First, a few pics (iPhone camera).
Went Saturday afternoon up to Hanging Rock State Park, NC for a quick overnight. My official purpose was to practice setting up in conditions that were not ideal, and to test out some gear in ways I had not been able to -- but really it was just a great reason to escape the hectic holiday season and get some quiet time in.
I set up in a cold rain, that quickly turned to freezing rain. The wind was pretty strong too, so I had to hurry and get the tarp put up while my hands got colder and colder. Great experience for the field. As soon as I was set up, the snow flurries started, and there were already ice beads forming on the tarp. Took a break and made some hot chocolate and wow that was good. Drank it while watching the weather and the trees.
Fast forward, storm passed, and the skies cleared. It took until just before dark for the ranger to check me in and allow me to buy some dry firewood. Gathering firewood is strictly forbidden in the park, because if they let you then they'd have to let every yahoo and wahoo for miles around do the same. Only a couple other campers at the campground, and so it was peaceful after they all settled down -- (there was a brief interlude where a truckload of guys drove around raiding all the empty sites of any possible firewood.) They parked right in front of my site to search.
Got a fire going and spent a peaceful moonlit night. Temps got down to 25F. The wind died down after midnight or so.
I didn't bring my warmest coat, but had brought enough clothing layers to compensate, still it was interesting putting things on and taking them off to keep up with my body temperature. I ended up putting on my emergency tyvek coverall (which I wanted to test anyway) and it worked great to block the wind. Worked so well that I sweated a bit, which made me cold again. Interesting how that works.
I tested the DriDucks poncho as a half sock, worked great. Tested the tyvek coverall, but did not attempt to sleep in it. I think it would have to go closer to your skin to work the best. I have to say that putting JRB down sleeves over your feet to sleep in is really a nice way to keep them warm. I know it has been said here on HF a lot, but it is really nice. Two thumbs up.
Had a good nights sleep, but kept waking up to windblown sounds, leaves, my gear rustling, etc. The moon was really bright and the woods were beautiful with the moon shadows and stars.
Bookmarks