The Hypothermia Run has been an annual tradition for the NWC for the past four years. This year we'll not only be having the traditional North End run, but we'll also be doing one for the South End of the chapter as well.
My goal is to do at least one more of these trips this winter, so that's where the SE1 (south end run #1) comes into place. Hopefully sometime around March we'll see our peak snow pack, and we can do this again (SE2). If you don't want to do an overnight trip, keep an eye on the Staging Area for a snow day run. I'd like to see people getting out in the snow as much as possible this winter.
Now for the details...
Who: This run is open to all who are interested. I'd like to keep the group size around 10 vehicles if possible. I'm flexible on that number though depending on the capability of the group. There's no minimum tire size requirement.
What: This is an overnight snow run. We'll depart in the morning on Saturday, and attempt to make it to the designated camp location depending on conditions.
When: February 5th and 6th (Sat-Sun)
Where: We'll meet at the Battleground Safeway at 9:00am sharp. From there we'll convoy out to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. I'll post our specific route closer to the date.
Safeway
904 West Main Street
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Minimum Equipment and Requirements:
1. Front and rear tow points!
2. Snow wheeling experience (staying in the tracks, throttle control, stopping when in trouble, etc)
3. Willingness to run low single digit tire pressure
4. Good amount of camping experience
5. Quality camping equipment
6. A good snow shovel (or two)
7. Snow shoes (if you have them)
6. Warm/dry clothes!
7. Warm/dry clothes!
8. More warm/dry clothes!
I can't emphasize enough about being prepared for the conditions. You must have the ability to say warm and dry, otherwise you will be very miserable.
If you are going to use a tent, make sure it's decent quality. A cheap tent will not be able to withstand the weight of accumulating overnight snow. You do not want your tent collapsing on you! If you don't have an adequate tent, the back of our Jeeps are excellent alternatives. However, please don't rely on your heaters to keep you warm. If you want to warm up the Jeep before settling down that's fine, but you need to be able to stay warm on your own.
Make sure you have a good insulated barrier between you and the ground or you and the Jeep. This can be a insulated air mattress, some thick blankets, foam pad, etc. If you don't have a barrier you will essentially be trying to warm the earth (and you will lose).
As for clothing, I'd suggest as little cotton as possible. Thermal under layers, with a good water proof outer shell will work well. Also, make sure you have plenty of socks, and some good gloves to keep the extremities warm. Having cold feet sucks!
Agenda: Aside from the adventure getting to the camping location, I'd like to see if we can make an igloo (for traditions sake). So study up on the techniques, and bring a snow saw or wood saw if you have one. I'm really hoping the snow will cooperate with us, and we can at least make an attempt. We're an innovative bunch, we should be able to figure it out. :laugh:
Depending on the time we get camp set up, we can take a side adventure and see how far up we can make it.
Dinner: For Saturday night we'll do a group dinner. If everyone could bring one or two cans of chili, I'll cook them up in a pot. Bring your favorite ingredient to add as well (as long as it's not a foreign delicacy). If you want to do your own thing, my stove has a grill portion or griddle, and anyone is welcome to use it. Be sure to bring your own bowl and spoon as well.
If you have some dry fire wood of reasonable size, please bring it. I have a small fire pan we'll use to keep it off the snow.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask, or PM me. Snow camping is tons of fun, but it's also a big challenge. There's much more at risk on this type of run, so please be responsible, and act accordingly.
The challenge:
The goal:
My goal is to do at least one more of these trips this winter, so that's where the SE1 (south end run #1) comes into place. Hopefully sometime around March we'll see our peak snow pack, and we can do this again (SE2). If you don't want to do an overnight trip, keep an eye on the Staging Area for a snow day run. I'd like to see people getting out in the snow as much as possible this winter.
Now for the details...
Who: This run is open to all who are interested. I'd like to keep the group size around 10 vehicles if possible. I'm flexible on that number though depending on the capability of the group. There's no minimum tire size requirement.
What: This is an overnight snow run. We'll depart in the morning on Saturday, and attempt to make it to the designated camp location depending on conditions.
When: February 5th and 6th (Sat-Sun)
Where: We'll meet at the Battleground Safeway at 9:00am sharp. From there we'll convoy out to the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. I'll post our specific route closer to the date.
Safeway
904 West Main Street
Battle Ground, WA 98604
Minimum Equipment and Requirements:
1. Front and rear tow points!
2. Snow wheeling experience (staying in the tracks, throttle control, stopping when in trouble, etc)
3. Willingness to run low single digit tire pressure
4. Good amount of camping experience
5. Quality camping equipment
6. A good snow shovel (or two)
7. Snow shoes (if you have them)
6. Warm/dry clothes!
7. Warm/dry clothes!
8. More warm/dry clothes!
I can't emphasize enough about being prepared for the conditions. You must have the ability to say warm and dry, otherwise you will be very miserable.
If you are going to use a tent, make sure it's decent quality. A cheap tent will not be able to withstand the weight of accumulating overnight snow. You do not want your tent collapsing on you! If you don't have an adequate tent, the back of our Jeeps are excellent alternatives. However, please don't rely on your heaters to keep you warm. If you want to warm up the Jeep before settling down that's fine, but you need to be able to stay warm on your own.
Make sure you have a good insulated barrier between you and the ground or you and the Jeep. This can be a insulated air mattress, some thick blankets, foam pad, etc. If you don't have a barrier you will essentially be trying to warm the earth (and you will lose).
As for clothing, I'd suggest as little cotton as possible. Thermal under layers, with a good water proof outer shell will work well. Also, make sure you have plenty of socks, and some good gloves to keep the extremities warm. Having cold feet sucks!
Agenda: Aside from the adventure getting to the camping location, I'd like to see if we can make an igloo (for traditions sake). So study up on the techniques, and bring a snow saw or wood saw if you have one. I'm really hoping the snow will cooperate with us, and we can at least make an attempt. We're an innovative bunch, we should be able to figure it out. :laugh:
Depending on the time we get camp set up, we can take a side adventure and see how far up we can make it.
Dinner: For Saturday night we'll do a group dinner. If everyone could bring one or two cans of chili, I'll cook them up in a pot. Bring your favorite ingredient to add as well (as long as it's not a foreign delicacy). If you want to do your own thing, my stove has a grill portion or griddle, and anyone is welcome to use it. Be sure to bring your own bowl and spoon as well.
If you have some dry fire wood of reasonable size, please bring it. I have a small fire pan we'll use to keep it off the snow.
If you have any questions please feel free to ask, or PM me. Snow camping is tons of fun, but it's also a big challenge. There's much more at risk on this type of run, so please be responsible, and act accordingly.
The challenge:
The goal:
