The 2nd annual winter camp out has returned.
This event is again being held near the Mid Winter Geocaching
Get-Together Event.
LINK This time there will be NO lean-to. The
location is an ordinary spot in the forest with a bunch of blow
down, off the trail. There is a nice boulder, perfect for building
a camp fire against. There is no reliable source of water, so bring
your own, or what you need to melt snow. You will need to snowshoe,
ski, or snowmobile to the event location. You are welcome to arrive
and setup as early as you like during the day on Saturday.
We will gather to discuss winter survival camping and caching,
socialize, and sleep. What other event is it acceptable and
encouraged that you sleep through the event in order to attend? :-)
To log this event, you must sign the log book after spending
Saturday night camping with your fellow cachers, and dispersing the
shelter you may have built. Leave no trace rules apply. Attendance
will be taken, and bed checks may be performed. As there are other
activities in town, the night will be defined as starting at
midnight, until 6 am Sunday. You will need winter survival skills
and gear, including, but not limited to: common sense, layered,
warm, non cotton clothing, a 4 season sleeping pad, a sleeping bag
rated for the temperatures to be encountered, and a bivy sack,
tarp, tent, or some form shelter for you and your gear. A small
snow shovel is advised. Some of us may experiment with snow
shelters. I will try a simple snow debris hut. You are free to
erect your own custom shelter. However, as this is not an emergency
situation, you are not allowed to harm or kill any living thing.
For example, only take dead AND down branches from trees, not
living boughs. You will disperse the signs of your camp when we go,
and leave no trace, other than trampled snow.
You are expected to know how to, and be
prepared to survive on your own. There is much to know. Educate
yourself and practice. Here is a single and entirely non-exhaustive
link: LINK
Not all you need to know is listed here, or elsewhere.
You should know and evaluate the risks before
deciding to set out on this trip. Participate at your own risk.
Bring everything you will need to be out in
the cold all night long on your own. Make sure someone knows you
are setting out on this night hike. You are welcome to set out
early. However, many of us may be in town having fun until late.
Please post a will attend note if you are attending, and check back
often before setting out on the hike.
This event may be moved or canceled for safety
reasons in the case of severe winter weather. When in town, please
check in with GPS Guy, and check for the latest event
info.
Here is a link to
the topo map of the trail:
TOPO
Weather in Long Lake, NY Long Lake Weather
Conditions
NOAA Weather Forecast Weather
Forecast
The trailhead is on Endion Rd. There is room
for 5 or 6 vehicles only. Alternate parking can be found across
Lake Eaton at the state campground off Highway 30. Since there are
many attending, please arrange with each other to car pool from the
camp ground parking to the trail head. Consider skiing from the
camp ground by the Western trail, or across Lake Eaton, if safe to
do so. Parking for sled trailers is at the Kickerville Mobil
station. See map for parking, etc.
WARNING! Travel on ice can be dangerous! Check conditions before
going out. Check with the locals. Ice travel is at your own risk.
Two known danger spots (on Long Lake) are anywhere near the highway
bridge in town, and the spillway. Also, the sled trail from the
Mobil is right next to a stream inlet to the lake. Other areas to
watch out for include near stream inlets, outlets, shallows near
shore, and slushy areas. I do not know the local conditions or
other hazards. I am not a local, although I may resemble one.
Pedestrians on the lake at night should have lights on, so
snowmobilers can see you.
If you do not own the gear you need, you can rent it in advance
from an outfitter. Contact GPS Guy 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. A tall guy does not fit well into a women's sleeping
bag, even if alone. Believe me, I know.
So does Brian Snat
Last Year's Campout