There's No Camping Like Snow Camping

by Sandra Essary | More from this Blogger

Camping had become almost a matter of routine. I was ready for a challenge. I thought about camping in the snow, but frankly, I was scared. I didn't know if I could handle it, or if the cold would triumph instead. I decided to camp in an area where I could run to a motel if I needed to. (This was my first time, remember.)

After some thought, I figured Sequoia National Park would be just perfect. There was a hotel and at least a few people around if I ran into trouble. And there was about 2 feet of snow.

Thinking back on what I decided to bring, I have to laugh a little. You'd think I was going to the Arctic Circle. Following is a partial list of what I brought that first time:

· 4 sleeping bags (just for me - one underneath, one winter -20 rated sleeping bag stuffed into another bag, and finally, one on top to act as a thick blanket) · 2 pairs thermals · Insulated one-piece coveralls(one of the best things you can buy - check outdoor work clothes stores) · Turtleneck sweater · Sweatshirt · Sweatpants (jeans are cold and have little insulation) · Gloves · 2 knit hats (one full face) · Thick socks and thin, for layering · Waterproof boots · An indoor camping heater · A small one-burner stove for a heating back up (use sparingly in the tent) · Dense foam mattress (3" thick) · 4 bundles of wood bought in town · Matches (kept in zip-loc bag) and lighter · Food for a week (even though this was just a one or two-day trip) · Water that isn't frozen · Tent · Tarp for putting directly on the snow, where I tossed my tent (adds insulation and helps keep you dry) · Plus all the regular stuff you take camping, such as camping utensils, food prep equipment, flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries, first aid kit, etc.

I have to laugh at my over-preparedness, but I knew the agony of under-preparedness. Besides, I was a Girl Scout once upon a time and felt obligated to "be prepared". I slept well, although it was actually a little too hot. I ended up throwing the sleeping bag on top off the pile. My face was cold when exposed; so much of the night was spent with my face nearly covered.

The best part was that I was out among the snow-covered trees, where sounds are quiet and muffled. I was full of awe and humbleness at what God created. When it snowed a little, I could hear the soft flakes gently landing on my tent. On a lighter note, another advantage of snow-camping was that in winter is that everything that can bite or annoy you is either dead or hibernating.

The trip was very relaxing and refreshing. The next time I went I took a few people with me and took care of them, so that they too would have a positive experience snow camping. Camping does not ever have to be debilitating - make it as comfortable as possible for you and your family, and you will all return home, wanting to go again.

Learn more about Sandra Essary

From an early age, Sandra has been passionate about the outdoors, camping, and travel.

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