December 2007 Snow Camp

[Ritter]

I wanna come..... I'm getting a little bitter about all you Portlanders being so far north.

There's nothing quite like camping in the snow. I've done it in a tent a few times. It is incredibly quiet (unless your teeth are chattering). There are no bugs out and the sound of their little wings flapping that is so present during summer camping is noticeable absent. It would be quite a luxury to do it in the Westy.

A couple of tips I'll pass on since you didn't ask:

• 1. bring along a piece of closed cell pad to stand on or put under your ass if'n yer sittin in the snow. It will help insulate your feet and keep them far warmer.
  2. A nalgene full of hot water (cap on tightly, please) at the foot of your fart sack keeps the tootsies warm most of the night.
  3. don't forget TP--wiping your ass with snow is both cold and messy.
  4. Don't forget your chapstick or sunscreen. The sun and dry air can hurt ya.
  5. Bring a book--the nights are looooonnnnnggggggg.
  6. A good warm hat is your friend.

Is it ok for a novice to post a numbered list?

[DjEep]

I should be able to make it. We're still prepared for the Apocalypse after that AC trip, gear wise, so all we'd need to buy is gas.

[spiffy]

I should be able to make it. We're still prepared for the Apocalypse after that AC trip, gear wise, so all we'd need to buy is gas.

It would be great to meet you guys and be able to hang out. If we do the trip in OR it wouldn't be too bad gas wise and we end up doing pot lucks and such so there is always good grubage to munch on.

[IFBwax]

At least no one has to bring ice.

[DjEep]

Yeah, we still have a bunch of dried food left from the trip too, rice, beans, soup mixes, oatmeal...

So we won't starve. Besides, I'm sure I can scrounge up something tasty to bring to the potluck, I mean, camping or not, we's gotta eat. And like IFB said, no need to worry about ice!

[hambone]

U gonna make it, Wayne?

[IFBwax]

Depending on the final dates.. yeah.. sounds like a blast.

[hambone]

And you'll get a chance to try out n' show off that fancy new engine of yours, in the winter no less. I'm sure it's pretty well broken in by now.

Do you guys think it would be better to camp in the snow itself, or in the rain-zone within walking distance of the snow? Just something to think about.
I think chains would be a requirement in either case!

[Ritter]

Do you guys think it would be better to camp in the snow itself, or in the rain-zone within walking distance of the snow?

Believe it or not, you'll be warmer camping in the snow than in the rain. The risk of getting wet in the rain is far greater than in the snow. Wet+cold=hypothermia. I know you'll have buses to escape the elements and hypothermia isn't really a risk, but camping in the snow (provided it's a dry snow-not slush) is way more fun than camping in the rain. Of course, YMMV.

[DjEep]

^^^
Agreed 100%

[Westy78]

I agree about camping in the snow. Camping just below the snow line will be just as cold if not colder. A bus with chains will do amazingly well and with more than one we can always pull each other out of a situation if needed.

I think I posted this somewhere here before but I want to try this thing out.

http://www.grandshelters.com/index.html

[BlissfullyCrusin]

I agree about camping in the snow. Camping just below the snow line will be just as cold if not colder. A bus with chains will do amazingly well and with more than one we can always pull each other out of a situation if needed.

I think I posted this somewhere here before but I want to try this thing out.

http://www.grandshelters.com/index.html

That's pretty snazzy...though I don't know if I'd want to spend 3 hours building an igloo..

[IFBwax]

Well it's actually an ice outhouse, Jasan is going to make us.

[Westy78]

You gotta change the bucket when it gets full though.

[spiffy]

Well it's actually an ice outhouse, Jasan is going to make us.

Wow, that sounds nice. Are ya gonna have the sunday paper too?

I prefer scott's brand 'tissue' anyone else?