What Quanto said. In the Catskills there is frequently easy to find pieces of rock broken into 1-3 inch sediment layers. Placed on the snow, this makes starting a fire much easier when the snow is more than a foot deep. As the rock stays warm, expect the fire to slowly melt down through the snow and eventually become difficult to maintain due to inadequate O2 if the snow is deep enough. I've seen snow depths well over 6' by the end of the season in the Catskills several times.

Due to the fact that about 99 % of my friends seemed to think it was a bad idea, the faculty at my college were all extremely concerned (I told two professors and suddenly about 15 of them knew), a mandatory trip to the Deans office, and the massive influx of snow...I have decided to postpone this trip for a more weather-friendly time.

Thank you all for all of the information - I'm sorry to have wasted your time - but you were extremely helpful, and I'm sure all of the information will come in handy when I actually do go camping.

weird they make such a big deal about someone wanting to camp out in the snow. i bet they're heads would explode if they were ever told *gasp* there was underage drinking going on!

Loralee, as you were very sincere in your inquires and I'm sure you're still going on this trip (albeit another time)...your post begs a question;

Did your trip questions have anything to do with some sort of academic writing requirement?

I think 95% of the concern expressed here was due to your intention to go out there on your initial trip(s) ALONE. As in many potentially serious undertakings, it is SO MUCH better to go with at least one other person who knows what they're doing. Keep that in mind "for next time".

BTW the weather this week is prime for hypothermia: heavy wind-driven rain, wet snow to slog through, then a return to subfreezing temps at night.

yea, sounds like good weather to stay inside and drink a fifth of scotch.

Yeah, the trouble with planning a trip like this two months (or even two weeks) in advance is that the weather isn't really kind enough to conform to your plans.

And Mike, you are right - one of the biggest flaws (biggest of many flaws) is the fact that I was going solo. There were also a number of little things that could go wrong...but with the conditions (inexperience, winter, catskills, solo) any of those things could be fatal. That didn't sit well with me (or anyone).

The other (and this irks me to no end) is the eighteen-year-old-girl factor. Its true that it adds another element of danger...I'm annoyed because I can't get away from it.

AOR: Its interesting that you ask that. This wasn't for any writing requirement, but, as with all of my other adventures, I was planning to keep a detailed log. I bought a notebook in which I detailed the process (tracked down appropriate sleeping bag...decided on trail...had to visit the dean...) and such. I was planning on writing a lot when I was out there, just because
being completely isolated in an environment so different from home makes for excellent writing conditions...though now the notebook is describing the process of deciding not to go.

Another spot of annoyance with the cold: I wasn't comfortable writing anywhere except inside my sleeping bag, which is hard to do.

What made you think it was an academic assignment?

Well, don't give up on the idea. With proper equipment and know-how, anyone can have an enjoyable winter experience.

My son, age 9:

Second Mike's thoughts. My daughter's first winter overnight (age 8) she got to watch a family of Lynx playing near our tent. They later paid us a rather startling (screaming right outside our tent) visit, and she didn't buy my story of Screech Owls for a second. While the overall experience was great, it would have been horrible for a rookie solo outing.
Now you've got the gear, so just watch the weather and sneak it in when the temps are gonna stay above 10 and below freezing. If you need a partner, just start now lining several up so that you are covered with at least one when the time comes. I know a few women who go solo for a bunch of stuff, but that is usually because no one else is available and they won't be denied. Outdoor experiemces are usually more fun with friends. Post up when it finally goes for you.

Thread drift warning.



By far the scariest thing I've ever heard in my life was what I believe were bobcats outside the tent in the middle of the night. God-awful, viscerally frightening howl/growl noise. The kids were with us but thankfully they slept through it. I think it took me an hour to calm down and get back to sleep.