When disaster strikes - the nine rules of the Norwegian Mountain Code

The new guidebook is good to go. The galley proofs have been read and re-read. Websites checked for accuracy and the last small adjustments incorporated. Pushing through with the challenges of getting from manuscript to finished book has been a surprisingly intense process. Exhausted and exhilarated at the same time I press the button to upload the final version to my publisher, anticipating the tactile experience of what it will be like to finally hold my book in my hands in just a few months time. 

Then a pandemic arrives

What happens next, I did not see coming. Corona virus strikes the world and brings it to a standstill. Millions of people travelling are stranded and scrambling to get back to their home countries. Our freedom of movement that we cherish and take for granted disappears virtually over night, as country after country sees it as the only way to make inroads into this worldwide pandemic, to safeguard and protect millions of lives.  The consequences are dire not just for our freedoms, but also for our companies and jobs. No end in sight yet as to what this all means as we all struggle to understand. 

Many industries see catastrophic disruptions, and publishing is one of them

So too, my book has become a - hopefully temporary- casualty. Printers, distributors, bookstores are closing down operations making it impossible for my publisher to continue with their schedule of titles this year. They too are protecting the business in every possible way, safeguarding staff and resources and relieving pressure on authors that find it difficult to travel to their research destinations. It is of course the right thing to do. ‘Hiking in Norway - South / the 10 best multi-day treks’ is being hammered by the outbreak, because there is no one to print, no one to distribute, no one travelling. How long will it last? Currently we think a year. 

As so many others that have seen hopes and plans slashed and disappear in a matter of weeks, I struggle to make sense of it all. As I cope with my disappointment, I remind myself of the nine rules of the Norwegian Mountain Code.

The nine rules of the Norwegian Mountain Code

• plan your trip and inform others about the routes you have selected

• adapt your planned routes according to ability and conditions

• pay attention to the weather and avalanche warnings

• be prepared for bad weather and frost, even on short trips

• bring the necessary equipment so you can help yourself and others

• choose safe routes. Recognise avalanche terrain and thin ice

• use a map and a compass. Always know where you are

• don’t be ashamed to turn around

• conserve energy and seek shelter if necessary

In dire circumstances - conserve energy and seek shelter

I planned this journey in so much detail - both the treks in the mountains and the writing process. Adapted to changes as is always necessary on a multi-year project. Focus and attention saved me at the time when a computer glitch threatened an avalanche of lost data. Knowing where I was brought the peace of mind needed to not become overwhelmed by the tasks at hand. No doubt this book would not have been written without the unwavering support and help of my family.  And yet, at the moment the ‘weather’ has turned the worst it could be. No route is safe, no turn around possible. It is down to Rule number nine: Conserve your energy and seek shelter if necessary. For millions of people on the planet this is currently the only way to stay safe. 

The glorious Norwegian mountains will be there when we return

How good to know then that the Norwegian mountains will still be there for us once this is behind us, giving our souls a much needed respite as we marvel again at their beauty, breathing in the clean mountain air. I am planning. I can’t wait! 

Photo credit: Emergency shelter on Høgronden mountain in the Rondane National Park. It would not be a comfortable stay, but when in need you would be immensely grateful it is there