Winter Camping

2007 was a year of many firsts for me, one of which was camping in November. I survived a 20 degree night with a good tent, hot water bottles, lots of layers of clothing, and piles of wool blankets. With a Christmas present of a pair of really nice snowshoes(Atlas Women's Snowshoe), and some simply glorious winter snowshoe outings with the dogs, now I am being encouraged to try real winter camping. I had been thinking more and more about it when I ran across this article. I love how the author captures the magic of the outdoors in winter.

Camping Under a Mantle of Snow
By Dave Caldwell, Published New York Times: January 4, 2008

"The great outdoors beckons, even in the dead of winter.

Yes, it is colder, windier. But the air is crisper, the views clearer, the animal tracks easier to see. And that blanket of snow on the ground and the glaze of ice on bare tree branches transform the woods. Here is the best part, though, hikers, skiers and snowshoers say: the abundance of blissful winter solitude."

While this article refers to areas in the Northeast US that are good for winter activities, it also has a link to a site that offers winter camping tips, including safety tips and packing lists.

For more in-depth info on winter camping, I'm told 'Bills Winter Camping' website is the best.