White Christmas in Colorado

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12-22-2009, 08:38
Just Jeff

White Christmas in Colorado

So here's my dilemma.

We're in a hotel over Christmas. There's a 90% chance of snow tomorrow, with a low of 8F in Woodland Park. 80% chance of snow on Christmas Eve with a low of 4F. So it should be sub-zero in the mountains right above Woodland Park, probably on both nights.

I pitched this plan to my wife that we take our gifts to the mountains for Christmas Eve. She'd sleep in the Cherokee while Joker (10 y/o) and I are in the hammocks, we have a big fire, then open presents in the mountains. Either the stars aligned or she's just testing me...but she agreed. Caught me completely off guard!

So my dilemma is what to do. Should I jump on this opportunity and spend all my "marital capital" on one trip, knowing that it'll be a great memory but I'll hear about it for the next year, everytime a Honey-Do list comes up? Or skip it, knowing that there will be plenty of other winter storms in Jan-Mar to camp in?

If the Yeti comes in today or early tomorrow, I might go up on the 23rd for a quick overnighter even though it might not dip below zero. Then I can wait for a bigger storm early next year. Probably the sensible thing to do but doesn't make it the RIGHT thing to do. At least not in the name of hammock science.

Joker's good with it as long as we come home on Christmas Day to play with his toys.

Ahhhhh...decisions, decisions.... :jj:
12-22-2009, 08:45
animalcontrol

I'd say, "If you have approval...GO FOR IT!"
the plan sounds amazing...lasting memory for sure

you can always work on refilling the "marital capital" for your next idea
12-22-2009, 08:47
Hawk-eye

Dang it all sounds good to me ... however after being married nearly 32 years now ... I'll just remind you that if one thing goes wrong ... you'll hear about it for the rest of your marriage! :scared:

I'm just saying ...

But sometimes ya just gotta go for it! ;)
12-22-2009, 08:50
Frawg

NEVER pass up a chance to do something together!! :D

P.S. Be prepared to bail if she ain't havin' fun... if momma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!! ;)
12-22-2009, 08:51
millarky

Gain some marital capital back by camping where your wife can use an electric blanket in the Cherokee. Take it from a hardened car camper, nothing better on a cold winter night.
12-22-2009, 08:54
BER

Since you are basing from the Cherokee, you have the opportunity to bring "comforts" for all involved without concern for weight. That given, what better way to spend the holiday than surrounded by the glory of nature with family and love. Make sure you bring the camera!

Envious of your Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Tidings of comfort and joy. Have a great time!
12-22-2009, 10:03
SmokeHouse

Go for it evertime you get the chance. never know what tomorrow brings.
12-22-2009, 10:40
animalcontrol

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmokeHouse

Go for it evertime you get the chance. never know what tomorrow brings.

man, aint that the truth!
12-22-2009, 10:47
Just Jeff

I love this place. I move halfway across the country, everything I own is packed up at the moving company except what I fit into one small trailer, and no one asks why I have subzero camping gear for three people with me.
12-22-2009, 10:50
Hawk-eye

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

... and no one asks why I have subzero camping gear for three people with me.

Well duh .......... ;)
12-22-2009, 12:27
UncleMJM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

I love this place. I move halfway across the country, everything I own is packed up at the moving company except what I fit into one small trailer, and no one asks why I have subzero camping gear for three people with me.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hawk-eye

Well duh .......... ;)

What Hawk-eye said.:D

One of our most memorable, and enjoyable, camping trips was a 12/26 campout at a state park in Texas. Not the temps you are talking, but for my gang 20 degrees was plenty cool.

There was snow on the ground and we had the place to ourselves. It was great.

Go for it!
12-22-2009, 13:11
KerMegan

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleMJM

What Hawk-eye said.:D

One of our most memorable, and enjoyable, camping trips was a 12/26 campout at a state park in Texas. Not the temps you are talking, but for my gang 20 degrees was plenty cool.

There was snow on the ground and we had the place to ourselves. It was great.

Go for it!

that was last week, right?:lol:
12-22-2009, 13:14
UncleMJM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UncleMJM

What Hawk-eye said.:D

One of our most memorable, and enjoyable, camping trips was a 12/26 campout at a state park in Texas. Not the temps you are talking, but for my gang 20 degrees was plenty cool.

There was snow on the ground and we had the place to ourselves. It was great.

Go for it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by KerMegan

that was last week, right?:lol:

Actually several years ago when the kids were cub scout age. Last week was a good reminder though.

There's something about cold weather camping that I just love so temper my vote to "Go for it!" accordingly.
12-22-2009, 13:21
Walking Bear

Quote:

Originally Posted by Just Jeff

I love this place. I move halfway across the country, everything I own is packed up at the moving company except what I fit into one small trailer, and no one asks why I have subzero camping gear for three people with me.

It's the emergency blizzard kit that you should have in the auto in the winter time.:) And the storm is on it's way.
12-22-2009, 14:04
Cannibal

I'm very much not the person to offer domestic advise, but I can tell you that Brandon told me last night that your Yeti is in the mail. I'm guessing you'll get it in time. At least that variable can be removed. :D

Welcome to Colorado!
12-22-2009, 14:22
headchange4u

Your wife may have agreed just to satisfy you, but I think once your family is there, opening gifts in gorgeous surroundings, she will thank you for the experience in the end.
12-23-2009, 08:38
attrezzo

dry hand and toe warmers.

Buy lots of dry hand and toe warmers. The little orange packs you get at wal-mart and home depot. They're cheap assurance. Fill her pockets, gloves and shoes with them if the complaining starts.

An extra car battery hooked up to a heat blanket.

Alcohol. Get her blitzed and that may help if all else fails.
12-23-2009, 09:46
Shug

Sounds like a gift from above .... jump on it. A Christmas for the ages ... never to be forgotten!
Shiverin' Shug
12-23-2009, 09:52
Cannibal

Appropriate title for the thread today.

Started snowing here at our place around 8:00 last night. It's been a steady, very light and dry, snow since. Very pretty and not enough to make the roads totally suck. Now we just have to be able to keep it around for a few more days.
12-23-2009, 10:19
Perkolady

WOW! Sounds like a very memorable Christmas!

Gosh I miss snow! waaaaaaaaah!!!
12-26-2009, 02:30
Just Jeff

Thanks for all the kind words and encouragement!

Ended up just taking an overnighter on the 23rd with Joker and doing Christmas in the hotel...both great experiences. Sitting here with Joker while he plays his new Wii and typing up the trip report. Posted it here:
http://www.hammockforums.net/forum/s...049#post186049

And the full one on my page at http://www.tothewoods.net/HikingPict...partRange.html

Gonna close this thread now so post replies on the new one linked above.