Lone Tracker, Snipen, Shroud, Camo Evo: Yooper Hang!

[CamoEvo]

The four of us Yoopers ( Upper Peninsula of Michigan, U.P., = Yooper), current and former, got together this past weekend for maybe the first ever Yooper hang. I don't think I heard "You betcha" or "Ehhh", once. Seriously.

Location was 15 miles Northeast of Ralph, a little Southwest of Gwinn. I showed up a little after noon on Friday and used my plow truck to push back snow banks so all four vehicles could park at the trail head. Lone Tracker was already there, digging snow for a fire pit area. If you want to learn a thing or two about winter camping, he'll learn ya. Good luck contacting him though, he spends more time in the woods than on the forums. Snipen is another solid winter camper.

Lone Tracker and I gathered wood and got a fire going, set up our hammocks, and had dinner. Snipen got in after dark, set up his hammock, and got his dinner going. Bunch of B.S.-ing around the fire, then the cold dash to a cold hammock and let the warmth begin as you dose off. My Acu-rite thermometer recorded a low of -11*f.

Before I got up Saturday morning, Shroud was setting up. He's fairly new to this, he picked a good group to start off with. His co-workers didn't think he was coming back. " You're going out in the middle of nowhere with guys you met on the internet, you don't even know their real names, and they will probably bring guns?"

Saturday was sunny and single digits, perfect day for a snowshoe hike led by Lone Tracker, with commentary. It probably would cost a couple hundred to pay a guide for this hike. When we got back, we got the fire going and started the whole routine over of melting snow, eating, and B.S.-ing. We had gathered plenty of wood before our hike, and had some left over after Sunday breakfast. My thermometer recorded a low of -4*f.

We all had a good time, with good company. It was a pleasure getting to know them, I'll camp with them any time we get a chance. The most exciting wildlife I saw were 4 fat turkeys on the side of the road, 6 miles from home. Go figure.

DSC00633 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00626 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00614 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00621 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00619 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00618 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00617 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00624 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00623 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00629 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

DSC00632 by U.P. Evo8, on Flickr

[Nodust]

Very nice looking camp.

[Ragabash]

Couldn't have said it better myself! Looking forward to the 2nd annual U.P. Frozen Butt hang. You three were good company and had lots of good advice. I learned a lot. See you in the trees.

[JEF989]

-11 that has to be some kind of record. How do you keep your face from freezing and still breathe?

[CamoEvo]

Record for me by 1 degree, not even close for Lone Tracker or Snipen. Shug has a video where he and another guy hit L.L. on the thermometer, which is -40*f. I sleep with my head under the covers, nice and cozy. Sometimes I open a fold in the top quilt to vent.

[2ply]

Looks like a great trip. Thanks for taking us along.

[Donk_67]

Good report. Spying to photos, I think I'd have been better without doors on my tarp, frost wise.

[CamoEvo]

Thanks guys. At least with doors, you have options.

[lonetracker]

had a great time and enjoyed meeting fellow yoopers not afraid of the cold. look forward to sharing camp with any of you.

[Ragabash]

I got there a day too late, my personal record stands at a balmy -4°F.