This week has been great, du to workout. A average over 27K each day. So that is really good. This included a tough hill training and a distance running of 25k so I am satisfied. 

Now the hiking & Via Ferrata season is upcoming. So here comes some small advice for getting a really good experience from it. First of all a good planning will be the basic. So by planning and packing you will avoid boredom and hardship. First of all we start with the backpack. Chose the right one for the right adventure/mission. A big one means you can bring a lot off extra cozy stuff, but it will be more weight. And be very careful to set up the backpack meticulously, really check that is fit and suits you well. The modern backpacks got a lot of settings for your body, so if you do it well, it will be much more better and easier to change the weight from shoulder to hips etc. Now to your feet’s. Start to take care of them at least a week before your hike. Cut nails and apply ointment to your feet. And you must of course been walking with you boots before so you know where you might get blisters, then you can tape it there. Be sure to have chafing equipment near to hands. The hygiene is very important as well. Bring a nature kind soap or wet wipe. This will help yo to keep you  healthy, whole and clean. Don’t forget toothbrush. The feeling of being fresh when you slip into your sleeping bag is hard to beat. Bring a first aid kit is necessary, in this is good to have medication containing loperamide and also pain-relieving tablets. A pair or one stick is good to bring, perfect in case of river crossing and it will reduce the the load on the rest of the body (legs) within 25 %. Water, be sure to hydrate, so a bottle with liquids is mandatory. Now you might be eager to get out…

I think that one of my most important experience and knowledge will be to understand that I am at the right place. From a navigation perspective this is of course basic, but what I am thinking of here is that I am skilled for what I have in front of me. If I don’t have been running a half marathon, or longer than I don’t understand how my body will react after one hour of workout. It is all the same with adventures, you must move the border step by step and become more experienced. There is no ”fast track” of this. So get out there and be in you spot, and move out from it carefully and step by step. This will be a winning concept and you step by step become a mountain man…Good luck:-). And you are you in the right spot of your life?

“More To This” From The Stairwell – Acoustic Performance

See ya soon…

The Easter was late this year. The good thing with that is that it can be nice spring weather, the backside is that it can be less or no snow. This year, Easter was a combination of traditional celebrations and celebrations of six decades. So I went to Jämtland and Enaforsholm with my family. And it became exactly what I really wanted it to be. The best out of two worlds, mountain activities and comfort with good service and food, all accompanied by fantastic spring weather…Skiing, snowshoeing and coffee in the sun, with Enan rapids roaring in the background. My gift was of course the staying with my family at Enafors, but I also got a nice present – a mug and a coffee leather bag, with a picture of my loved Kenai.

The spring is coming up with fast speed, and its time for new season adventure. New adventures are at the door. So in January Skuleskogen, in February Ullådalen, in March Rogen and Sonfjället, and in April Enaforsholm. So as usual a good start of the year. Via Ferrata and hiking will be the upcoming adventures.

This week I will test the Salewa Mountain trainer Lite mid Gore-Tex. This is a boot developed for long backpacking and  alpine hikes. It is light weight but stable for the long and heavy use. Underfoot, the outsole guarantees reliable grip thanks to the Pomoca compound rubber and tread pattern with deep lugs and grooves and the versatility to cope with a wide range of terrain from mud and grass to rock, ice and snow. The men’s MTN Trainer Lite Mid is a lighter mid-top, 3-season alpine footwear solution for technical hikes, and long backpacking routes in all weathers. This one will be interesting to test…

Johnny Trouble | Thirteen | Official Video

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The tale of the Mountain Whisperer…

Is all of it true, or has it just been made up? Well, it might be a combination…Only the wind can tell…

Prolog,

Here he stands. A mountain Leader so weathered that the very wind turns with respect. His face makes granite seem porous. His eyes – two lakes frozen with experience – stare out over the horizon as if he has just discovered the meaning of life, and decided to ignore it anyway.

Around him the snow whips as if the world is trying to blur his silhouette. But he stands still. Inescapable. Like a memory from a forgotten expedition or an unspoken “I told you so” in the wind.

