found here. At least a head higher than all the other he was easy to discover, When you had to build scaffolding to be able to carry out the mining, there was only one man who came into question, Stor-Jo. He was totally free from fear of heights and was balancing  at the heights as a pure circus performer.

The area is well suited for ice climbing and it was during one of these climbing trips that alpinist Franz Fisher from Östersund found dynamite. This resulted in a sheriff’s visit and which ignited the remaining dynamite. worth mentioning in this context is that the barn man at Stor-Jo was living 25 years! in a cave at the West side of the Gruvfjället, The both men build the Vallbo chapel. For ice climbing there are three different choice; 1. Breivik ice about 120 m. Much ice, steep and fine. Quite large so there are several variants to climb.2.S kruvisen approx. 250 m. Thin line but not as steep as the other ices. March 2005 it looked like it was ice all the way, but it’s usually a mixed line. 3. Tvillingisarna approx. 230 m. two steep icefall which goes to do together. You start on the left and finish on the right. However, it is fine to just climb the left, which offers a steep and serious climbing. Then you can also simply celebrate the entire fall instead of walking around and down inside the pass. You then avoid the hang drifts and probably save time!?..

Naâman Feat. Dub Inc – Crazy (Official Video) (youtube.com)

See ya soon..

West or not…High ambition level.

Three weeks ago we completed the winter examination for our IML candidates. Tis was the fourth examination in Sweden. This time it was in Norway-Stordalen. The condition was demanding with a difficult avalanche forecast and also tough weather. Transceiver test, navigation among a lot of other areas to be controlled and tested. With a high level of requirements, it is required that the candidates have a high level of ambition for meeting up the required level. Three days filled with different kind of challenging assignment. Also sleeping in a snow cave is one of the part of the examination. The second fully course for Sweden is now completed with a fully expected result. Totally we are now nine IML’s trained and approved as IML in Sweden.

One of the question due to apparel will be to wear west or not. I have a fondness for the west. It is a perfect middle layer , and I will seldom get cold on m y arms. It will also give you the opportunity to provide full freedom of movement for the upper body. It will take less space comparing to a whole jacket, but this apparel will be a ”wave divider” either or not:-).

Here comes a west I really like; the Montura All track west Tobacco

Benjah ”Purpose” ( official music video ) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

What is mountain safety?

Hi all, after some trouble I will be back again. Today I will start to figure out what Mountain Safety is.

Today we got a lot of information about mountain safety from different kind of organizations and authorities. This information will of course help us with planning our mountain tours. We have never got so much and good sources of fact for planning a safe journey in the mountain. Good weather forecast, homepages with detailed maps and packing-lists and what safety equipment to bring and so on.

But it is still our own experience and know-how that will be one of the most important factors in our choice of level of challenge. Even with a lot of good surrounding fact, our limitation must be done by our own skill level. This together with making good decisions, good judgement…

Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright (youtube.com)

See ya soon….

A good tool and hidden ice climbing…

January, and a new year full of adventures…The calendar started to be filled up, and plans started to become active in my mind. With just a couple af weeks ahead it is time for the Winter Assessment of the becoming IML-guides. So the planning is in full bloom, I can promise. But I still got some time for test some equipment.

This time it will be the Mil-tec Medical Knife. With a blade of 27,5cm 440 steel and with a belt cutter and glass breaker it will be a good choice to bring with you.

And since I’ve been writing of ice climbing I will suggest two hidden ice climbing places. First one in Norway in Oppdal,

The other hidden place will be in Jämtland and in one of my favorite area Offerdal close to Rise, Next week I will blog about knowing yourdelf a bit better and how you can develop yourself.

Waylon Jennings ”Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright” (Alternate Version) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Ice climbing…

This week I got an new challenge – i was to proofread a outdoor book. To read a book from this perspective was a new experience for me. But it was very exiting and instructive. I don’t think I ever head read a book with that  approach. I f I read every book like that, it has become very hard:-) But at the same time very good. This is a book that will be published by Calazo, and I will for sure get it for my own..

This weekend I been to Älvdalen for a ice climbing session.  With -30 degrease on Friday it was tough. But it been a bit better at Saturday morning when it was about -26, during the day the mercury in the thermometer rose bit by bit. So it become a really nice session in the end…

3 Doors Down – Kryptonite (Official Video) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

Do you have to..??!!

