the snowshoes are dusted off

[kd]

Kathy,

I think it is time for my kids and I to get some snow shoes. We were on the Idyllwilld side, Humber Park at 9:00 am Saturday. I sank in to the very top of my thighs with each step. The little girls were lighter, but
they still sank down into the powder. The only tracks there, were made by the squirrels. The Devils Slide trail had not been walked on. Because of the solstice, the sun stayed behind Lilly rock and the shaded snow remained powdery. The kids wanted to make a snowman so we climbed up to a sunny slope. Beautiful conditions, deep blue skies and not another soul in sight.

Kevin

[Hikin_Jim]

Here's a story of a guy who spent the night out on Mt. Baker in bad wx. http://hikerhell.blogspot.com/2008/12/climber-spends-cold-night-on-mt-baker.html Check out the photograph. Can you say "cold?" He climbed into a crevasse to survive. He was propertly equipped, and was able to get out on his own. "Stuff happens" out there. Winter really raises the stakes. Be prepared.

From an earlier post:

Jim's Gear list (not carried all at once but these are the options I mix and match from)
Down jacket or fleece jacket depending.
Gore-Tex shell
Gore-Tex pants
Extra food
1 Liter Thermos or 0.5 Liter Thermos or both
Means to melt water in an emergency (pot, matches/lighter, esbit stove and cubes, and a fireproof pad to place the stove on)
Fleece pants in extreme cold
Fleece touque, sometimes a light weight one, sometimes a heavy, sometimes both (serious cold)
Gore-Tex hat (can by layered over fleece)
Fleece neck gaitor
Fleece face mask
Fleece balaclava
Fleece gloves (or knit wool if I'm going to use a stove -- don't want that synthetic to melt into our skin now do we?)
Gore-Tex overmitts
Liner gloves*
Two or three pairs of extra socks* that can be layered
Long john bottoms* (typically mid-weight but expedition weight if truly cold)
Zip Turtle-neck* (mid-wt or expedition wt depending)
A "T" shirt*
Fleece vest
Thermolite bivvy sack (a space blanket on steriods, much thicker and sturdier)
A full length Prolite 3 or 4 thermarest (yes, on a day hike; they're quite compact)
Perhaps a snow shovel depending on conditions and snow depth
Avalanche probe depending on conditions and snow depth
Perhaps an ice axe and crampons depending on conditions

OK, so I don't bring the whole list above all on one hike (unless I'm on one of my winter trips to Canada, in which case I might), but this should give you an idea of what I bring. The idea is to have lots of layers that you can layer and de-layer as needed. I have Gore-Tex for every square inch of my body from hat to jacket to pants to gaiters. (Note: some people prefer softshells to full on Gore-Tex). The one that may seem weird is the thermarest on a day hike, but think about it. If you're forced to bivvy a night on the snow (i.e. you didn't get to the summit hut or weren't near it), how are you going to fare on the snow as you overnight? Anyway, you pick and choose what you need, but hopefully this will give you some ideas.

*Not cotton. Wool or synthetic.

[KathyW]

Hi,
On saturday I was up on the first tram. I joined a conga line of 3~4 rangers and 4~5 visitors breaking trail up to round valley. One person would take the lead, and after they were pooped the leader would step aside and the "train" of people would pass him/her, making the former leader the last person. It was fun all they way there. Then the rangers stopped at the RV Ranger station, and the rest of the group continued up to wellman's.
It really wasn't all that cold, but there was lots of fresh powder.
Hoping to be back this coming weekend as well.
I'll look for you all on the trail!!
Mike

Yes, it was like a conga line. Lots of fun.