While I can certainly understand going to the Deschutes or Rogue Rivers for winter overnighters (I did, after all, go to Big Bend in west Texas last December, and the Rogue has long been high on my list), I also think there is something to say about staying local, no matter the conditions.
Note that I'm not a lightweight hiker and didn't skimp on the luxuries. You can see the Coleman folding chair I brought (about 4 pounds). It might be harder to see the National Geographic reading material sitting on the chair. This is from last night (2/23/08).
This little spot is off of the Hole in the Ground skiing loop outside of the Pinside Sno-park north of Trout Lake. I'm also considering an overnighter to try and bag Observation Peak when the days get a little longer.
Next week I'm thinking of trying to get to 7.5 Mile Camp on Eagle Creek during that nice weather they are predicting.
|
I've been eyeing Eagle Creek but there's still a lot of snow. It's probably okay to 7.5 mile camp, but beyond there I bet there's snow.
I use to camp in the snow occasionally. But, your hands get numb when you're eating breakfast, everything tends to get wet, your propane bottle gets too cold to work, your water bottle freezes, you have to carry 50 pounds of stuff to stay warm,... I guess I'm just an old wimp : )
Regardless, I've been having this vague idea of going up Old Maid Flat, making an igloo, snowshoing up to Burnt Lake or something, maybe some day. |