Chap. 1. The whisperer awakes…

This story begins about 60 years ago, no one really knew were he came from. Some say he was born in a wind Shelter under the Nordic Light, others claimed he just stepped out of a snowdrift one day. But some say he grown up in the west, raised of pair of wolf who gave him the experiences to best adapt to a life with nature. On skies or skates or hiking, when they stopped a bonfire was burning within a couple of seconds. With a certainty like dawn, he ended up in the army. Here his training continued with an avalanche of knowledge and snow caves to live in.

Chap. 2. Seven Mile Look

It is said that he once stared at the horizon for so long that time itself became unsure whether it was moving forward. His gaze could see weather four days in advance and group dynamics problems before they arose. Hiking groups followed him like mythological companions – not because he talked a lot, but because he could find a dry spot to sit without using an app. Its no mystery that he is a part of the UIMLA (United International Mountain Leader Association). An organization that you might think is a secret order, a mountain whisperer association were they all wear fleece jackets and cross there ice axes over exciting decisions. But they mostly make decision of how to train Mountain Leaders and avoiding school classes to get lost in the mountains…

Chap. 3. The snow Blizzard Waltz

He once led a group through a blizzard so intense that reality itself began to lag. Snow fell horizontally. Compasses spun like fidget spinners. The clients cried silently in their Gore-Tex jackets. But the mountain leader stood there. Back straight. Thermos unshaken. He pointed to a lonely tree in the distance and said: ”There.” And there they went. Because if the mountain leader said that safety lay behind a tree, then they didn’t question it. And this even if he have forgotten one pair of skies for the group at Kläppen.

Chap. 4. Enaforsholm and the last coffee

He sometimes returned to Enaforsholm Fjällgård. Not for rest, but for the coffee. It is said that he could determine the water level in a boiler just by listening to the steam. Staff knew that when the Mountain Leader appeared, there would be a need for more coffee beans and fewer questions.

Chap. 5. The horizon is calling

One day he just stood there, silent, staring out over the mountains. The snow was falling steadily. A young hiker asked: ”Where are you going now, Mr. Mountain Leader?”

He didn’t answer. He smiled, picked up his backpack – and walked out into the fog. The seven-mile gaze remained in the wind. No one knows where he went. But sometimes, when the storms howl over the mountains, they say you can glimpse a figure. With snow in his beard. And a thermos in his hand.

And you know – he’s still out there, the Mountain whisperer…

Carolina – Sons of Legion

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It soon will be time for Put the skis on the shelf and take out the boots. The hiking season will soon be here, so what would be better than bring up the topic of what to think of when choosing hiking boots? Trails hoe/approach shoe or boots? The trail shoe is to preferable when you got light pack and the trails are well-groomed and maintained. In tough terrain and trails the boots will be a better choice. You will get support for your ankle’s and in wet condition the got higher shaft. Chosen Gore-Tex can be good in moister conditions, but can have the disadvantage due to ventilation in hot condition. Light weight, get you faster, but at the same time you got less support. Secure you got enough space for your toes. And check so you got a sole with a good grip – such as Vibram or Contra-grip.

In the Swedish Mountain Leader Council the work with the Swedish Mountain Leader Norm continues in a real good way. Above you also can see the logo for the council as well for the new norm. The symbolic is the compass rose as a frame, the pole star and the Charles Wain for leading. To the left the small glacier Crow foot (Sv. Isranunkel) and to the right the snowstar.

Starting the day you can do in many way, and as John Muir quoted; And into the forest I go to lose my mind and to find my soul. It will never be as good as after a nice cup of fresh coffee. Well, you can take the easy way with the instant solution, or a bit better with the Brewers cup. Or why not try the pressed coffee solution from HelikonTex. A really nice field solution for a fresh start of the day. I will test this and get back to you with the result….

Weeping Willows – Let Go

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This week has been a great workout week. With an average of 26.5 km, I have reached just over 185 km. So I think that is a acceptable result:-).  But this is a start of getting in shape for the upcoming mountain marathon.

