Winter Hikers

[Wow]

Does anyone winter hike or camp? I used to go backpacking with my brother, in PA. every March, until "family obligations" prevented him. I suspect his wife said no. Or possibly, he had an epiphany, and thought "we must be nuts". Nevertheless, what I remember most about it, was after all the heavy snowfall and slogging down slushy trails, at the end of the day, we were as cozy as kittens, sitting fireside eating camp stew and sipping Yukon Jack. The image I most remember, after making camp in a remote valley, is looking back at my brother, sitting on a large fallen tree, silhouetted by the bonfire, completely oblivious to the large snowflakes falling around him. In fact the heat rising off the fire dispersed the flakes, totally. We pealed off the parkas and gloves and sat there with self-satisfied grins, knowing that, even out in these extreme elements, we were comfortable, content, well-fed and prepared to hop into cozy down mummy bags, on foam pads, in a gloriously winter-proof tent. We were, afterall, "Ex- Boy Scouts". So, are there any hearty souls out there, braving the elements? If so, what is your most memorable winter experience? Thanks, --Tim .... This I leave for you............................................... .................................................. .....Raindrops falling on the open water of a lily pond, salamanders crossing a path on a rainy night. The cold squeak of snow underfoot, sea smoke in the bay on a frigid morning. Once in a great while, an entire grove of spruce transformed by ice into a giant crystal chandelier. These are the transitory beauties of bad weather, the bounty of those who are broad-minded.
--Roger B. Swain
.................................................. .................................................. ........40670

[lakota]

I went winter camping one year with a guy from work and his buddies but there was a little more luxury than what you are describing. One guy had a big canvas outfitter tent and a wood burning stove for inside and we all slept on cots and ate like kings. I would like to try it again but that group of people was broken up by job changes and divorces and the like. Only time I ever hear from any of them is through e-mail forwards.

[Wow]

I went winter camping one year with a guy from work and his buddies but there was a little more luxury than what you are describing. One guy had a big canvas outfitter tent and a wood burning stove for inside and we all slept on cots and ate like kings. I would like to try it again but that group of people was broken up by job changes and divorces and the like. Only time I ever hear from any of them is through e-mail forwards.

That sounds like a blast. I would so..do that. It's hard to find hearty campers after the age of about 35. Guys get older, get married, change jobs, move away and their nuggets drop off. Everybody's gung-ho, talkin' about it in the summer, but when the snow flies, no one wants to make the commitment. I've seen some nice woodburners for tents. It's perfect for group camping in a large tent. It's just hard assembling a group. Deer camp or ice fishin' would be a good motivater (not to mention Texas hold-em and Jack Daniels).LOL! --Tim............................................... .................................................. ..................40686

[lakota]

I forgot to mention all the poker and booze!

[Huntinbull]

I like a winter trek now and then. Hunt out of a cabin all fall down by seneca lake, but it is like a house, not a tent. 400 satelite channels, hot water, BEDS. Still spend all day trekking and scouting and hunting, just comfortable at night. Used to winter tent camp at least once a year but not in the last several years. Might just have to get back into it.

[scallop]

One of my favorite times of the year to be in the woods ('course there is no bad time) is during a heavy snowfall. Something about the quietness and peacefullness of it all.

[crappiedude]

That sounds like a blast.It's hard to find hearty campers after the age of about 35. Guys get older, get married, change jobs, move away and their nuggets drop off. LOL! --Tim............................................... .................................................. ..................40686

thats a fact.

I go on a trip somewhere every spring. We usually go fishing but we have gone turkey hunting. Its not winter but we've had temps in the teens and
20's and we've had snow quite a few times. We usually camp and we're never miserable, no matter what. I'm turning 60 this year and my friend is in his upper 60's. We have been doing this for over 25 years. We have guys join us for a year or 2 then they go away. I don't get it, we eat good, we're comfortable, there is absolutelty no stress or pressure. It just doesn't get any better.

[Wow]

400 satelite channels, hot water, BEDS.

Thats roughin' it, dude! How can you stand it? LOL! Time for a nugget check--Tim............................................... .................................................. ...............40706

[Wow]

One of my favorite times of the year to be in the woods ('course there is no bad time) is during a heavy snowfall. Something about the quietness and peacefullness of it all.

It's silent, except for that almost imperceptible "hiss" of snow falling. like being in the North Pole of Heaven --Tim............................................... .................................................. .40707

[icebucketjohn]

Bping in Pa... Laurel Highlands

[Wow]

John, I'll bet, when you planned that trip for april, you pictured nice sunny, 40 some, degree days. LOL! But thats hikin'. Nice Pics, --Tim............................................... .........................40734

[sady dog]

I started hiking about 15 years ago...love it! got my wife to go two or three times...know all her gear just sits...cause we have a three year old...but i still manage 7 days by myself up in the Adirondacks...It is my church...

I WOULD BE UP FOR A GOOD HIKE ANYTIME SOME ONE WANTS TO GO...PLUS I WON'T HAVE TO CARRY EVERYTHING!!!:)

[fishingful]

I run outdoor trips all year round. All kinds. We dont run winter backpacking trips because we cant get people to sign up for them. People are geting soft i think. I have had some of the best times of my life in bad weather, and seen some of the most beautifull things i have ever seen with no one around with no one for miles.

Just because i cant get people to go with me

[icebucketjohn]

It seems like every April it snows when I'm on the trails. It happened again last year (2010) while on a 3 day trek within Oil Creek State Park in NW Pa. Short-sleeved shirts one day and the next is long-johns & gloves.

[Huntinbull]

Still got the nuggets. Know exactly where they are at all times.

Need to practice my bushcraft more and study it less I guess. used to be out and about constantly. Life changes the way we do things. Wife, home, daughter, job, they all make me be more selective about when/how I spend my outdoors time. High time I got back into the practice of doing it.

[Wow]

Still got the nuggets. Know exactly where they are at all times.

Need to practice my bushcraft more and study it less I guess. used to be out and about constantly. Life changes the way we do things. Wife, home, daughter, job, they all make me be more selective about when/how I spend my outdoors time. High time I got back into the practice of doing it.

AMEN to that brother. As they say" "Get Busy Living or Get Busy Dying." See you in the woods.--Tim............................................... .................................................. ..........................40775