If you were going to run a marathon, would you ever consider using a car for 15km? I don’t think anyone would have given that a thought, or? But ascending Kebnekaise seems to be something where cheating is ok. From my point of view this is a telling example of when accessibility becomes totally wrong. To be honest, can anyone be surprised that the mountain rescue must help exhausted hikers down from the peak. I don’t usually get upset or emotional, but this is beyond me. From my point of view, they have lost the whole meaning of outdoor life. You can’t walk if you don’t have been crawling. Altogether, one big spectacle where the business and authorities must take greater responsibility.

Due to social media the image and expectations are that it is an easy hike in sunny weather. And this at one of the most alpine areas in Sweden. Now it’s time to stop shitting behind the shed (a Värmland expression). Both from an environmental point of view as well as from a safety point of view the helicopter activity in this area needs to be regulated and decreased. The outdoor business needs to pull one’s weight to the pile and stop using this service. Real adventurers know how to prepare and train to be able to ascend a peak like this. That must be the whole philosophy, we can’t take away the spirit-the soul of the outdoors in this way or we soon have a helipad at the peak of Kebnekaise. The whole thing of accessibility must be rethought, take outdoor adventures back to its roots, with no cuts at the corners. Let it be a marathon if it is…

The basis for a good life and a strong mind is important. We can experience that some of us are born with enviable inner strength and inner security. It’s as if they are born with a calmness and a robustness that allows them to tackle whatever difficulties life throws their way. But that’s not the case – very little is in the genes and can be influenced by the individual. Our genes account for only a third of how mentally strong we are, according to a somewhat surprising study conducted at the University of Oslo. There are some fundaments for building a strong mind; meaningful relationships and a job you enjoy. Make sure you get enough sleep, don’t drink too much alcohol, exercise regularly. Practice mindfulness and make sure you have hobbies that make you feel good. Dare to challenge your fears. Don’t be afraid of negative thoughts and feelings, they are just thoughts and feelings. Be guided by your core values ​​and your long-term goals instead of by fears and other negative thoughts and emotions.

City of the Sun – Metamorphosis

See ya soon…