I find it interesting of the history around all Mountain cabins, especially the one out in the periphery. So this week it will be about the Anaris Cabin. The Anaris cabin is situated in the nowhere. It is over 20km to the nearest way. In 1929 There were a couple of events that led to the construction of the cabin. It was a winter storm, and two men from Stockholm left Vallbo at two a clock in the evening the 12th of January, and it became dark early at this time of the year. Sadly the both died just a bit from the place where the cabin is situated. The both met a sami at his way home to Glen. But with a broken ski binding and hopeless deep snow, he too could no longer bear it when only five kilometers remained, for getting help and died as well. The year after the cabin was build, and with money from one of the victims mother who was from a well-off family. As a memory there is a a plaque with the names of the victims. The view from the cabin is fantastic, you can see the Åreskutan in t north west, but why look there when you got the Anaris-högen that even is one meter higher. While staying here during summer/autumn get up at 05.00 see the sun-rise and take a bath in in the pond next to the cabin…

This week I have test the Primus Trek pot 1L. The weight is 270g. The lid can be turned into a frying pan, so for a two person trek this is the perfect size. So I’ve tested it with a gas stove from Primus and one from MSR (MSR Pocket Rocket) and the result? 1l with the Pocket Rocker 8 min 9 sek. And with the Primus: 8 min and 6 sek. So almost no difference…The solution will get NNNN as rating from me.

Jonah Kagen – God Needs The Devil (Official Video)

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Sometimes we forgot to celebrate the good days. Springtime must be one of the season with most energy and hopes. We know we got a nice spring ahead and a long summer and also a nice autumn. But getting up early in the morning light, hiking or running must be one of the most stunning moment of life. Or  or quietly watch how the sun sets at a rapid pace this time of year, coloring the deep blue sky first orange and then in the powerfully pink. I feel that it is of utmost importance to feel joy, care, wonder and gratitude for these moments. Now it is high time for planning the upcoming tours. Why don’t you plan a cabin tour for a place/area where you never have been. What about cabins as Njunjes or Pieskehaure or why not Vaimok for mention some of them? Using the opportunity of staying in a cabin will reduce your pack and will make the experience in another way…And you still got the possibility to  use your tent as well if you feel about that.

When it comes to gear I will write about stoves today. One of my favorite will be the Jetboil. It is light and always impresses my colleague’s due to its effectiveness. But I think this one is also quite interesting; The GSI Selkirk 270. It is a bit heavy compared to a light stove (2,98kg) but then its all included in a compact cylinder easy to pack. It will boil 1L water within 5 minutes. 21 x 21 x 9.3 cm more for a ”basecamp” use I will suggest.

When it comes to climbing helmets the Mips technique has been introduced now. The Black Diamond Vison Mips is one of them and the Mammut Wall Rider is another one. The Wall rider is to prefer if you having a small head.

Yea, and when it comes to the planning for upcoming adventures I got a feeling that this area in the picture here will be included somehow:-)

Kingsman – Mi eyes on jah (Official Music Video) 

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What is possible to do during a long weekend? A couple a weeks ago I was sitting in front of some maps. The Rogen area has always been a place I wanted to visit. At the same time I am keen to visit Funasdalen because is its such a nice mountain village. Close to the area the national park of Sonfjallet is situated, so why not do it in the same trip was my question. I followed my thought and the planning begun. So early in the morning (for sure this will be a concept for this tour) on Thursday I stared the car from Stockholm towards Funasdalen. I arrived just after lunch and got my accommodation. I switch my clothing and went to Hållan for skating towards Storskarven. A very nice tour. Back to the hostel and start preparing for my next day. Early morning and today I aimed for Karingsjovallen and going towards Rogen cabin with snowshoes. With a good speed I arrived after one hour and 45 minutes ~9km. Time for a lunch and hydrate and after an hour I went to the peak of Tandsjovalen. During the hike I passed fresh wolverine tracks…The weather change a lot during the trip. When I get back to the cabin the cottage host told me he have started up the sauna. I can say I was really happy about that. Three more guest has arrived and the host gathered us for a briefing. He did it exemplary, I was really impressed. I wish every cottage host would be like that a real role model. After a dinner consisting of the obligatory reindeer filet, I had a tiramisu for after dinner sweet. At 20.30 I was in bed and slept at 20.55. And guess what, early morning again:-) Up at 05.40 and away after breakfast at 06.10. After 1 hour and 45 min I was back at the car, and stared the journey to  Sonfjallet. Once there, I quickly repacked and set off for the top of the mountain. I felt the wind had change a bit and become more and more challenging. I looked at the peak and start the accent. The higher I got the more challenging the wind become. At the peak, I just took a fast look and started the descend immediately, I really did not want to be in the wind that sometimes lifted me up… After a short break in the wind shelter I went back to the cabin, get a waffle with jam and cream happy as hell. A mountain tour on ski, a visit in a nature reserve and a visit in a national park in just one weekend, I think that is a good and effective result…The plan worked and I am satisfied.

