Come
join your fellow Crazy Winter Campers on an overnight excursion
into Mt. Washington
State Forest, in the Southern Taconic’s of Berkshire
County. Here we will gather to discuss, Winter
Survival Techniques, Winter Camping tips and tricks, Winter Camping
Gear, Geocaching, Socialize, and
Sleep.
How many
other events are you able to attend that it is acceptable and
encouraged that you sleep through?
This event you ARE expected to know how, and, be prepared to survive on
your own. There is much to know. Educate yourself and
practice.
You
will need winter survival skills and gear, including, but not
limited to:
1.
Common
sense,
2.
Layered, warm, non cotton
clothing,
3.
A 4 season sleeping
pad,
4.
A sleeping bag rated for the
temperatures to be encountered,
5.
Bivy sack, tarp, tent, or
some form shelter for you and your gear.
A
small snow shovel is also advised.
Here are two links that will help you learn what you need for
winter camping:
How to Winter Camp and/or
Cold Weather Emergency Survival.
Not all you need to know
is listed here, or elsewhere. It is highly advised that you test
yourself and your gear before coming to this event.
You should know and
evaluate the risks before deciding to set out on this trip.
Participate at your own risk.
If you do not own the gear you need, you can rent it in advance
from an outfitter. Contact me (“genegene” or “The
Neumans”) for details. You should reserve gear ahead of time,
and examine the gear before leaving the store to be absolutely
certain you are getting the right size, cold rating,
etc…
Example:
A tall guy does
not fit well into a women's sleeping bag, even if alone, and a 15
degree sleeping bag will now keep you warm and toasty in -10 degree
weather.
The Camping area that we are staying in is approximately 1.5 miles
from the parking lot. It is listed on the states park website as a
Wilderness/Backwoods Camping location and the only free camping
location in the state excluding leento’s on the A.T. or Mt.
Greylock Leentoo’s.
This
is from the park website located at this link:
“Wilderness camping is available year round, first-come,
first-served, no fee required. Limit up to 5 people at each
site. Leave
No Trace outdoor ethics
are strongly encouraged. Fires are allowed only at the designated
pit.”
It is not a difficult hike in if there
is no snow, or the trail is packed. Here is a link to a .gpx trail
map of the trails I have hiked in the area, and to the camping
area.
GPX Trail map
Snowmobiling is NOT allowed in this park. You must hike in to the
camping area with your gear.
As crazy
as Winter Camping sounds, it’s a lot of fun. As long as you
have the right gear, you will be toasty as a dog in front of a
fire.
To log this event, you must sign the log
book after spending Saturday night camping with your fellow
cachers. Leave no trace rules apply.
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For nearby Weather conditions
use this Link:
Nearby Weather (please expect a temperature difference of 5 to
10 degrees where we are camping.)
This event may be canceled for safety
reasons in the case of severe winter weather.
Please check back often as the date nears
for the latest event info.