Posted: 1/5/2008 7:59:04 PM EDT
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I just got back from an overnight camping/rappelling trip. Low of 16degF. Lessons learned: 1) Camping below freezing is different than camping above freezing. Cold weather makes everything more difficult. 2) I need to upgrade my sleeping pad. The thin closed cell mat I have is fine above 40degF, but when it is 16 out, it isn't enough. I've been debating whether or not I should get a Thermarest. This trip sealed the deal. I'm getting one. 3) I need to replace my boots. I have a pair of steel-toed. insulated, waterproof leather boots that I was issued by the AF. They're about three years old and the sole is just about finished in slick conditions like I encountered. I need to get a pair that will allow me to wear my wool socks with liners, no steel toes, and a decent sole. 4) I'm used to climbing, rappelling, and doing other things with ropes. Some of my friends are not. The one that accompanied me on this trip absolutely refused to try rappelling. Some people have fears that could seriously hamper a bug-out situation. Don't include any "extreme" situations in your plans if the people you travel with will not or can not follow. For the most part, I'm pretty much independent so I don't have to worry about things like that.  On with the pics! Here is yours truly setting up the anchors for the rappel:  The view down: (Sorry it's not better, he wouldn't get any closer to the edge.)  Various scenery pics:    
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Send me an IM if you'd like to try your hand at rappelling and I'll meet up with you if I have the time. You can't really tell from that picture, but it is nearly 100ft down.If you're not a big fan of crowds, wait until it cools down. The whole 3 hours we were near the Chimney Top overlook and Princess Arch trail parking area, we only saw 10 people. This place is normally buzzing with activity. |