Lead to fewer rescues – NRK Westland

– We can’t stop them from going up. But there are many who change their minds after I speak.

Anna Hågøy Bostad stands in the pouring rain at Skjeggedal in Hartanger.

Behind his towering hills with waterfalls and smooth rocks. Trolltunga is another ten to twelve hour walk inland.

So far this year, 32,000 people have traveled to the iconic hill station. Registration numbers are there, but still only a few people got help under From the mountain now more than ever.

In 2016, rescue teams had to assist tourists in 42 operations. So far this year, there have been 12. Only during the corona pandemic was the number lower.

The reason, among others, Bostad and his colleagues believe, is the Red Cross and Trolltunga AS.

Tourists come in “crocs”.

Postat works as a summer janitor. She stops very badly dressed pedestrians for the long journey to Trolltunga.

– I explain that it is a very long journey and ask if they still have clothes. So I suggest them to wear something warm.

Åse Marie Evjen, day-to-day manager of Trolltunga AS, says she was forced to introduce guards to prevent them from making the difficult mountain journey without proper clothing.

– Someone comes in May with three meters of snow in the “crocs”. Others arrive in rainy weather in denim trousers and slick trainers.

At the tourist shop, hikers can rent equipment such as raincoats and hiking boots.

Evjen insists that the majority of people dress well, but that a percentage of the audience is either uneducated or dressed according to the conditions.

– And one percent of 100,000 becomes 1,000. The leader says there are a lot of badly dressed people.

Many pick-up campaigns in the West

But even if you see the recovery work winding down at one of Norway’s most popular tourist destinations, the Red Cross has more to do.

– Einar Irjan Ananiassen at the Hordaland Red Cross says that in the last two years, we have seen a significant increase in recovery work.

In 2019, the Red Cross had 427 collection missions nationally. Last year there were more than 200.

So far this year, there are 415, with just over five months to go in the year.

– Ananiasena says that more progress in the mountains means we have to go out more often to rescue those who are not sufficiently prepared.

Last Sunday evening, four American tourists were rescued from the mountain in two separate rescue operations in Vos Herat.

– They had very little clothing and equipment when the storm came, says Rune Cranley Sledmark of the Voss Red Cross, who took part in the operation at Lonahorki in Voss.

But he says they did everything right in seeking help.

– Courage to give notice is important.

He has a good tip if you are going on a trip. Bring a power bank for extra battery for the phone.

– Lonahorki was able to be found quickly due to tracking the phone. It saves lives, says Sledmark.

“Great!” – Even in the pouring rain

At Skjeggedal in Hardanger, many people turn around or change their clothes after chatting with Anna Hakoy Bostad and her colleagues.

– But one continued upwards. As they usually do, after a while they come back and come down again, she says.

Americans Bruce Barker and Shelley Blank completed the long drive in the rain on Monday.

– It was amazing. Bruce says it’s worth the rain and the pain.

Felt well prepared for the journey. However, they believe many people don’t get enough information about how tough he really is.

– I saw people with “flip flops” there. If you don’t seek out the information yourself, it’s not that easy, says Bruce.