Camping had become almost a matter of routine. I was ready for a challenge. I thought about camping in the snow, but frankly, I was scared. I didn’t know if I could handle it, or if the cold would triumph instead. I decided to camp in an area where I could run to a motel if I needed to. (This was my first time, remember.)
After some thought, I figured Sequoia National Park would be just perfect. There was a hotel and at least a few people around if I ran into trouble. And there was about 2 feet of snow.
Thinking back on what I decided to bring, I have to laugh a little. You’d think I was going to the Arctic Circle. Following is a partial list of what I brought that first time:
· 4 sleeping bags (just for me – one underneath, one winter -20 rated sleeping bag stuffed into another bag, and finally, one on top to act as a thick blanket)
· 2 pairs thermals
· Insulated one-piece coveralls(one of the best things you can buy – check outdoor work clothes stores)
· Turtleneck sweater
· Sweatshirt
· Sweatpants (jeans are cold and have little insulation)
· Gloves
· 2 knit hats (one full face)
· Thick socks and thin, for layering
· Waterproof boots
· An indoor camping heater
· A small one-burner stove for a heating back up (use sparingly in the tent)
· Dense foam mattress (3” thick)
· 4 bundles of wood bought in town
· Matches (kept in zip-loc bag) and lighter
· Food for a week (even though this was just a one or two-day trip)
· Water that isn’t frozen
· Tent
· Tarp for putting directly on the snow, where I tossed my tent (adds insulation and helps keep you dry)
· Plus all the regular stuff you take camping, such as camping utensils, food prep equipment, flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries, first aid kit, etc.
I have to laugh at my over-preparedness, but I knew the agony of under-preparedness. Besides, I was a Girl Scout once upon a time and felt obligated to “be prepared”. I slept well, although it was actually a little too hot. I ended up throwing the sleeping bag on top off the pile. My face was cold when exposed; so much of the night was spent with my face nearly covered.
The best part was that I was out among the snow-covered trees, where sounds are quiet and muffled. I was full of awe and humbleness at what God created. When it snowed a little, I could hear the soft flakes gently landing on my tent. On a lighter note, another advantage of snow-camping was that in winter is that everything that can bite or annoy you is either dead or hibernating.
The trip was very relaxing and refreshing. The next time I went I took a few people with me and took care of them, so that they too would have a positive experience snow camping. Camping does not ever have to be debilitating – make it as comfortable as possible for you and your family, and you will all return home, wanting to go again.