So in middle of March I can concluded that I’ve been to Skuleskogen-Åre-Funäsdalen-Rogen and Sonfjallet, a great start of the year and the firs quarter…

France Gall – Poupée de cire, poupée de son (1965) Stéréo HQ

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After a long day of skiing or hiking it always feels like a relief when you can see the cabin towers in the distance. Knowing that its not so far to hot food and cozy environment. Thanks to the Swedish Tourist Association there is a network of mountain cabins and mountain stations in the Swedish mountain environment. I have forgot how many night I spend at cabins, but a lot there is for sure. The 65 hut, even called the Abrahamssons-cabin is one of them. The older cabin model from the 1916 was replaced by this model. At 21 places was this type of cabin build. There is nothing as good to start a fire in the stove and feel the heat warming up the room…

So I am planning the upcoming weekend to visit one of the STF cabin. So it will be a visit in one nature reserve and one National park, this includes two peak tours as well. So I hope for good weather, and it can be really nice. I will for sure report the next Sunday.

FANTAN MOJAH – STRONGER

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I should state that I am characterized by diplomacy, impatience and efficiency. These qualities can be both beneficial and a burden. I will always strive for solution rather then quality, but with the diplomacy it will be a great combination from my point of view. One of my goals is to be in the mountain environment one time every month, and I very successful with that target. The reason that I got that possibility depends on two things from my perspective. One is that I plan the tours and the second is that I stick to the plan and pt effort of to achieve it. The more noise reduction I do, the easier it will get. So I spend less time at social media, to get into the “real” instead. I am doing this for my own feelings and my own experience. I have no need for providing it to others anymore. If they want, they can ask for it. A bit like the same as at the gym. I am not providing other the solution of how to work out. But, if anyone ask for advice or support of course I will help. The some with my adventures and Mountain skills. I don’t need to provide or offering them to anyone if they don’t ask. So my spend time at social media for that reason.

But after looking into Instagram and watching and listening to documentaries about people telling about their feeling about nature and mountains I became tired. The reason was that we all got different feelings and for me its more important wit more workshop and reality then to hear others talking about there feelings and emotions etc. So let the social media go and get out there instead. Feeling the experience in every cell in you instead of how and what to put in the social media…

January it was Skuleskogen, and in February Åre Jämtland and in March the plan will be the Tofsingdalens National park…

Devault feat. Griff Clawson – Leave Me Low (Lyrics)

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It has been a couple of serious incidents in the Nordic mountain environment. And is it a fact that it will become more frequent with incidents? First of all we can ask the question is it more dangerous in the winter than in the Summer? Well, it depend on. In the higher altitude or in the alpine area there will be no difference between the season. At lower level it might be easier, but you still need the knowledge and the equipment. When something that we can see is that more people start there winter season earlier then before. This meaning that the shortened time of daylight will have an impact. You must plan due to that circumstances. And also always bring goggles with you, this will help you to se better even if its not snow. also a binocular can be used for catching the light when needed (for better sight) . Another thing to take to account will be the trails over ice. A new study shows that the ice in Sweden get thinner for every year. A ice must have 10 cm core ice for be safe to use.

When it comes to upcoming adventure I can tell as much as this: it will be a challenge. I will do a mountain marathon, so the focus and training is on. This week I add up to 175km in running and fast hiking. It feels in my legs, so I really need to do mobility workout for not being stiff or getting wounded.

Laid Blak feat. Tanya Lacey – It’s A Pity [Official Video 2020] – YouTube

See ya soon.