New year and today it will be a New year chronicle, it is time for closing the loop. This has been a year full of experience and reflections. Here it comes, Arådalen was a new acquaintance in Jämtland. A really nice place where the road ends. Bydalen and Falkfångarfjället was a fantastic trip, and my husky had to work a lot in the terrain. What do you Consumes facts and interest about, and what does it do with you? Dare to take sustainability in mind in all your outdoor planning, you might go to Norway or Finland instead of the alps? Evolve your self, define your areas you want to develop. Funäsdalen, Fjällnäs, it is really good place to be at. Skiing or hiking it doesn’t matter which… Going to new places is always a driver, my next tour will be to a cabin in Norway. Home mountain, the Storsnasen and Sylarna area will be my home mountain. Here we did the extra Summer Training with the IML aspirants this year. Intensive, that is what I will call this year. A lot of good effort and lot of nice tours. I really living a dream life. Joy, all colleagues and friends in the outdoor make it so nice, thank you all for being my friends. Keep the pace, as Mattias always says -it is easier to let a wheel run, instead for the effort to start up. Living and doing the adventure with fully focus, that will be my signum. Must is a word we often use, bur think if it really is a must or something you want to do, or result in things that do so you can do what you really want? , Never stop being curious , Oviksfjällen, this area is so nice, and chosen right time you will be almost alone. Progress, I think it is always important to become a better me. So I try to always learn new thing and that keep me better. , Q, Real, dried food is not my favorite, but Reals Pulled pork is really nice. Always with me on long tours. Stamina, well I think this is one of my personality, I keep focus and ambition in what I do. Training, always keep up your workout for being prepared and always train for the worst both physical and mentally. Useful always bring a paracord with you, you never know when you might need it. Values, how I should avoid affecting nature negatively on my adventures. That will be one of my core values upcoming life…Views, let other have their views of things. Make your assessment, but no one else needs to know if they don’t ask, do they?  Way of thinking, sometimes we want more and we think we should have got time to do more. But honest, it is you who chose what you do with your time.  , X-am in Offerdalsfjällen this September. Three season in three days, very special place and it has taken a part of my heart. Year 2023 to close now, the red thread will: this year I have done what I wanted and even more. I am so satisfied. Zone, get out from you comfort zone. Start the day with a cold shower for example. You never know where this habit will take you.

My most important text for conclude all of this will be; Do what you want to do. What will you fill your life with? What will you put effort in, and what do you enjoy? That is what you should do and plan for. So don’t think or talk about I must or I will instead say and think and do –What I want…

Kris Kristofferson & Johnny Cash – Sunday morning coming down (1978 Johnny Cash Christmas Show) (youtube.com)

See ya soon…

24 days in a row…

So today this years calendar has come to an end, with 23 days in a row we open door twenty-four and there will now, not be more:-). Today it will be about charisma. So lets start with the word – What does it mean? Charisma is an individual’s ability to attract and influence other people. While it is often described as a mysterious quality that one either has or doesn’t have, some experts argue that the skills of charismatic people can be learned and cultivated.

So how to improve your charisma then? Exude Confidence, Numerous studies have shown that when someone acts confident, it causes others to give more weight to what they say. Be attentive, People like being around charismatic people because they feel valued.  Charismatic people have trained themselves to be attentive to those they interact with.  One of the behaviors that is linked to attentiveness is eye contact. Radiate warmth, Charismatic people are often described as warm and approachable.  Research has shown that when people perceive you as warm they are more likely to trust you and embrace your ideas. Convey passion, Charismatic people are passionate.  Being around them motivates others to act.  This positive energy is one of the qualities that makes charisma so alluring.  Have A Cause, Charismatic people talk about ideas that are bigger than themselves.  Sociologist Max Weber, whose study of charisma sparked the scholarly study of the topic in the 20th century, noted that one core component of charisma was having a clear vision of a desired future and boldly advancing it. Remember little details, try to make a conscious effort to remember the little details they share with you. Bringing these details up in later conversations will make the other person feel valued and heard and encourage them to be more open with you. Keeping these details in mind will help provide you with conversation starters with people in the future. Keep things positive, When conversing with others, keep things as positive as possible for the duration of your interaction. You will frame yourself as a positive and helpful individual to the people you talk with.

