WinterCampers.com

Mark, Jay, Scott, Maddux and Jim.
Once we got the requisite group photograph at the summit it was time to head back down Mount Blue, re-join our backpacks and hike the remainder of the trail to Lizard Pond lean-to. If the way up was steep and slippery and the way down was steeper and slipperier. [...]

Mark’s plan was to drop our packs along the trail to Lizard pond, bushwhack up Mount Blue, then return to our packs and hike along the shore of the Lizard pond to the lean-to sited on the western shore of the pond. The mile-long trail to Lizard pond begins on the southwest shore of [...]

It was easy and straight forward crossing over Garnett Lake. But as soon as we hit the shore line Mark pulled out the trail guide. Now I am all in favor of excessive planning but it is with some trepidation that we watched Mark consult the trail guide. Although Mark had been [...]

I guess it is always a good idea to check the trail guide when you are sure which way to go.  Given that Mark has dropped his pack it looks like a long study session is in order.

Been there and almost been there.

In planning for our Dug Mountain Waterfalls trip Matt offered this useful ice crossing information:
As a general guideline, 1 inch of black or white ice will probably hold you up. Two inches is safe, and six inches will hold up a moose. Thickness of suspect ice can usually be determined quite quickly by using an [...]

This is a good example of a pre-trip coordination email sent by Murphy’s Lake trip organizer Mark. It gives meeting times, coordinates travel, shelter and food groups, gives directions and trail mileage all with a dash of humor. Good Job, Mark!

Good morning WinterCampers!
Last evening I had a very nice conversation with the patriarch [...]

Going through my WinterCampers.com archives I found these Limericks from our Murphy’ Lake Trip.
There was a hiker from Carlisle
Who hiked in 3.8 miles
Until he came to a bog
Through which he did slog
But he did it with excellent style.
Sparky skipped a date with his bride
In giving his fellow hikers a ride
But he quickly lost his big [...]

Our 2007-08 winter camping season has wound down.  For the off-season I am thinking of:

writing a more comprehensive How-To section
soliciting additional “what’s in my pack” articles from other winter campers
canoeing and canoe camping
getting “Aunt Corrine” to fabricate some primaloft pants

In the meantime, nothing beats a warm diner and good 3-egg omelet at the end of [...]

Backpacker Magazine has published it annual Gear Guide on-line.  While the comprehensive gear review examines all season gear there are evaluations relevant to Winter Camping.  For instance, their review of sleeping bags does single out two models they consider suitable for winter camping: the Marmot Lithium and the Exped Swan.  We all know there are [...]