Chamonix, France: Thin-Air Thrills at the Aiguille du Midi – Rick Steves’ Europe Travel Guide (youtube.com)

Jahneration – Turning (Official music video) (youtube.com)

Now I think you got enough suggestion for improve you Charisma?! And for now I will wish you all my readers a Happy Christmas, and see ya at New Year again…

A Norwegian tour…

Today I will start with a reflection after a call with one from the Mountain Rescue, just a couple of days ago they where called out for two mission. At this time it was not avalanches, it was people who get lost. On snowmobile the speed is high and at this time of year the dawn comes fast. So your navigation skills is always very important, but also knowing how long the daylight will be…

Today I will suggest a nice tour in Norway, Starting point will be Sölenstua. From here it is a quite easy and nice hike towards a lake between the peaks. Here it is nice to take a bath (summer time.-)), the ditance will be 10,2km and now you got 2,5km to the peak of Rendallssölen. It is about 900 height meters to the peak from the lake. ou can shortened the tour if you start from Gröndalen instead. The tour to the lake will now be 8,5km.

Amanda Jenssen – Another Christmas (youtube.com)

See ya tomorrow…

Avalanche and stoves…

22 days of blogging, and today it will be about avalanches and stoves. This week a big avalanche was triggered in Bydalen. It is unusual that avalanches is triggered so early in the season. The frost in the ground has not been so deep, which means it can happen. The best way of avoiding avalanches will be to be off areas when the risk of avalanches is high. Therefore it is very important to have the knowledge of the area.

Today we will reach out the question -does gas stove work at high altitude? Do canister gas work at high altitude? There’s this sort of myth running around out there that somehow operating a canister gas stove at high elevation isn’t going to work very well.  Maybe, or so the story goes, you need to use white gasoline (or something) at higher elevations.  This is a persistent myth that has been passed on, hiker to hiker, for years.  And it’s just exactly that:  A myth.

The myth got its start back in the early 1970’s when canister gas stoves started seeing more wide spread use.  The fuel used back then was 100% n-butane.  N-butane is a lousy fuel for cold weather.  Backpackers at high elevations encountered something that caused their canister gas stoves to work poorly:  Cold.  And thus the myth was born. The myth is kind of fact based.  Kind of.  I mean gas stoves were genuinely not working well at high elevation – but the elevation itself was not the problem.  The problem was actually the cold, and the problem would have been just as bad or worse at sea level.  Thus, a misinterpretation of real events lead to the myth.  The real problem was cold, but people wrongly concluded that high elevation was to blame. When multiple gasses are mixed together, they form a blend that has far better cold weather performance.  You still need to consider cold weather, but it’s no where near the issue that it once was – and cold weather can impact a gas stove irrespective of elevation. n-butane -0,5 Isobutane -12 and Propane -42.

But what is important is efficiency…So, what are the ”best practices” for fuel efficiency?  Here’s one list.  Items are listed in general order of importance, the most important being listed first.  1. Pick a sheltered spot.  On top of a rock or picnic table might be convenient, but it’s going to be windier up there.  Set up your stove on the ground behind a rock or log.  On a windy day, this is absolutely the most important thing to address in terms of efficiency, far more. important than how you actually run the stove itself. 2. Turn it down.  High heat = inefficient.  This is the number one mistake of new stove users – they open the valve 100% (i.e. maximum), which is the absolute last thing that you want to do if you want to be efficient.  Running your stove at say 30% of max will be far more efficient.     Lower heat = more efficient. Of course it’s going to take a bit longer when you turn down the heat.  Here’s where you’ll want to experiment.   You need to find the balance between speed and efficiency that works for you. 3. Use a windscreen.  Yes, even on an upright type canister stove (like a Pocket Rocket), just not a full 360 degree windscreen.  If you use a (partial!) windscreen with an upright canister stove, be careful to check the canister frequently with your hand.  If it feels so hot that you can’t leave your hand resting on the canister, take immediate steps to cool things down.  See Canister Stoves and Wind before you use a windscreen on a canister stove.
In general windscreens add to efficiency in two ways.  They a) prevent wind from blowing away the heat and b) focus the heat on the pot.  Because a windscreen focuses heat, it’s always good to use a windscreen even on a day where it isn’t particularly windy. 4. Use a heat exchanger pot.  A heat exchanger pot (e.g. MSR Reactor, Jetboil Flash, Primus Eta Express, etc) can save a lot of fuel.  Now, you will save fuel with a heat exchanger , but usually the heat exchanger weighs more than the weight of the fuel you save.  In other words, using a heat exchanger is often heavier overall.  However, if on a trip you prevent having to carry a larger or second canister, a heat exchanger can actually save you weight.

The Raveonettes – The Christmas Song (youtube.com)

See ya tomorrow…